A do-gooder don wants his footballer son to uplift the life of his people by becoming a champion, but fate draws the youngster into a life of violence. Will he be able to fulfill his father’s dream when an opportunity comes his way seven years later? Bigil Review: Bigil is, hopefully, a sign of things to come. Along with Nerkonda Paarvai, it shows the way forward for our top stars – the mass heroes. And that is to star in content that suits their larger-than-life persona while at the same time doesn’t compromise on the storytelling.
In Bigil, Vijay plays Michael Rayappan, a football player who had to give up his passion due to personal tragedy that is the result of the violence that surrounds his life. And this same violence offers him a chance to get his life back on track, when his friend Kathir (Kathir), the coach of a women’s football team, is grievously injured. Michael aka Bigil has to take on the coach’s role so that the dreams of the players, all of whom are from the underprivileged class of the society, and most importantly, that of his father Rayappan (Vijay, again), a do-gooder don who saw sports as a means of social upliftment, come true.
Though it feels uneven, especially in the first half, when Atlee struggles a bit to balance the mass elements with the drama, Bigil becomes more sure-footed as it goes, and proves to be an engaging entertainer. There are scenes, like the one set in a police station, that play to the gallery and satisfy the fans. The portions involving Nayanthara, who plays Bigil’s love interest Angel, are fun, and the references to other Vijay hits are nicely done. Vijay is delightfully good in these portions, using his comic timing and swag to great effect. His performance as Rayappan, with a gruffy voice and stammer, feels a bit forced, but he makes up for it in a scene set in a railway station that is quite moving.
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