Vettaiyan director TJ Gnanavel wants to make a prequel of Rajinikanth’s film

Superstar Rajinikanth’s latest film, Vettaiyan, has grossed over Rs 250 crore at the box office. Following its success, director TJ Gnanavel has expressed a keen interest in exploring a prequel to the film.
Gnanavel spoke during a media interaction over Zoom and shared his interest in exploring the backstories of key characters, particularly focusing on Athiyan, played by Rajinikanth. “I’m more interested in developing a prequel that could dive deeper into Athiyan’s journey,” he stated, hinting at the complexities and moral dilemmas faced by such a character.
Director Gnanavel aims to delve into Fahadh Faasil’s transformation from a petty thief into a police informant. “This adds layers to the existing story,” he remarked, emphasising that understanding his motivations will enrich the narrative and provide audiences with a nuanced perspective. He is passionate about addressing the moral questions surrounding encounter killings, a central theme in Vettaiyan.
“Encounter killings have always affected me when I read about them in the news,” he explained. “This film challenges whether these encounters are justified or fabricated, revealing what seems straightforward often has deeper issues.”
Striking a balance between entertainment and serious themes was paramount for Gnanavel. He acknowledged the high expectations from Rajinikanth’s fans but was determined to ensure the film’s messages were not overshadowed. ‘While creating a film for Rajinikanth’s fans, I aimed for a balance between fun and social commentary,” he reflected. Gnanavel noted that it was Rajinikanth’s daughter who first contacted him about the project, which fuelled his commitment to the story.
“Her belief in the story helped us make this film,” he said, attributing part of the film’s success to Rajinikanth’s family support.
As Gnanavel envisioned the prequel, he said he was excited about exploring the characters’ intricate backgrounds leading up to Vettaiyan. “The prequel could delve into the complexities of their lives before the events of the main story.” he explained, indicating a desire to provide richer context for the audience. He now aims to highlight the choices characters make and how these decisions shape their destinies.
Inspiration for Vettaiyan stemmed from real-life encounters that have sparked public debate about law enforcement. Gnanavel spent considerable time researching various cases to reveal how often the truth remains obscured in such narratives. “By highlighting these stories, I hope to give a voice to those who are often overlooked,” he said.
He hopes his films spark important conversations about societal issues. “I truly hope that my work can contribute to discussions about justice and the consequences of our legal system,” the director concluded.
The investigative action drama features Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Dushara Vijayan, Rana Daggubati, Fahadh Faasil, Ritika Singh and Manju Warrier in pivotal roles. Composer Anirudh Ravichander, editor Philomin Raj and cinematographer SR Kathir form the technical crew.