Vada Chennai is a Tamil language action crime film directed by Vetrimaaran and released in 2018. The film stars Dhanush in the lead role as a young carrom player named Anbu, who becomes embroiled in a gang war between two rival groups in the northern part of Chennai. The other key cast members include Aishwarya Rajesh, Andrea Jeremiah, Samuthirakani, Kishore, P. Samuthirakani, and Daniel Balaji.
The film showcases the power struggle and violence that grips the lives of people in the marginalized areas of Chennai. The story follows Anbu's journey from his humble beginnings to his entry into the world of politics and crime, and how he navigates through this treacherous terrain.
As Anbu gets sucked into the rivalry between two notorious gangsters, Guna (Samuthirakani) and Rajan (Ameer), he is forced to make tough choices and face the consequences of his actions. The narrative is packed with numerous twists and turns that keep the audience engaged.
Vada Chennai is a multi-layered film that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, love, and revenge. With its gritty realism, intense action, and powerful performances, the film is considered to be one of Dhanush's best works to date. It has been lauded for its brilliant direction, unconventional storyline, and strong social commentary. The film was well received by critics and audiences alike and has been deemed a cult classic.