A recent Tamil film has taken the Japanese box office by storm, highlighting Indian cinema’s global reach and the lasting star power of its lead actors.
Published: September 14, 2025 9:19 PM IST
In a remarkable turn of events, a recent Tamil film has ignited the Japanese box office, captivating audiences and setting new records. This unexpected success underscores the global appeal of Indian cinema and the enduring charisma of its leading star.
Which movie is this?
The film in question is Vettaiyan, starring Thalaivar Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan. Directed by T.J. Gnanavel. Vettaiyan achieved a significant milestone by grossing over Rs 240 crore worldwide within just four days of its release on October 10, 2024. This marks Rajinikanth’s seventh entry into the prestigious Rs 200 crore club, joining the ranks of his previous hits like 2.0, Jailer, and Kabali.
What contributes to its success?
Vettaiyan’s triumph in Japan is particularly noteworthy. Historically, Rajinikanth has enjoyed immense popularity in Japan, with his 1995 film Muthu becoming a cultural phenomenon there. Vettaiyan continues this legacy, resonating with Japanese audiences through its compelling narrative and Rajinikanth’s magnetic performance. For the unversed, the movie was released in Japan on September 10, 2025, under the title Bullets and Justice.
What is the storyline?
The film’s narrative delves into themes of justice, morality, and systemic corruption. The film stars Rajinikanth as Superintendent Athiyan, a seasoned police officer known for his swift justice through encounter killings. The narrative begins with Athiyan investigating the murder of Sharanya (Dushara Vijayan), a dedicated government school teacher who had exposed a local drug racket.
As Athiyan delves deeper, he uncovers a complex web of corruption involving powerful individuals, including private school mogul Natraj (Rana Daggubati). The plot thickens when Athiyan’s methods are questioned by retired judge Sathyadev (Amitabh Bachchan), a staunch advocate for human rights and due process. The film explores Athiyan’s internal conflict as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and the realization that his approach to justice may be flawed.
With support from his team, including tech expert ‘Battery’ Patrick (Fahadh Faasil) and officers Roopa Kiran (Ritika Singh) and Harish Kumar (Kishore), Athiyan seeks to rectify past mistakes and bring the true culprits to justice.
Story Highlights
- Rajinikanth plays Athiyan, a tough cop known for encounter killings, who is drawn into a deeper battle against corruption after a teacher’s murder.
- Amitabh Bachchan’s character, Judge Sathyadev, challenges Athiyan’s methods, sparking a moral conflict about justice and human rights.
- The investigation leads to powerful elites, including a school mogul (Rana Daggubati), revealing deep-rooted corruption in the education system.
- A stellar supporting cast including Fahadh Faasil, Ritika Singh, and Kishore aids Athiyan in uncovering the truth and seeking redemption.
Vettaiyan stands out as a gripping action-drama that goes beyond typical cop thrillers. It combines Rajinikanth’s mass appeal with a layered narrative that questions the cost of swift justice. Its unexpected success in Japan, under the title Bullets and Justice, reaffirms Thalaivar’s legendary global presence and the film’s universal themes of truth, power, and redemption.
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