Vidaamuyarchi

Vidaamuyarchi(transl.Perseverance)is a 2025 IndianTamil-languageaction thriller filmwritten and directed byMagizh Thirumeni. Inspired by the 1997 American filmBreakdown, it is produced bySubaskaran AllirajahunderLyca Productions. The film starsAjith Kumar,Arjun Sarja,Trisha Krishnan,Regina Cassandra,AravandRamya Subramanian. Set in Azerbaijan, the story follows a man on a mission to rescue his wife after she is captured by a mysterious group.
Initially,Vignesh Shivanwas confirmed as the director of Ajith's 62nd film, before he was replaced by Magizh with a new script. After it was announced in May 2023 along with its official title,principal photographybegan that October. Shot for the most part in Azerbaijan, with a short schedule in Thailand, filmingwrappedby late December 2024. The film has music composed byAnirudh Ravichander, cinematography handled byOm Prakashand editing byN. B. Srikanth.
Vidaamuyarchiwas initially scheduled to be released in January 2025, on the occasion ofPongal, but was postponed. The film was released in theatres on 6 February 2025 to mixed reviews from critics, who praised the lead cast's performance, visuals and action sequences, while the storyline and narration received criticism. Itunderperformedat the box office.
Arjun, originally from Chennai, works for a US-based firm initially inTbilisi, Georgia, where Kayal was born and brought up. Arjun and Kayal, during a vacation with respective friends and colleagues, meet with each other. They spend the rest of their vacation together, and even start talking after their vacation ended. Arjun relocates toBaku, Azerbaijanfor his job. Two months after, Arjun proposes to Kayal for an engagement, to which she agrees to.
Three years later, they arrange a wedding, and in the following months, Kayal eventually becomes pregnant. However, she suffers a miscarriage and the doctor informs Arjun that she will be unable to bear any children in the future. As a result, Kayal starts distancing from Arjun, causing a strain in their marriage.
Nine years later, Kayal reveals to Arjun that she had an affair with an unknown man named Prakash. Arjun appreciates her honesty and despite his suggestion on working things out, Kayal informs Arjun that she wants a divorce and would be staying at her parents' home in Tbilisi, to which Arjun requests her for him to drive her to her parents', as a last trip before separating after 12 years. Initially hesitant, Kayal agrees.
En route, they meet with a group of drunk youngsters, in which Michael is a part of, seeking trouble. Arjun tries to stay away from them and drives away. During a stop at a gas station, Kayal meets with another Tamil couple, Deepika and Rakshith. They reveal that they are on their way to deliver a package, under Rakshith's work, and eventually get going. However, when Arjun and Kayal are driving, their SUV gets an electric malfunction and stops on the road, which Arjun gets out of the vehicle to inspect. After a few minutes, they see a truck coming, which they try to stop, only to find out it is Deepika and Rakshith. They try to help Arjun and Kayal, but can't seem to fix it either. They eventually think of taking Kayal with them to a coffee shop nearby to call a tow truck, as there are no signals on the road, while Arjun stays and takes care of the baggages in the car.
After checking a few minutes later, Arjun finds out the problem and fixes it. He then goes to the coffee shop, where Kayal, Deepika and Rakshith said they would be. He arrives at the shop and start searching for them, but cannot seem to find them. He requests Jabbar, the store's owner, if he had seen his wife, to which he denies.
After several futile attempts to find Kayal, Arjun is later attacked by Michael and his gang and is interrupted by Rakshith, who is revealed to have kidnapped Kayal and Deepika, Michael, his cronies, Jabbar and the police inspector are all part of his crimes. Rakshith instructs Arjun to retrieve a hefty sum of money from his bank account and leaves him at the mercy of his henchmen. However, when Arjun hands over the money to Michael, he is taken hostage in their vehicle and is scoffed at.
Arjun then escapes their clutches and attacks them, this time taking Michael hostage, demanding where Kayal is. His interrogation is interrupted by a police sheriff who enlists Arjun as an outlaw. During the commotion, Michael escapes after shooting him. Arjun saves the injured sheriff and takes his car, and then leaves to confront Jabbar and his friends who then reveal that Rakshith is housed in a dilapidated factory with his gang where he is disposing off evidence. Arjun defeats his henchman and confronts Michael and Deepika, where Michael is inadvertently killed by a rotating saw. Deepika suffocates Arjun with a cloth, who takes a step backwards, resulting in them falling off the window. While Arjun escapes with few injuries, Deepika falls into an acid vat, burning half of her face off, screaming in the process.
