Vaa Vaathiyaar

Vaa Vaathiyaar
Theatrical release poster
Directed byNalan Kumarasamy
Written byNalan Kumarasamy
Produced byK. E. Gnanavel Raja
Starring
CinematographyGeorge C. Williams
Edited byVetre Krishnan
Music bySanthosh Narayanan
Production
company
Release date
  • 14 January 2026 (2026-01-14)
Running time
129 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil
Box officeest. ₹6 crore[a]

Vaa Vaathiyaar (transl. Come Teacher)[b] is a 2026 Indian Tamil-language action comedy film written and directed by Nalan Kumarasamy. Produced by K. E. Gnanavel Raja under Studio Green, the film stars Karthi as a man who finds himself clashing with his grandfather's expectations of him after being raised as the reincarnation of M. G. Ramachandran. The cast also includes Krithi Shetty, Rajkiran, Sathyaraj, Anandaraj, Shilpa Manjunath, Karunakaran, G. M. Sundar, Ramesh Thilak, Nivas Adithan and P. L. Thenappan.

The film was officially announced in October 2023 under the tentative title Karthi 26, as it is the actor's 26th film as a lead actor, and the official title was announced in May 2024. Principal photography took place across almost two years from March 2023 to February 2025, predominantly in Chennai. The film has music composed by Santhosh Narayanan, cinematography handled by George C. Williams and editing by Vetre Krishnan.

After facing several delays due to legal and financial issues, Vaa Vaathiyaar was released on 14 January 2026, on the occasion of Pongal to mixed reviews from critics.

Plot

Vaa Vaathiyaar revolves around Rameshwaran "Ramu", a man believed by his grandfather to be the spiritual successor of legendary Tamil actor and former Chief Minister M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), fondly called Vaathiyaar. Ramu is born on the very day MGR dies, which convinces his grandfather that the child carries the soul and responsibility of the iconic leader. From a young age, Ramu is raised on MGR's ideals of justice, compassion, discipline, and service to the common people.

As Ramu grows up, the burden of this imposed legacy begins to weigh heavily on him. Despite his reluctance, he follows a path of authority and becomes a police officer, initially attempting to live up to the values instilled in him. However, exposure to systemic corruption, political manipulation, and personal ambition gradually lead him astray. He begins compromising his principles, aligning himself with powerful but morally questionable figures, and indulging in the very practices he once despised.

Parallel to Ramu's moral decline is the rise of a mysterious hacker collective that disrupts public systems and exposes corruption, creating chaos across the city. While the group claims to act in the public interest, their methods are reckless and dangerous. Ramu is assigned to investigate them, placing him at the center of a conflict that mirrors his own internal struggle between righteousness and self-interest.

Ramu's personal life further complicates matters. His grandfather grows increasingly disillusioned as he witnesses Ramu drifting away from the ideals of Vaathiyaar. The emotional distance between them becomes symbolic of Ramu's betrayal of the legacy he was meant to uphold. Meanwhile, events force Ramu to confront the uncomfortable truth that he has become no different from the corrupt forces he once fought against.

As the story progresses, the hacker group's actions unintentionally lead to civilian harm, triggering a turning point for Ramu. Realizing that both blind vigilantism and corrupt authority can destroy society, he finally acknowledges his moral failure. A series of confrontations — both physical and emotional — push him toward redemption.

In the climax, Ramu exposes the corrupt nexus within the system while also dismantling the hacker group, choosing accountability over power. He publicly accepts responsibility for his own wrongdoing, even at the cost of his career. In doing so, he finally honors the spirit — rather than the myth — of Vaathiyaar.

The film ends with Ramu stepping away from his position of authority, no longer claiming to be MGR's successor, but determined to live by the values his grandfather taught him. The final scenes emphasise that true leadership does not come from inherited legacy or idolisation, but from personal integrity and the courage to correct one's mistakes.

Cast

  • Production

    Development

    In late July 2018, Nalan Kumarasamy, who had collaborated with Studio Green for Soodhu Kavvum (2013) and Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum (2016), was reported to have been hired to direct a venture under the production house. The script work was reportedly progressing and the project would start once the work finished.[3] In mid July 2020, the project was reported to star Vijay Sethupathi in the lead role, collaborating with Nalan for the third time after the mentioned.[4] However, in mid February 2021, Arya was reported play the lead role. It was reported that Arya would be seen in a never seen before avatar and the genre would be new to the industry.[5] The project was reported to commence filming after Arya finished filming his film Enemy (2021). In the meantime, Nalan reportedly continued script works.[6]

