The film was released on 26 May 2023. It received positive reviews from critics.[3]
Plot
Moorkkan and Bhoomi have been childhood friends from their school days, when Bhoomi helped Moorkkan after being hit by a bull. However, Moorkkan's parents try to separate them because Bhoomi belongs to a lower caste. Bhoomi helps his community from caste oppression and inspires them to follow his example and educate themselves.
The opposition party conspires to eliminate Bhoomi with the help of Moorkkan's father. They kill Bhoomi such that Moorkkan appears to be the murderer. Afterwards, Moorkkan discovers their plan and avenges his friend's death before being shot by a policeman belonging to his own caste.
The film was directed by Sy Gowthamraj, who earlier directed the film Raatchasi.[4] It was produced by S. Ambeth Kumar under the banner of Olympia Movies.[5] The cinematography of the film was done by Sridhar, and the editing of the film was done by Nagooran.[6] The film was shot in 2022 between July and September around the places of Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar, and Rameswaram.[7][8]
Logesh Balachandran of The Times of India gave it 3 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Kazhuvethi Moorkkan manages to captivate us to a considerable extent with its solid screenplay."[12] Kirubhakar Purushothaman of The Indian Express gave it 2.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "While the story is engrossing, the same could not be said about the craft of the film."[13]Cinema Vikatan gave the film a mixed review, stating, "If the intensity shown in the action sequence had been in the screenplay, the film would gain some attention."[14]
Navein Darshan of Cinema Express gave it 3 out of 5 stars and wrote, "This intricately-written film needed better craft."[15] A critic from Dinamalar gave the film a rating of 3 out of 5 stars, stating, "It is a notable action film that talks local politics."[16] A critic from Maalai Malar gave the film a rating of 3.25 out of 5 stars, stating, "Though some scenes have flaws, it is a watchable film for its story, cinematography, and performances by actors."[17]
Gopinath Rajendran of The Hindu wrote, "Kazhuvethi Moorkkan has its heart in the right place but succumbs to mediocre writing, and while terrific performances salvage it to be a decent entertainer, the film leaves you wishing for more."[18] Latha Srinivasan of India Today gave the film 3 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Kazhuvethi Moorkkan delivers a social message without being preachy."[19]
