Viduthalai: Part II

DSP Sunil Menon interrogates and intimidates the recently arrested Perumal, also known as Vaathiyaar, setting the tone for the story's focus on justice and rebellion. The scene establishes Perumal's defiance and hints at his deeper connection to revolutionary ideals. Meanwhile, constable Kumaresan faces suspension and is denied credit for arresting Perumal, reflecting disorder within the police force.

Kumaresan is suspended by Ragavendar for disobedience and not responding to a reprimand memo, but he is called back to duty to escort Perumal through the jungle. This shows his dedication and sets up his role as a key figure in the upcoming journey, highlighting tensions within the police hierarchy. Kumaresan prepares to lead the escort with a sense of duty despite being sidelined.

During the journey, Perumal recounts his transformation from a school teacher to a revolutionary leader after the death of farm laborer Karuppan and his wife. His story details the inciting incident where Karuppan fights against a cruel landlord and is killed, which becomes a turning point for Perumal's ideological shift. This narrative underscores themes of social injustice and personal loss.

Following Karuppan's death, Perumal is rescued by the influential comrade KK, who mentors him in revolutionary politics. KK becomes like a father figure, shaping Perumal’s views and activism. This mentorship marks Perumal’s deepening involvement in the fight against social oppression, laying the foundation for his future leadership.

KK is attacked and killed, prompting Perumal to avenge him by forming the Makkal Padai (People’s Army) aimed at fighting factory owners and landlords. The formation of the union at Mahalakshmi Sugar Factory empowers farm laborers to stand against exploitation, representing a significant victory in Perumal’s revolutionary journey.

Perumal marries Mahalakshmi, the factory owner's daughter, and they have a daughter. Despite his revolutionary activities, Perumal finds happiness with his family, symbolizing hope amidst ongoing struggle. Mahalakshmi’s support becomes an important emotional anchor for Perumal.

After KK is murdered by the factory owner, Perumal responds with violence, declaring the formation of the Makkal Padai to seek justice. This marks a shift from peaceful activism to militant resistance, leading to government ban and police hunt for the group. The violence underscores the escalating conflict between revolutionaries and authorities.

Perumal’s family lives peacefully for several years while he continues the fight underground, with his wife Mahalakshmi and daughter by his side. This period shows a semblance of normal life amid the chaos of their activism, emphasizing the personal cost of their commitment.

During the journey, the police convoy gets lost in the jungle, leading to Ragavendar slipping into a ravine. Perumal rescues him, demonstrating a moment of unexpected compassion amidst hostility. After the rescue, the police officers remove Perumal’s handcuffs, indicating a shift in their perception of him.

Perumal confesses to Ragavendar about the train bombing incident, explaining it was an accidental explosion caused by mismanagement while attempting to defuse the bomb. This revelation clarifies their unintended role in the train tragedy and highlights the chaos surrounding their revolutionary actions.

The Makkal Padai members ambush the police convoy, leading to Perumal’s escape. Ragavendar, angry and embarrassed, fires a shot at Perumal but it’s later revealed to be a calculated move to slow him down. The sequence underscores the dangerous cat-and-mouse game between revolutionaries and police.

In the ensuing chaos, Ragavendar kills a police officer to cover his actions, and other police officers kill surrendered Makkal Padai members. As Perumal prepares to surrender peacefully, Amudan shoots him at close range, marking the tragic climax of his fight.

Perumal is shot and visibly injured, but he summons his remaining strength, briefly standing in defiance before being shot again by Bala. His unwavering spirit symbolizes resilience despite imminent death, encapsulating his lifelong fight against injustice.

Kumaresan drives Perumal’s body back to the barracks, crashing the jeep into a ravine when furious about the injustice. He then writes a final letter to his mother, expressing that if he never returns, it is because he is helping someone or has died trying, solidifying his role as a martyr.