    It was then later reported to commence in November,[7] however, the sources were dismissed as no reports were until, in early January 2023, Karthi was reported to star in the lead role.[8] In mid February, the filming was reported to began in the first week of March and would star Gayatri Badwaraj in the lead role alongside Karthi.[9] Krithi Shetty joined the cast in March.[10] In early October, Sathyaraj was announced playing a role in the film.[11] On 25 October, on the occasion of Kumarasamy's birthday, the project was officially announced by the producers. Anandaraj was confirmed playing a role in the film, as he was seen in the still that was released.[12] Santhosh Narayanan, Leo John Paul and George C. Williams were announced as composer, editor and cinematographer for the film, respectively.[13] The film serves as a tribute to actor/politician M. G. Ramachandran.[14]

    Filming

    Principal photography commenced on 27 March 2023, with the first schedule in Chennai.[10] Although filming was nearly complete by June 2024,[15] it wrapped by February 2025.[16]

    Music

    Vaa Vaathiyaar
    Soundtrack album by
    Santhosh Narayanan
    Released4 December 2025 (2025-12-04)
    Recorded2024–2025
    GenreFeature film soundtrack
    LanguageTamil
    LabelThink Music India
    ProducerSanthosh Narayanan
    Santhosh Narayanan chronology
    Thalaivan Thalaivii
    (2025)     		Vaa Vaathiyaar
    (2025)
    Singles from Vaa Vaathiyaar
    1. "Uyir Pathikaama"
      Released: 14 February 2025
    2. "Aalapikkey Ummak"
      Released: 27 November 2025
    3. "Mu Dha La Li"
      Released: 2 December 2025
    External audio
    audio icon Vaa Vaathiyaar - Jukebox on YouTube

    The music and background score is composed by Santhosh Narayanan, in his third collaboration with Nalan after Soodhu Kavvum (2013) and Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum (2016); third with Karthi after Madras (2014) and Kaashmora (2016).[13] The audio rights were acquired by Think Music India. The first single "Uyir Pathikaama" was released on 14 February 2025.[17] The second single titled "Aalapikkey Ummak" was released on 27 November 2025.[18] The third single titled "Mu Dha La Li" was released on 2 December 2025.[19]

    Track listing
    No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
    1."Uyir Pathikaama"VivekVijay Narain, Aditya Ravindran, Santhosh Narayanan3:28
    2."Aalapikkey Ummak"KelitheeKelithee, Santhosh Narayanan3:08
    3."Mu Dha La Li"DuraiSanthosh Narayanan, Sublahshini2:36
    4."Greatest of The Greatest"OfRoOfRo 
    5."Yaar Manidhan"Santhosh NarayananSanthosh Narayanan 

    Marketing

    The first look poster, released on 25 May 2024, revealed the film's title.[20] The teaser trailer was released on 13 November 2024, a day prior to the release of Studio Green's Kanguva (2024), to enable it to be screened in theatres alongside with the film.[21]

    Release

    Theatrical

    Vaa Vaathiyaar was theatrically released on 14 January 2026, on the occasion of Pongal.[22][23] Apart from the original Tamil language, it will also release in a dubbed Telugu version titled Annagaru Vostaru.[24]

    The film was initially planned to release during the week of Pongal in 2025,[25] but was later postponed to 5 December the same year.[26] However, in early December, the Madras High Court issued a stay on the film's release due to the producer's pending loans.[27] Amidst this, the makers announced a new date of 12 December.[28] A day before the scheduled date, it was postponed indefinitely as the loans remained unpaid.[29] Shortly thereafter, it was reported that the makers were aiming to release the film on 24 December—the death date of M. G. Ramachandran—intending to resolve the financial matters by then.[30] However, the Supreme Court of India later upheld the Madras High Court's ban on the film, dismissing Studio Green's appeal to overturn it.[31] Despite this, the production company announced a Pongal release for 14 January 2026 on 10 January,[22] while the loans were repaid in full, allowing the film's release.[32]

    Distribution

    Sakthi Film Factory acquired the Tamil Nadu distribution rights of the film.[33] The distribution rights for Kerala were bought by Sree Gokulam Movies,[34] while it was released in Karnataka by Think Studios through VK Films.[35]

    The overseas distribution rights were acquired by Phars Film.[36] Distributing themselves in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC),[37] they sold the USA rights to Prathyangira Cinemas,[38] Malaysia rights to DMY Creations,[39] Canada rights to York Cinemas,[40] and Australia, New Zealand and Singapore rights to Home Screen Entertainment.[41]

    Due to the short interval between the confirmation of the film's release on 14 January and its scheduled release date, several overseas territories, including the United States, were unable to secure screening slots in time and were therefore compelled to postpone the release by a few days.[42][43]

