Why so much hype?

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

R.Kannan showed some potential in his debut feature "Jayam Kondaan" & even in his second one "Kandaen Kadhalai" though it was a remake he spiced it up well to make it an interesting watch. But sadly in his third one "Vanthaan Vendran" his screenplay spoils an interesting storyline.The story of the movie is quiet interesting one which explores brother sentiment in a different angle but the manner in which the director has gone about it is hugely disappointing. Movie though has numerous twists & turns with an interesting twist towards the end poor screenplay & uninteresting first half makes it undone in the final analysis. By the time the movies gets exciting one is already tired of the average fare so far that its difficult for one to sustain the interest.Second half is way better than the first half & its racy though replete with lots of clichéd scenes of cat & mouse. First half is dismal, nothing happens & the love story is a total crap. With the songs coming at regular intervals more like a ritual than anything else irritates (though the songs are too good)Jiiva needs to concentrate on choosing his movies henceforth if he has to sustain the momentum he gained after "Ko". This role is a cake walk for him & he has done his part adequately. Nandha has also performed well . It only reinforces the angst that he is such a nice talent getting wasted in such kind of iffy movies.For Tapsee acting appears to be as alien as the language itself which is evident on screen. Though she has a significant role to do, her dismal acting & pitiable lip-sync make the already pathetic first half worse.Santhanam's magic is missing in this movie or has he become repetitive. The bottom-line is he doesn't tickle the funny bones this time around.The USP of the movie is its songs , music by Thaman. "Anjana Anjana", "Kanchana Mala","Thirandhen Thirandhen" , "Nagarudhe Nagarudhe" , all are chart-busters. The songs are also shot well.Cinematography of P.G.Muthaiah is excellent , reaffirming his talent.Pattukottai Prabhakar's dialogs are mostly routine with flashes of brilliance here & there.On the whole , "Vandaan Vendran" is a curious case of wasted opportunity.Bottomline : Not enough to garner victory.