Varisu

Director Vamshi Paidipally and Co have given this age-old recipe a refreshing twist by adding an ample dose of self-awareness and humour. An in-form Vijay and the self-awareness of the film make up for the shortcomings despite occasional tonal inconsistencies.

Varisu is a predictable but enjoyable family drama that manages to entertain the audience through Vijay's playful comic avatar and solid action sequences, though it falters on emotions and relies on outdated messaging about toxic family dynamics.

Vijay is in terrific form, cracking one-liners that have us break out into a smile. Varisu is a potent commercial cocktail that delivers on its promise of entertainment.

The film works for the most part and is what we would expect from a family entertainer. Though the film is reminiscent of some Telugu films, Vijay keeps us engaged with his comedy and action. All in all, Vijay's Varisu is a good family film to catch this Pongal.

It's silly, dumb, and illogical… but fun. Varisu is a mix-mash of many films with a screenplay that comes across as a product of an algorithm. That makes Varisu more of a product than a film.

Director Vamshi Paidipally knows how to use Vijay. The film follows a basic formula template, but it does not get jarring. In all this drama, Vijay excels in a perfect popcorn film that will see theatres come alive again.