Movie Review: Vaazhai
A young tween, Sivanaindhan( Ponvel), lives with his sister ( Dhivya Duraisamy) and his widowed mother in a tiny village near Tirunelveli. He is good at studies and enjoys going to school with his close buddy Raghul (Sekar).
His family goes with other labourers to the banana fields to cut the bunches and transport them on their heads, a tough job that Sivanendhan detests. But due to their penury and late father's debt, he is forced to do the job as well, on weekends and holidays. Also, his mother wants him to learn responsibility and hardwork at a young age so that he doesnt suffer later in life.
At school, he is particularly fond of a teacher Poonkozhi ( Nikhila Vimal) who is kind to him.
His sister ( Dhivya Duraisamy) likes Kani (Kalaiyarasan) who among the labourers, fights for their rights.
As he struggles to deal with the realities of life and growing up, something happens that throws his life completely out of gear.
Based on true events of the director's life, the film gives you a peek into the scenic setting and the little joys of Sivenandhan's life, even as he navigates his days trying to get out of working in the banana plantations.
The film gives you a beautiful kaleidescope of wondrous moments that leave you with a smile and a warm feeling. From the charming scenes between the kind-hearted Poonkodi and the innocent yet besotted Sivanendhan, to the childish pranks and converstions with his best friend Raghul, to his sweet relationship with his caring sister, and his admiration for Kani, all of which are the joyous highlights of Sivanendhan's life, are exquisitely portrayed.
The film is elevated further by extraordinary performances by its main cast. Ponvel has delivered a National Award winning act that leaves you wonderstruck. Sekar as his buddy is the impressive counterfoil and the duo contribute greatly to the joyous vibes the film emanates.
Dhivya Duraisamy's measured act is exemplary while Nikhila Vimal's with her nuanced, finely balanced act steals the show as the village teacher, an epitome of simplicity and compassion. Kalaiyarasan delivers a fine performance while Janaki as Sivaneindhan's mother impresses and leaves a lasting impact as the helpess but strong mother who wants to shape her children's life inculcating resilience and responsibility.
Santhosh Narayanan's exemplary tracks and bgm are a delight while Theni Eshwar's incredible camerawork gives you aesthetic visuals that stay with you long after.
A kaleidescope of harsh reality and joyous wonderment, all seen through the eyes of a young boy, Vaazhai is a most engaging, slice- of -life watch.
Rating 3.5 /5
Vaazhai Cast & Crew Details:
Cast:
Ponvel as Sivanaindhaan
Raghul as Sekar
Janaki as Sivanaindhaan’s Mother
Dhivya Duraisamy as Vembu
Kalaiyarasan as Kani
Nikhila Vimal as Poongodi
Padhman as Broker
J. Sathish Kumar as Trader
*Crew*
Director: Mari Selvaraj
Banner : Disney+ Hotstar, Navvi Studios, Farmer's Master Plan Production
Release by Red Giant Movies
Music Director: Santhosh Narayanan
Lyricist: Yugabharathi, Vivek, Mari Selvaraj
Produced by Divya Mari Selvaraj, Mari Selvaraj
DOP : Theni Eswar
Art Director: Kumar Gangappan
Editor : Suriya Pradhaman
Action Choreography : Dhilip Subbarayan
Dance Choreography : Sandy
Audiography: Suren
Sound Designer : Suren.G, Alagiyakoothan.S
Costume Designer : Shri Swarna
Costumer : T.Ravi
Makeup : R.Ganapathy
Stills : JayakumarVairavan
Publicity Designer: Kabilan
VFX : Harihara Sudhan
DI Colourist : Prasad Somasekar
DI Line Producer: ML Vijayakumar
PRO : Sathish (AIM)
Executive Producer : Venkat Arumugam