    Home media

    The post-theatrical streaming rights of the film were acquired by Amazon Prime Video.[44]

    Reception

    Critical response

    Vaa Vaathiyaar received mixed reviews from critics.[45]

    M Suganth of The Times of India gave 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "Vaa Vaathiyaar shows that in this age of hyper-masculine action — and even romantic — films, it's still possible to make a rousing commercial entertainer with a star without relying on guns and gratuitous bloodshed."[46] Janani K of India Today gave 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Vaa Vaathiyaar is a film with a fascinating concept that ultimately plays it safe. Nalan Kumarasamy's vision is evident in the quirky characters and unique setup, but the execution doesn't match the ambition."[47] Anusha Sundar of OTT Play gave 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Vaa Vaathiyaar has an honest and charming Karthi, who executes the vision of Nalan Kumarasamy to the best of his capabilities. But on paper, Nalan Kumarasamy misses out on carving the details and niches his films are known for."[48]

    Avinash Ramachandran of Cinema Express gave 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "Despite having a fantastical element at the centre of things, Vaa Vaathiyaar is Nalan's most simplistic and straightforward film."[49] Latha Srinivasan of NDTV gave 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote " Nalan Kumarasamy's writing is what has failed the film and his attempt to combine the MGR-Nambiar personalities and psychology, doesn't succeed. [...] Vaa Vaathiyaar is a film that rests solely on Karthi's performance instead of building up on Nalan Kumarasamy's masterful screenplay and that's a letdown."[50] Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express gave 1.5 out of 5 stars and wrote "While Indian 2 had that so-bad-it's-good quality, the Karthi-starrer is simply unimpressive and thus doesn't even qualify for an entertaining hate-watch."[51] Bhuvanesh Chandar of The Hindu wrote "Karthi's superheroic tribute to MGR fails to build up on its promising set-up and ends up as a hotchpotch masala entertainer that lacks ambition and flavour."[52]

    [53]

    Box office

    Vaa Vaathiyaar opened to ₹1.5 crore (US$180,000) domestically, which The Times of India reported was a decent opening based on Karthi's previous film openings.[54] On Pongal, the film had crossed a total collection of ₹6 crore (US$710,000) worldwide.[2]

    Notes

    1. ^ As per 16 January 2026.[2]
    2. ^ Vaathiyaar is also a reference to the late actor-politician M. G. Ramachandran.