Rakshith hears Deepika's screams and looks at her in shock and comforts her as she dies. Rakshith and Arjun then face off in a duel, with Rakshith initially gaining the upper hand. However, Arjun overpowers him and hangs him by the crusher, demanding Kayal's whereabouts in exchange to sparing Rakshith's life and not tell the police anything about it. However, Rakshith berates him and voluntarily falls to his death into the crusher. With no available leads on Kayal's whereabouts, Arjun desperately calls out for her around the factory premises and wearily collapses; he then notices two dogs digging through the ground and it reveals a trapdoor to an underground bunker. Arjun goes into the bunker and finds what seems to be Kayal's body, with the face wrapped in bandages, and hysterically cries on her death.
Later, when the police arrive at the scene, a psychiatrist reveals to Arjun that both Rakshith and Deepika were psychopaths in his asylum and had escaped custody, killed Deepika's parents for abandoning her at the asylum and established a crime syndicate where they abducted wealthy couples, separating them and killing the husbands and performing plastic surgery on the wives to be sold to the Russians and they had been doing this for over 10 years. Their initial target was Anu, Kayal's friend, whom Deepika had befriended at their local gym, but later switched to Kayal after learning about Arjun's wealth when Anu inadvertently tells her, unaware of her true intentions. Also, it is later revealed that Kayal is alive and is travelling with Arjun; Arjun finds her unconscious in the bunker. The psychiatrist tells Kayal that Arjun is the best husband that she could ever have, as he had forsaken his own safety to find her. Arjun's name is cleared from the outlaw list of charges due to him having saved the injured sheriff earlier.
When they reach her parents' home in Tbilisi, they are welcomed by her parents and Anu and then Arjun turns to leave. However, he is stopped by Kayal, who asks him why he had thought of saving her in spite of all that she had done against him, to which Arjun tells her that he still loves her. Kayal hugs Arjun and they reconcile happily.
Adapted from the opening and closing credits
After the success ofValimaiin early 2022, it was reported thatAjith Kumarwould collaborate with directorVignesh Shivanfor the actor's 62nd film as a leading actor.Nayantharawould reportedly reunite with Ajith after she was previously paired opposite the actor inViswasam(2019).Tentatively titledAK62, the production was reported to begin after Ajith completedThunivu(2023).That March, Vignesh confirmed the project, also revealing the inclusion of composerAnirudh Ravichander.The project was funded bySubaskaran Allirajah'sLyca Productions, which distributed Vignesh'sNaanum Rowdy Dhaan(2015).The company made a public announcement on 19 March 2022, confirming the project.However, the following January, Vignesh was dropped from the project, reportedly because Ajith was not impressed with the script after the director had developed it during the pre-production for six months.Vignesh denied this reported reason in April 2023, saying he was dropped as only the producers, not Ajith, were not fully impressed with the script.
Numerous directors, includingAR Murugadoss,AtleeandMagizh Thirumeni, were reported to be in consideration for replacing Vignesh, with Magizh being the front-runner. In February 2023, it was reported that Magizh had flown to London, where Ajith was at the time, and narrated a script which impressed the actor.On 1 May, coinciding with Ajith's 52nd birthday, the production house officially announced Magizh as the director. The film's official titleVidaamuyarchiwas revealed the same day.In July 2024, the film was reported to be an adaptation of 1997 American filmBreakdown, directed byJonathan Mostow, as there were previous reports of the film being so and many similarities in the promotional posters.The film's status as a remake was not confirmed until December 2024.During the promotions of the film, Magizh stated that Ajith suggested using the core idea of the source material, makingVidaamuyarchihis first directorial based on another person's story.
Pre-production began in April 2023. During the process, the makers scouted for locations and chose eitherAbu DhabiorAzerbaijan. However, due to unavoidable circumstances, they choose the latter location.According to Magizh, the film was initially planned to be a quick-project, with filming being held from October 2023 and being completed by January 2024, and it being released either in April or on 1 May 2024, coinciding with Ajith's birthday.
