"Theri" (2016) is an action thriller film directed and written by Atlee in the Tamil language. Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Amy Jackson feature in the movie. The movie tells the story of a police officer who impersonates his identity guard his daughter but has to fight his dark past when a threat again comes.
Joseph Kuruvilla (Vijay), peacefully living in Kerala with his daughter Nivi (Nainika Durairaj), is discovered to be DCP Vijay Kumar, a police officer who went undercover. He gets discovered when he rescues Nivi from an assassination attempt. Joseph shares his past with Nivi’s teacher Annie (Amy Jackson) and how he once fought for justice in Chennai, took down the son of a powerful minister, Vanamaamalai (Mahendran), and how this led to personal tragedy. Vanamaamalai’s men killed Vijay’s wife Mithra (Samantha) and his mother (Radhika Sarathkumar), trying to also kill Nivi. Mithra’s dying wish was for Vijay to leave the police force and raise their daughter in peace. Vijay fakes his death and starts a new life.
Years later, Vanamaamalai learns Vijay and Nivi are alive and causes a bus accident targeting Nivi. Vijay saves the children and realises he must fight again. He returns to Chennai, kills Karikalan, and spreads fear by making it look like a ghost is hunting down the villains. Vijay then takes down Vanamaamalai’s brother Ratnam and finally Vanamaamalai himself in a dramatic final act. Commissioner Sibi, who always knew Vijay was alive, reactivates him into the force. Vijay once again becomes a law enforcer but keeps his identity hidden from the public.
"Theri" is a high-energy action movie that strikes a balance between intense drama, cool action, and emotional moments. Vijay gives a strong performance as both a tough cop and a devoted dad. The movie touches on the themes of justice, sacrifice, and paternity. With Atlee's direction and solid visuals, Theri is a mass entertainer with a heart.