    References

    1. ^ "Vaa Vaathiyaar". Central Board of Film Certification. Archived from the original on 9 January 2026. Retrieved 9 January 2026.
    2. ^ a b "Vaa Vaathiyaar Day 2 Box Office : கார்த்திக்கு வந்த சோதனை.. வா வாத்தியார் 2வது நாள் வசூல் இவ்வளவுதானா? | Vaa Vaathiyaar Movie 2 Days Box Office Collection Report In Tamil | Asianet News Tamil". tamil.asianetnews.com (in Tamil). Retrieved 17 January 2026.
    3. ^ "Nalan Kumarasamy signs his next with Studio Green". The Times of India. 27 July 2018. Archived from the original on 26 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
    4. ^ "Vijay Sethupathi to team up with Nalan Kumarasamy for the third time?". The Times of India. 20 July 2020. Archived from the original on 26 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
    5. ^ "Nalan Kumarasamy's next film to feature Arya in the lead". The Times of India. 28 February 2021. Archived from the original on 26 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
    6. ^ "Arya's film with Nalan in scripting stage". The Times of India. 1 March 2021. Archived from the original on 26 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
    7. ^ "Arya's film with Nalan Kumarasamy to begin in November". The Times of India. 30 September 2021. Archived from the original on 1 October 2021. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
    8. ^ "Karthi to join hands with Nalan Kumarasamy". The Times of India. 5 January 2023. Archived from the original on 5 January 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
    9. ^ "THIS actress to play opposite Karthi in Nalan Kumarasamy's directorial". The Times of India. 22 February 2023. Archived from the original on 23 February 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
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    11. ^ "Krithi Shetty as female lead, Sathyaraj to play the villain; check out the details from Karthi's film with Nalan Kumarasamy". The Times of India. 7 October 2023. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
    12. ^ Studio Green [@StudioGreen2] (25 October 2023). "Director @NalanKumarasamy celebrates the sweet moments of his birthday at the sets of our #ProductionNo27 & @Karthi_Offl's #Karthi26 💥🎂" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 20 December 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023 – via Twitter.
    13. ^ a b "Karthi 26 with Nalan to go on floors on February 20". DT Next. 5 January 2023. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
    14. ^ Ramachandran, Avinash (11 December 2025). "Krithi Shetty: 'Vaa Vaathiyaar will introduce MGR's aura and legacy to a new generation'". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 7 January 2026. Retrieved 7 January 2026.
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    16. ^ "வா வாத்தியார் என்ன ஆனது?" [What happened of Vaa Vaathiyaar?]. Dinamani (in Tamil). 5 February 2025. Archived from the original on 12 February 2025. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
    17. ^ "First single 'Uyir Pathikaama' from Karthi's Vaa Vaathiyaar out". Cinema Express. 14 February 2025. Archived from the original on 1 September 2025. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
    18. ^ "'Aalapikkey Ummak' from Vaa Vaathiyaar is an upbeat number about being happy-go-lucky". Cinema Express. 27 November 2025. Archived from the original on 28 November 2025. Retrieved 27 November 2025.
    19. ^ Kumar, Akshay (2 December 2025). "'Mu Dha La Li' from Karthi's Vaa Vaathiyaar is a hubris-filled peppy number". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 9 December 2025. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
    20. ^ "கார்த்தி - நலன் குமாரசாமியின் 'வா வாத்தியார்' பட முதல் தோற்றம் எப்படி?" [How is the first look of Karthi and Nalan Kumarasamy's film Vaa Vaathiyaar?]. Hindu Tamil Thisai (in Tamil). 26 May 2024. Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
    21. ^ ஸ்டார்க்கர் (8 November 2024). "'கங்குவா' உடன் வெளியாகும் 'வா வாத்தியார்' டீசர்!" [The teaser of Vaa Vaathiyarr to release alongside Kanguva!]. Hindu Tamil Thisai (in Tamil). Archived from the original on 8 November 2024. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
    22. ^ a b Studio Green [@StudioGreen2] (10 January 2026). "Vaathiyaar Varaar 🔥 #VaaVaathiyaar – All set for a grand release on January 14 🥳 #VaaVaathiyaarPongal #VaaVaathiyaarOnJan14" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 10 January 2026. Retrieved 10 January 2026 – via Twitter.
    23. ^ "Vaa Vaathiyaar to hit screens on Jan 14". DT Next. 10 January 2026. Archived from the original on 10 January 2026. Retrieved 10 January 2026.
    24. ^ "Telugu teaser for Karthi's Vaa Vaathiyaar to be out on this date". Cinema Express. 27 November 2025. Archived from the original on 12 December 2025. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
    25. ^ "Karthi's 'Vaa Vaathiyaar' eyeing Pongal release". The Times of India. 17 October 2024. Archived from the original on 14 November 2024. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
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    27. ^ "Madras HC orders interim stay on Actor Karthi's Vaa Vaathiyaar". DT Next. 4 December 2025. Archived from the original on 5 December 2025. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
    28. ^ "Karthi's Vaa Vaathiyaar set for grand release on December 12, 3rd single on Friday". India Today. 2 December 2025. Archived from the original on 5 December 2025. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
