Shakthi Thirumagan, written and directed by Arun Prabhu, marks the 25th film of Vijay Antony. Produced under the Vijay Antony Film Corporation with Meera Vijay Antony as presenter, the film was released on September 19, 2025. Vijay Antony not only leads the cast but also composed the music, giving this milestone project a personal touch. The film delves into the complexities of caste politics, corruption, and the abuse of power within a political system, thereby combining social and political drama.
The story begins in 1989 with a disturbing incident involving a tribal woman who is brutally wronged, with the shadow of a wealthy and politically influential man, Abyankar (Sunil Kirpalani), looming over the case. The narrative then shifts to Kittu (Vijay Antony), a political middleman who profits by working for the corrupt elite. As the film progresses, Abyankar learns that someone has been secretly collecting money from top government officers, real estate barons, and private CEOs. To trace this hidden hand, Delhi-based Ram Pandey (Kiran Kumar) is brought into the investigation.
The screenplay gradually reveals Kittu’s past. He hails from Mayiladuthurai and was raised by Suvarezhuthu Subbaiya (Vaagai Chandrasekar), a rationalist with strong social values. This backstory helps the audience understand his journey and inner conflict. Eventually, Kittu sets his sights on bringing down Abyankar, the man who not only represents greed and corruption but also aspires to become the President of India. (Abyankar’s dialogues openly dismiss the poor, declaring them unfit to live, a chilling reflection of arrogance and prejudice). The narrative raises a thought-provoking question: Should a position as powerful as the President’s ever fall into the wrong hands?
Vijay Antony once again proves his strength in choosing unique scripts. His portrayal of Kittu is understated yet powerful, carrying both intensity and restraint. Sunil Kirpalani as Abyankar makes a strong impression, with his rich slang, commanding screen presence, and dialogue delivery that sharply highlights the arrogance of the privileged class. Vaagai Chandrasekar shines in his role as Subbaiya, bringing depth and authenticity. Among the supporting cast, Trupti Ravindra as Vembu and Kiran Kumar as Ram Pandey deliver steady performances, while child actor Master Keshav as young Kittu leaves a lasting impact.
On the technical side, Vijay Antony’s background score and songs enhance the mood of the film, giving the narration the right emotional push. The editing by Raymond Derrick Crasta and Dinsa keeps the film crisp in the first half, though the pacing slows down in the second half. Arun Prabhu’s direction deserves credit for presenting a sensitive subject on a national scale, connecting local issues of caste obsession with the broader political framework. The visuals capture both the rawness of rural settings and the polished look of political power corridors.
Overall, Shakthi Thirumagan is a bold attempt at mixing personal struggle, caste realities, and political ambition into one engaging drama. While it may not appeal to those expecting a light entertainer, it stands out as a serious, thought-provoking film with strong performances and impactful storytelling. For Vijay Antony, this 25th outing is both memorable and significant, as it stays true to his image of choosing content-driven cinema over routine commercial formats.
