Viduthalai Part 2 ending explained: How Vetrimaaran’s sequel ends on a cliffhanger note with a poignant takeaway

Viduthalai: Part 2 finally hit theatres on Friday, December 20. The Vetrimaaran film is the sequel to his 2023 film Viduthalai: Part 1, which followed a rookie cop Kumaresan's (Soori) assignment to arrest the head of people’s movement Perumal Vaathiyar (Vijay Sethupathi). The second part extensively talks about the backstory of Vaathiyar and how he came to be the person he is.

Also read: Viduthalai Part 2 actor Vijay Sethupathi Interview: On lessons from being Perumal Vaathiyar, hosting Bigg Boss, and observing Vetrimaaran

The film, which takes place in the 1980s, is a fictional tale that can remind you of some of the real-life moments of rebel leaders and movements against the system. As the duology comes to an end, we explain you how Viduthalai: Part 2 concluded. (spoilers ahead)

Viduthalai 2 ending explained

The sequel ends beginning of the first film ends where the first half left, that is the arrest of Perumal Vaathiyar by a group of police officers, among which is constable Kumaresan as well. As the group tread on a path among the sloppy mountainous terrains of the forests that only Vaathiyar is fully knowledgeable of, he narrates the tale how he came to become the man he is, from that of being just a teacher. The path, not so easy, is filled with rough patches, as much as the hilly regions.

Also read: Viduthalai Part 2 actor Soori Interview: Cinema has now become more than entertainment for me | EXCLUSIVE

Vetrimaaran creates a narrative that builds notches for Vaathiyar to recall the times that made him get angry with the system. From being a mere teacher, his first vaathiyar's lesson comes from a much younger Karuppan, who is often called Naalan (the fourth-born), who fights against the feudal system created by landlords and the systematic oppressed harassment faced by the women of the households. While Naalan and his lover’s loss becomes Perumal’s first exposure to brutality, a factory worker’s murder for asking labourers’ rightful wages, the caste hierarchy practised on the streets, become some of the stepping stones for Vaathiyar to eventually meet KK (Kishore), a leftist leader. It is also here, that he meets his future wife Mahalakshmi, a fellow comrade who puts ideology first and personal life later.

Even with much respect and admiration for KK’s fight for justice, the latter’s approach to fighting against without resistance, makes Perumal break away and be a militant gang leader of his own, thus forming the Makkal padai (people’s army), making him one of the wanted by the police.

Now, as the captured Perumal narrates tale after other, Kumaresan’s knowledge of the world views he once had crumbled down. He is now exposed to the brutality of his own men, who had killed the fellow cops to shift the blame on Perumal and his gang. Kumaresan, who once stood at the crossroads between people and power, now stands on one that reflects his self-journey in khaki uniform and that of how him being on the lower rung still makes him only a witness to brutality.

How Viduthalai 2 ends?

As empathy for Perumal increases, so does the brutality of those in power is exposed. When Perumal surrenders after escaping with the help of his men, the police shoot him multiple times at point blank, losing the very last strand of belief Kumaresan had on his fellow khaki troupes.

With Perumal’s breathless body lying on his stomach on the police jeep, and Kumaresan being the only person who can drive the vehicle to safety, the last punch serves as a stark reminder when Kumaresan leaves the jeep positioned in a cliffhanger, with the ruthless senior cops begging Kumaresan to save him. As Kumaresan leaves, we never know what happens to the cops who are begging for some mercy for their lives, very much like all those who are oppressed seek the last.

You can watch Viduthalai Part 1 on ZEE5 and OTTplay Premium, and sequel in theatres