Karthi's highly anticipated Tamil film, 'Vaa Vaathiyaar,' made its theatrical debut on January 14, 2026, coinciding with the festive occasion of Pongal. Directed by Nalan Kumarasamy, the movie is an action-comedy that serves as a fond throwback to old-school masala films, drawing inspiration from the ideals and public persona of the legendary M. G. Ramachandran. Kumarasamy's return to direction after a decade, with his last feature film being 'Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum' in 2016, added to the anticipation. The film faced a tumultuous journey to the big screen, enduring multiple postponements due to significant legal and financial issues, including a stay order from the Madras High Court over unpaid dues. However, these hurdles were eventually cleared, allowing for its festive release. Critics have largely praised Karthi's dedicated performance, highlighting his ability to embody a character inspired by MGR without resorting to mere mimicry. He skillfully balances humor, menace, and reverence, creating a compelling homegrown superhero rooted in ideology rather than costume. While some reviews note that the film takes a while to establish its rhythm and features a high frequency of songs initially, the overall sentiment points to an enjoyable and emotionally resonant experience, particularly in its second half. The technical aspects, including Santhosh Narayanan's background score and George C. Williams' cinematography, have also received positive mentions for enhancing the film's nostalgic and emotional beats. The headline from the Times of India accurately reflects the general critical reception, describing the film as a "fond, funky & fun throwback to old-school masala films".