Vaazhai Movie Review
Mari Selvaraj once again brings us an impactful tale, this time a lot more personal. Down goes our Vaazhai Movie Review.
Vaazhai Movie Review
A compelling and hard hitting tale from Mari Selvaraj.
Performances
Story & Narration
Technical Aspects & Music
Over the course of his career, Mari Selvaraj is a filmmaker who has brought up interesting stories without getting below the belt, and creating impact through his emotions, social commentary and his art. In his fourth film Vaazhai, the director chooses to narrate a piece of his life, and bring about a very realistic yet thought provoking and impactful film.
Vaazhai is the story of banana field luggers, and the struggles they go through to make ends meet. We see their story from the eyes of Sivanaindhan, a secondary school student who hates going to the field as he is forced to do that by his mother, on the days he does not have school. Sivanaindhan forms a cute relationship with his teacher Poongodi, someone who he really likes from the beginning. The first half of the film travels very smoothly with lovely moments majorly undertaking it, and peaking with its intensity closer to the interval. It is the second half that builds itself up beautifully, and bursts out with a heartbreaking final stretch, that draws us closer to the character and slaps us with the realism on screen. It may not be the tearjerker you might be expecting, but Vaazhai is surely worth a watch for the story it brings.
Full credit to Mari for holding the film powerful and personal at the same time. Not an easy feat to do. The performances led by the young boy Ponvel M is sure to steal hearts and rewards. Nikhila Vimal is also terrific along with Kalaiarasan, Dhivya Duraisamy and the young kid (Sekar). With Theni Eshwar’s excellent camerawork and Santhosh Narayanan’s solid score, Vaazhai turns out to be a technically strong product too.
Mari Selvaraj’s earlier films showcased stories with long journeys and also discussed politics, oppression and growth in many ways. For a change, the director chooses a simpler yet stinging account of a freak incident in his own life, and brings it out wonderfully to the big screen. Vaazhai deserves a watch on the big screen for the conviction with which Mari is able to tell his story, once again.