In mid-February 2023,Nirav Shahwas announced as the cinematographer, in his first film with Magizh and fifth with Ajith afterBilla(2007),Nerkonda Paarvai(2019),Valimai(2022) andThunivu(2023).However, due to personal reasons, he opted out during the film's shoot and was replaced withOm Prakash.Anirudh Ravichander would score the music, in his first film with the director, whilst Magizh's norm editorN. B. Srikanthwas retained.
In addition to his usual salt-and-pepper look, Ajith would sport a full-black hairstyle for his character in flashback portions, with certain scenes shot after his weight loss regime due to his involvement in the24H Series.Sanjay Duttwas initially reported to play the main antagonist in his second Tamil film afterLeo(2023).However,Arjun Sarjawas instead confirmed, marking his reunion with Ajith afterMankatha(2011).Arjun Daswas initially reported to be considered for the secondary antagonist,but as he was allegedly unable to allocate dates for the film, he was reportedly replaced byArav, who previously collaborated with Magizh onKalaga Thalaivan(2022).
Tamannaah Bhatiawas initially reported to play the female lead; however,Trisha, who would pair opposite Ajith for the fifth time followingJi(2005),Kireedam(2007),MankathaandYennai Arindhaal(2015), was instead announced.Huma Qureshi, who earlier acted with Ajith inValimai(2022), was reportedly considered for an important role.However,Regina Cassandrawas eventually cast in that role.In July 2024, Azerbaijini media reported that several local actors were a part of the film includingVidadi HasanovandJavanshir Hadiyev.In August 2024, the production house announced the involvement of actors Nikhil Nair, Ganesh Saravanan and Dasarathi in prominent roles.Later, that December,Ramya Subramanianconfirmed her presence in the film.
Principal photographybegan with the first schedule on 4 October 2023 inAzerbaijan.Initially, filming was intended to begin in the first week of September 2023 but was delayed due to Ajith's commitments to his world tour.The makers' decision to shoot in Azerbaijan received negative responses from netizens as the country was then under civil unrest, particularly regarding theNagorno-Karabakh conflict(2023 Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh).Furthermore, it was also reported that the production would be put on hold due to the ongoingGaza war,but despite such reports, production continued.Art directorMilandied during the film's preliminary shooting due to a heart attack.Later that month Ajith urged to set up a medical camp in case of any similar emergencies.In early November, it was reported that the schedule had been completed.
A sequence reportedly featured Ajith in a racy car action sequence, for which he did not use any stunt double.In early December, the team returned toChennaidue to the ongoing war and border issues in Azerbaijan,but later went back to Azerbaijan on 11 December to resume the production.Nirav Shah was replaced withOm Prakashdue to the former not being able to allocate dates to travel to Azerbaijan.Arjun joined the film's sets in mid-December.Trisha completed filming her portions for the film schedule by 19 December, returning to Chennai on that day.The schedule concluded by 29 January 2024 with over 60 percent of the production being completed.The concurrent schedule was set to be held in London by February,but was delayed due tobudget overrunsand plans to complete 40 percent of the film's shooting within a single schedule were initiated for cost control.
Production was expected to resume in the last week of May,but was delayed as Ajith had started filming forAdhik Ravichandran'sGood Bad Ugly(2025) inHyderabad.The team along with Ajith returned to Azerbaijan on 20 June for the final schedule.This schedule was held around 35–45 days, with the climax portions being shot inBaku.Ajith, along with Trisha and Arjun, joined the concurrent schedule for some important sequences.According to the head of Lyca Productions, GKM Tamil Kumaran, principal photography was scheduled to bewrappedby mid-August.However, as of September 2024, it was only expected to be complete after Ajith finished shooting the October schedule forGood Bad Ugly.In December 2024, the team left to Bangkok for filming the final schedule, which would be held for ten days.Principal photography wrapped on 22 December 2024.Scenes featuring Azerbaijni actors were shot inAzerbaijani.
The production house on 28 October 2024 announced that the film has entered the dubbing stage.On 7 December 2024, Ajith completed dubbing for his portions in Baku.
The soundtrack is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, in his first collaboration with Magizh; third with Ajith afterVedalam(2015) andVivegam(2017).The audio rights were acquired bySony Music India.The first single, "Sawadeeka" released on 27 December 2024.The second single "Pathikichu" was released on 19 January 2025.The third single "Thaniye" was released on 5 February 2025.The full album was released on 17 February 2025.
The first look poster ofVidaamuyarchiwas released on 30 June 2024, and was poorly received by fans for its minimalist details. The second look poster, released a week later, was better received and seen as an improvement.
