Common Sense Media Review
By Ishmeet Nagpal
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Predictable Indian family drama has stylized fight scenes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Varisu
What's the Story?
In VARISU, billionaire businessman Rajendran (R. Sarathkumar) must hand over the reins to one of his three sons as he nears the end of his life. He chooses his youngest, Vijay (Joseph Vijay), who had initially left home due to a disagreement. Upon his return, Vijay must not only save the business and defeat their competitor, but also try to reunite the family.
Is It Any Good?
Vijay brings his signature charm, comedic timing, and excellent dancing skills to this rather predictable Indian drama. However, Varisu misses a trick by under utilizing Prakash Raj as Jayaprakash, the film's antagonist, who could have brought some much needed menace to the role but is surprisingly subdued instead. Rashmika Mandanna is well cast as Divya, though the role only requires her to deliver a handful of dialogues and be Vijay's dance partner. Indeed women, in general, get less screen time than the men but they make the most of it with sincere performances. The songs are catchy and the choreography is vibrant, energetic, and extravagant.
The film struggles to set tone, switching between drama and comedy at random times, often mid-scene. However, it manages to be a moderately entertaining fare despite the code switching and constant breaking of the fourth wall. The first half could have benefitted from tighter editing but the second half is well paced and hits quite a few emotional notes just right. Overall, Varisu manages to accomplish what it set out to do -- to showcase its lead actor's talents in the style his audience historically laps up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the fight scenes in Varisu? Did the gravity-defying stylized action make it feel less impactful? If so, why? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
How were women portrayed in the movie? Did you find it problematic? Why representation matters in kids' media?
What were some of the unethical business practices portrayed? Why were these methods problematic?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 11, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : February 22, 2023
- Cast : Joseph Vijay , Rashmika Mandanna , Prakash Raj
- Director : Vamshi Paidipally
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Phars Film
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 169 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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