Vikram Vedha on JioCinema: Hrithik Roshan's Vedha outshines Vijay Sethupathi's

Hrithik Roshan's portrayal of Vedha stood out as he skillfully carved out his own interpretation of the character, distinct from the outstanding performance by Vijay Sethupathi.

Hrithik Roshan and Vijay Sethupathi in Vikram Vedha.

Vikram Vedha, the original Tamil version, marked a significant turning point in the careers of filmmaker couple Pushkar and Gayatri. While they had previously garnered attention with their lighthearted comedy movies, Oram Po and Va-Quarter Cutting, it was their philosophical exploration of the dark underbelly of the gangster world that truly established their reputation. Initially released in 2017 without much fanfare, the film quickly found its audience and emerged as one of the highest-grossing films in Tamil cinema that year. Witnessing a good film resonate with the masses is always gratifying, as it reaffirms the belief that quality work still holds a place and value in an industry that often prioritises mindless violence over a nuanced examination of violence.

In today's rapidly evolving movie market, shaped by the transformative impact of the pandemic, it remains uncertain whether a film like Vikram Vedha, featuring Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi in the lead roles, would achieve the same level of success it enjoyed in the past.

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When Pushkar and Gayatri embarked on the ambitious endeavour of remaking their career-defining Tamil blockbuster in Hindi, featuring industry stalwarts Hrithik Roshan and Saif Ali Khan, little did they anticipate the profound changes that would befall the theatrical landscape in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak. The once-reliable wisdom and common sense that had guided their creative decisions in the past now confronted the harsh realities of the present. As a result, the Hindi remake of Vikram Vedha failed to make a dent at the box office.

After months of lying in cold storage, Vikram Vedha was finally made available for streaming on JioCinema last week. And upon watching the movie on the streaming platform, it was clear that this movie deserved more love and appreciation than it received at the box office. In particular, Hrithik's portrayal of Vedha stood out as he skillfully carved out his own interpretation of the character, distinct from the outstanding performance by Sethupathi.

In the Tamil original, Vijay Sethupathi's portrayal of Vedha was characterised by spontaneity and unpredictable energy. His performance captivated viewers with its dynamism, leaving them wondering what he would do next. However, Hrithik Roshan's portrayal of Vedha in the Hindi adaptation brought a different essence to the character. It was akin to observing a burning house in Andrei Tarkovsky's The Sacrifice, where there is an intense yet serene quality to the flames. Hrithik's performance can be described as a "relaxed burning" that engrosses viewers and puts them in a meditative state. He harnesses his acting prowess to deliver a truly remarkable performance on the big screen. The presence of a thick beard accentuates his striking green eyes, making it difficult for audiences to divert their gaze when he graces the screen.

As a fan of Sethupathi, I must admit that I found Hrithik's portrayal of Vedha to be more captivating than Sethupathi's. Hrithik was able to embody the essence of Vedha's character with such conviction and depth that it left a lasting impression. However, it is important to acknowledge the strong foundation laid by Sethupathi in establishing the character of Vedha. It was Sethupathi's portrayal that provided the initial framework for Hrithik to build upon and delve into the psyche of Vedha. Hrithik's ability to understand and grasp the intricacies of Vedha's persona allowed him to deliver a truly compelling performance.

Hrithik's standout moment in comparison to Sethupathi occurs early in the film during the interrogation scene. It is in this scene that Vedha concludes his first story with a suspenseful twist, leaving the puzzle for Vikram (played by Saif Ali Khan) to solve. As Vikram responds, aligning his answer with Vedha's concept of fairness and justice, Vedha gazes at him, contemplating Vikram in a new light. In that moment, he silently expresses his admiration for the police officer who was responsible for the deaths of his family and friends. This newfound perspective challenges Vedha's perception of Vikram as a mindless war dog, as he glimpses into Vikram's soul and recognizes his redeeming qualities. It is a pivotal moment where Vedha realizes that Vikram deserves a second chance.

Vikram Vedha presents a compelling premise that challenges the traditional notion of good versus evil. Rather than a simple battle between righteousness and wickedness, the film delves into the complex territory of evil versus evil, leaving viewers to ponder and choose the lesser of two evils.

Vikram, a police officer, firmly believes in his own righteousness, convinced that every criminal deserves to face their demise. This unwavering belief serves as his guiding principle, enabling him to carry out ruthless actions without a hint of guilt, returning home to his wife and leading a seemingly content life.

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However, everything changes when Vedha, the most feared and notorious criminal, unexpectedly enters Vikram's life, challenging his worldview. As their paths intertwine, Vikram is forced to confront his own moral compass and question the validity of his uncompromising stance. Vedha's presence acts as a catalyst, shaking the foundations of Vikram's belief system and forcing him to reassess his notions of justice and morality.

The concept of picking a side in Vikram Vedha's moralless hellscape may seem daunting, but there's a simple rule of thumb to follow: look at who is acting out of hate and who is fighting against them. For example, Vedha may have bought into violence as a means to improve his life and his family's, but he never succumbs to hate, even when faced with the man who killed his brother and took away his reason to live. This distinction is the north star to follow in determining who the lesser evil is and who deserves your support.

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