Vidaamuyarchiwas initially scheduled to be released in January 2025, duringPongal,but was postponed due to undisclosed reasons.It was released theatrically on 6 February,having received aU/A certificatefrom theCentral Board of Film Certification, with a runtime of 150 minutes and 46 seconds.
Red Giant Moviesacquired the distribution rights of the film forTamil Nadu,Sree Gokulam Movies forKerala,Swagath Enterprises forKarnataka,Asian Suresh Entertainment LLP forAndhra PradeshandTelangana, and Sri Lakshmi Movies forCeded Area.
The post-theatrical streaming rights were acquired byNetflixfor₹100 crore.
Vidaamuyarchireceived mixed reviews from critics, who praised the lead cast's performance, visuals and action sequences, while the storyline and narration received criticism.
Ankit Oljha ofThe National Newsgave 4/5 stars and wrote that the "overall winner" was the director, "who helms a glossy big-budget thrill-a-minute joyride, and gives everything a chance to shine, from its lead star's screen presence and the gritty action sequences to the excellent character work and focused storytelling."Goutham S ofPinkvillagave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "If you're looking to enjoy an action flick driven by Ajith's presence,Vidaamuyarchiis worth watching, offering an engaging experience for both fans and general audiences alike."Avinash Ramachandran ofThe Indian Expressgave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "While the film is heavily revolving around Ajith, and he does a commendable job of dealing with anguish and perseverance [...]Vidaamuyarchi, existing in this form, is a fascinating addition to the evolving standards of superstar films in Tamil cinema."
Sudhir Srinivasan ofCinema Expressgave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Vidaamuyarchiis not a film about a hero who smashes his enemies into dust. It is a film about a man and a woman who refuse to turn on each other."Janani K ofIndia Todaygave 3/5 stars and wrote "Vidaamuyarchilacked an emotional arc and some solid twists and turns. While it remained true to the film's genre, it could have had more gravitas."Kirubhakar Purushothaman ofNews18gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Vidaamuyarchiis largely engaging throughout despite the predictability, and the credit goes to Magizh Thirumeni, who is exceptional in his smooth expositions."
Anusha Sundar ofOTTPlaygave 3/5 stars and wrote "With gripping action sequences, a well-structured screenplay, and an understanding of story sense,Vidaamuyarchiis not your typical star-driven film."Sridevi S ofThe Times of Indiagave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Vidaamuyarchimight find its space with some niche audience, but a racy screenplay, especially considering the genre, could have made the movie dearer to all."Gopinath Rajendran ofThe Hinduwrote "It's in the execution of ideas thatVidaamuyarchifalters the most. The basic plot is painfully simple and predictable, and the makers' attempts to add tension fall flat as we see a fair share of twists coming a mile away."Latha Srinivasan ofHindustan Timesappreciated the cinematography but criticised the music, action sequences and felt the editing could have been "tighter".
According toThe Indian Express,Vidaamuyarchireportedly grossed over₹61 crore(US$7.0 million) in its opening day worldwide.According toPinkvilla, the film grossed₹47 crore worldwide on its first day,and had a 4-day worldwide gross collection of₹108.75 crore(US$13 million).
In April 2024, Ajith's manager Suresh Chandra released a video from the Azerbaijan schedule in November 2023, where Ajith and Arav faced a major accident, when a car driven by the former lost control as he intended to make a side stop.While Suresh insisted on the video being released four months later, was to dismiss rumours of the film being shelved,it was met with backlash from fans who dismissed it as an attempt to seek sympathy.
A few days after the teaser's release,Paramount Picturesreportedly filed a notice against the film's makers, alleging that the film shared similarities withBreakdownand sought damages of₹150 crore(US$17 million) forintellectual property infringement.However,Chitra Lakshmanan, who was in contact with the makers, claimed they had brought the remake rights three months prior upon noticing the similarities between both films.
The film's postponement from January 2025 was met with criticism from fans of Ajith towards the production house asGood Bad Uglywas already pushed back from its January release window to accommodateVidaamuyarchi, and this film's postponement left no Ajith release in January.Suresh Kamatchi, co-producer of the Pongal releaseVanangaan, also criticised the producers for their sudden, uninformed decision as he felt it affected Pongal, an ideally lucrative box office season, making it less competitive and potentially minimising audience expectations.