    29. ^ "After Akhanda 2, Karthi and Krithi Shetty's Vaa Vaathiyaar postponed over ₹21 crore debt. Madras HC case explained". Hindustan Times. 11 December 2025. Archived from the original on 12 December 2025. Retrieved 11 December 2025.
    30. ^ "Karthi's Vaa Vaathiyaar release moved to Christmas eve: Reports". Cinema Express. 15 December 2025. Archived from the original on 15 December 2025. Retrieved 15 December 2025.
    31. ^ "Karthi's Vaa Vaathiyaar release remains on hold following Supreme Court order". India Today. 18 December 2025. Archived from the original on 18 December 2025. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
    32. ^ "'Vaa Vaathiyaar': Have the makers settled their loans? Karthi starer set for Pongal release". The Times of India. 13 January 2026. Archived from the original on 13 January 2026. Retrieved 13 January 2026.
    33. ^ Studio Green [@studiogreen2] (10 December 2025). "Home state vibes all-over 💥 @Karthi_Offl 's #VaaVaathiyaar Tamil Nadu theatrical release by @SakthiFilmFctry 🔥✨ In Cinemas Worldwide on December 12 A #NalanKumarasamy Entertainer A @Music_Santhosh Musical #VaaVaathiyaarOnDec12 #VaathiyaarVaraar" (Tweet). Retrieved 14 January 2026 – via Twitter.
    34. ^ Studio Green [@studiogreen2] (7 December 2025). "Excited to announce 💥 @Karthi_Offl 's #VaaVaathiyaar is all set to step into Kerala through @GokulamMovies In Cinemas Worldwide on December 12 A #NalanKumarasamy Entertainer A @Music_Santhosh Musical #VaaVaathiyaarOnDec12" (Tweet). Retrieved 14 January 2026 – via Twitter.
    35. ^ Think Studios [@thinkstudiosind] (13 January 2026). "#VaaVaathiyaar – All set for a grand release tomorrow 🥳 Karnataka theatrical release by @ThinkStudiosInd via @vkfilmsrelease #VaaVaathiyaarOnJan14 #VaathiyaarVaraar A #NalanKumarasamy Entertainer A @Music_Santhosh Musical" (Tweet). Retrieved 14 January 2026 – via Twitter.
    36. ^ Phars Film Co LLC [@pharsfilm] (10 December 2025). "In Cinemas on 12 Dec !!" (Tweet). Retrieved 14 January 2026 – via Twitter.
    37. ^ Phars Film Co LLC [@pharsfilm] (10 December 2025). "In Cinemas on 12 Dec !!" (Tweet). Retrieved 14 January 2026 – via Twitter.
    38. ^ Phars Film Co LLC [@pharsfilm] (10 December 2025). "In Cinemas on 12 Dec !!" (Tweet). Retrieved 14 January 2026 – via Twitter.
    39. ^ Phars Film Co LLC [@pharsfilm] (10 December 2025). "In Cinemas on 12 Dec !!" (Tweet). Retrieved 14 January 2026 – via Twitter.
    40. ^ Phars Film Co LLC [@pharsfilm] (10 December 2025). "In Cinemas on 12 Dec !!" (Tweet). Retrieved 14 January 2026 – via Twitter.
    41. ^ Phars Film Co LLC [@pharsfilm] (10 December 2025). "In Cinemas on 12 Dec !!" (Tweet). Retrieved 14 January 2026 – via Twitter.
    42. ^ Prathyangira Cinemas [@prathyangiraus] (12 January 2026). "#VaaVaathiyaar – USA🇺🇸 Update As we all know, production has finalized the release date as January 14th. We are trying our best to ensure a release by that date or at least within the next 2 days, by Friday. However, theatres are unwilling to proceed until they receive the new content and KDMs. We, along with overseas distributor @PharsFilm are actively coordinating with the production to obtain these and ensure a smooth release in the USA. We will update you further once there are any developments" (Tweet). Retrieved 14 January 2026 – via Twitter.
    43. ^ Prathyangira Cinemas [@prathyangiraus] (13 January 2026). "Vaathiyaar Vanduttaar 💥🔥 #VaaVaathiyaar IN CINEMAS ON 16th JAN across the USA 🇺🇸❤️‍🔥 Special premieres from 14th Jan at select locations. USA by @PrathyangiraUS 💥" (Tweet). Retrieved 14 January 2026 – via Twitter.
    44. ^ Manu, Hridyambika A (19 March 2024). "Va Vaathiyar on OTT – Watch Karthi's film on this OTT giant after its theatrical run". OTTPlay. Archived from the original on 27 May 2024. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
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    46. ^ Suganth, M (14 January 2026). "Vaa Vaathiyaar Movie Review: A fond, funky & fun throwback to old-school masala films". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
    47. ^ K, Janani (14 January 2026). "Vaa Vaathiyaar review: Karthi shines but film doesn't match its quirky promise". India Today. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
    48. ^ Sundar, Anusha (14 January 2026). "Vaa Vaathiyaar movie review: Karthi is charismatic in underwhelming Nalan film". OTTPlay. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
    49. ^ Ramachandran, Avinash (14 January 2026). "Vaa Vaathiyaar Movie Review: An effective Karthi shoulders an uncharacteristic Nalan film". Cinema Express. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
    50. ^ Srinivasan, Latha (14 January 2026). "Vaa Vaathiyaar Review: A Film That Rests Solely On Karthi's Performance". NDTV. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
    51. ^ "Vaa Vaathiyaar movie review: Karthi's shoddy vigilante film makes Indian Thatha look cool". The Indian Express. 14 January 2026. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
    52. ^ Chandar, Bhuvanesh (14 January 2026). "'Vaa Vaathiyaar' movie review: Karthi, Nalan Kumarasamy whip a stale 'Anniyan' redux". The Hindu. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
    53. ^ "Vaa Vaathiyaar Movie Review: Karthi And Nalan Kumaraswamy's Ode To MGR Is Superhero-Style Entertainer". Times Now. 14 January 2026. Archived from the original on 14 January 2026. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
    54. ^ "'Vaa Vaathiyaar' box office collections day 1: Karthi's film opens strong; Crosses Rs 1 crore mark". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 17 January 2026.
    allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaa_Vaathiyaar