When A Little Star Outshines Vijay Sethupathi

Baththa is one of the recent Tamil super hits. Starring Vijay Sethupathi in the lead role, the film is bankrolled by Atlee and others. The team plans to bring the dubbed version to theatres as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the film’s cast has received a lot of praise. Although Vijay Sethupathi nailing the lead role isn’t unusual, the real surprise is child artist Sai Prithviraj, who played Sabari.

Vijay Sethupathi is the epitome of talent, and performing on par with him on the big screen takes homework, but the way Sai played his part made it look like a cakewalk. The best part of this character is its writing. Because the role is so well written, Sai breathes life into it seamlessly.

Also, Sabari is the kind of character who instantly reminds us of our younger selves. That relatability has helped the film connect with audiences, and it could carry his role even after it left the theatres. Also, Sabari isn’t one of the main characters, but the story is woven around him, so he plays a crucial role in Baththa’s transformation. The best part is that the film gives him the dignity and importance that is rarely afforded to child characters in mainstream cinema.

Sai Prithviraj’s innocence and character contributed to the film’s success. He makes the audience laugh, feel for him, and, most importantly, root for him. Especially, his performance in the confession scene alone is worthy of many awards. It is one of those performances that stays with you long after the film ends!

During promotions, Vijay Sethupathi said Sai Prithviraj, not him, is the hero of Baththa, and those who watch the film will understand its essence. Rarely do we see a mainstream successful star hero clear the path for another artist to take over the control, command, and attention; thanks to Vijay Sethupathi, Baththa remains an honest film without star power overshadowing it.

Allowing a child actor to command the screen and even overshadow the lead when the story demands it takes both great writing and absolute confidence from a star. Director Balaji Tharaneetharan creates a long lasting impact with this film and we hope the result gets recreated in Telugu as well.