Vikram Vedha (2017) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The ending of Vikram Vedha (2017) is a masterful culmination of moral ambiguity, where the lines between hero and villain blur completely. The film concludes with Vedha (Vijay Sethupathi) revealing his true motive: to expose Vikram (Raghava Lawrence) as a corrupt cop who killed an innocent man. Vedha surrenders himself, but not before ensuring Vikram confronts his own hypocrisy. The final scene shows Vikram haunted by his actions, symbolizing the cyclical nature of justice and revenge. The film leaves viewers questioning who the real "good guy" is, as both characters are deeply flawed yet compelling.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Vikram Vedha revolves around Vedha's final story, which serves as the ultimate twist. Throughout the film, Vedha narrates parables that mirror Vikram's life, gradually peeling back layers of his morality. In the end, Vedha reveals that Vikram, the supposedly righteous cop, once killed an innocent man - Puli, Vedha's brother-under the false belief that he was a criminal. This revelation shatters Vikram's self-image as a just enforcer of the law. Vedha's surrender isn't a defeat but a calculated move to force Vikram to reckon with his past. The film's brilliance lies in how it inverts the classic hunter-and-hunted dynamic, leaving Vikram as the one morally compromised.
Symbolism and Themes
The ending reinforces the film's central theme: the duality of good and evil. Vikram, whose name references the mythical King Vikramaditya (a symbol of justice), is exposed as fallible, while Vedha, the outlaw, emerges as the moral compass. The final shot of Vikram staring into the distance, his face shadowed, suggests he's now the "monster" he once hunted. The recurring motif of stories-how they shape perception and morality-culminates in Vedha's last tale, which reframes the entire narrative. The film suggests that justice isn't black-and-white but a tapestry of choices and consequences.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Does Vikram redeem himself after realizing his mistake?
- The film leaves this open, but his haunted expression implies guilt may consume him.
- Alternatively, he might continue his job, now aware of his flaws.
Why does Vedha surrender if he won morally?
- To prove his point: that Vikram's system is flawed.
- He accepts his role as a "villain" to complete the story's symmetry.
What happens to Vikram's wife, Priya?
- Her fate is unclear, but her trust in Vikram is likely shattered.
Personal Opinion
Vikram Vedha is a rare film where the ending elevates the entire experience. The moral complexity is gripping, and the performances-especially Sethupathi's Vedha-are electrifying. The ending doesn't offer easy answers, which I appreciate; it forces the audience to sit with uncomfortable questions about justice and hypocrisy. Some might find the lack of closure frustrating, but I think it's bold. The film's structure, inspired by the Vikram-Betaal folktales, pays off beautifully, making the finale both intellectually satisfying and emotionally resonant.
Final Thoughts
The ending of Vikram Vedha isn't just about who wins or loses but about the stories we tell ourselves to justify our actions. By the time the credits roll, Vikram and Vedha have switched roles metaphorically, leaving the audience to ponder who was right all along. It's a testament to the film's writing that the conclusion feels inevitable yet surprising. This isn't just a cop-and-gangster drama-it's a philosophical exploration of morality, making it one of the most memorable endings in Indian cinema.