Varisu Review: A Family Drama With Vijay's Stardom Running High

After a long gap, Vijay is back with a full-fledged family entertainer. Varisu is an emotional drama directed by Vamsi Padipally. Rashmika plays the leading lady Sarathkumar, Prakashraj, Shyam, Srikanth and Yogi Babu in prominent roles.

The film has been bankrolled by Dil Raju. For the past decade, Vijay has been churning out high-octane action entertainers with social subjects and with Varisu he is back to the family forte.

The Plot: An ailing business tycoon Rajendran (Sarath Kumar) pits his sons against each other to find the right successor for his kingdom. The eldest son Jai (Srikanth) and middle son Ajay (Shaam) follow their father's footsteps blindly however youngest son Vijay (Vijay) has a difference in opinion and stays away.

When Rajendran understands that his first two sons are behind his business empire, he appoints Vijay as his successor. To fight back, Jai and Ajay team up with their competitor Jayaprakash (Prakash Raj) to shatter the empire. How Vijay wins back his business and family? Watch on screens.

What's Working

Vijay all the way, his witty one-liners, his comedy timing with Yogi Babu, and the racy heroism in the second half--Vijay carries the film solely on his shoulders. The actor makes sure that he brightens up even ordinary moments. What's more interesting is Vijay's jokes, his sarcastic digs at his previous films and ample digs at his competitors. Thaman's songs are jazzy and Vijay-Rashmika's electrifying dance moves add more colour.

We don't get to see massy family entertainers every day. From misunderstandings to jealousy to toxic relatives to romance to heroic action sequences, the film has every element required. The mother-son sentiments between Vijay and Jayasudha work out well.

What's Not Working

From Chekka Chivantha Vaanam to many recent Mahesh Babu films, Varisu gives a Deja Vu feeling. The storyline, twists, and at times even the dialogues are predictable. Rashmika fails to make an impact so are the others. Apart Vijay, none of the other characters could make an impact.

Vamsi's predictable storyline and sloppy screenplay are another minus. Unnecessary song placement and too many fight sequences make it a bit lengthy too. The entire first half is used to build up Vijay's character while the pace gears up only in the second half. On the other hand, too many characters crowd the scenes.

Overall, Varisu is a full-on Vijay padam.