Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu (2022), directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, is a Tamil-language neo-noir crime drama that chronicles the life of Muthuveeran (Silambarasan), a young man from Thoothukudi who migrates to Mumbai in search of a better life. The film delves into his transformation from a naive rural youth to a formidable figure in the city’s underworld. Upon arriving in Mumbai, Muthu works at a parotta shop and becomes entangled in a violent gang conflict between rival factions led by Karukkavel “Kaarji” and Kutty Bhai. His journey is marked by personal loss, betrayal, and a quest for justice, culminating in his rise to power as a respected crime lord in Lucknow.

The narrative is adapted from B. Jeyamohan’s novel Agni Kunjondru Kanden, with the title inspired by a line from Subramania Bharati’s poem. The film’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of a migrant’s struggles and the socio-economic challenges faced by the marginalized. Silambarasan’s performance received critical acclaim, and the film’s music, composed by A. R. Rahman, further enriched its emotional depth. While the film was praised for its storytelling and character development, some critics noted a slow pace and a rushed climax. Despite these critiques, Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu was a commercial success and has a sequel in development.