Vaazhai Movie Review: A Masterpiece Act Captivating Cruel Fate Of Life

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Vaazhai and Vaazha - are movies that almost sound identical and have the same meaning. But the essence of each one of them is entirely different. Vaazha is the kind of movie you can watch when you need something light, but Vaazhai, based on a true life story, makes you think deeply. Directed by Mari Selvaraj this is one of those films that is truly rooted in his beliefs and cultures. This rural drama combines everything from dreams, hopes and the crushing reality. This story unravels through the eyes of a school kid who survives a tragedy with a sudden twist of fate.

Sivanaindhan (Ponvel) the school kid lives with his mother and sister in Puliyankulam village near Tirunelveli. He juggles both school and work on the plantation site over weekends to make ends meet. He enjoys studying and also excels in his school but never likes working on the plantation for obvious reasons. The gruelling labour and the toll it takes on his life makes Sivanaindhan miss out on his childhood innocence. His desires like missing work for one day or going to dance rehearsal instead of work seem to have serious repercussions. But fate takes a cruel turn when a tragedy strikes him and brings him back to a harrowing reality.

Mari Selvaraj is one gem of a director and for this piece of work, he surely deserves all the hugs and applause in the world. In the film, you can clearly see the exploitation of the working class, their struggles and the inequalities they face in their daily life amongst those stunning visuals of huge plantain fields. As the story moves forward you too can clearly see how money and social status play a huge role in both Sivanaindhan and Sekar's life. It almost seems like you too are travelling with all their pain and grief.

There are moments in the film that help you side with Sivanaindhan when he rebels at home. He is forced to work at such a young age and is robbed of all the joys. Be it the difference between the class of people working and those who are assigning them work. The scenes where both Sivanaindhan and Sekar fight over being fans of Rajni and Kamal make the atmosphere a little light. Also, how can anyone forget their teacher Poongodi (Nikhila Vimal) who is loved by Sivanaindhan? The handkerchief moment is something you guys should look out for. Vaazhai addresses everything from childhood crush to all those scenes where people have zero empathy for all the injustice people suffer. It's hard-hitting dialogues and the splendid view is one of the major reasons this movie hits hard even after the credits roll.

Vaazhai is not just about Sivanaindhan's story but also the story of his sister Vembu (Divya Duraisamy) and Kani (Kalaiyarasan). The love they both shared but never got to live their entirety. The way Kani stands up to every injustice faced by the people. The moment where their individual traits do shine irrespective of their love for each other. Vembu is a supportive sister and Kani does not care about the repercussions when he fights against injustice. Not to forget their mother Janaki who loves her children yet may seem rude and obnoxious at times.

Songs have been an important part of this movie and all that credit belongs to composer Santosh Narayanan. His work has made this film even more appealing. Be it the inner turmoil or those moments of love every score does justice to this film. Cinematographer Theni Eshwar's visuals do work like magic transporting you to a different world.

The cast of Vaazhai is one of the biggest assets. Ponvel and Raghul are the soul of this film. Without them, you cannot imagine how the story would turn out. You support Kalaiyarasan when he fights for the right thing and you have a smile on your face when you see Divya Duraisamy expressing her love. You wail and start searching for tissues when you hear Janaki fighting and struggling to muddle through.

 Vaazhai is not just any other Tamil life as it makes you smile, cry and think the most. It is clearly Mari Selvaraj's well-crafted work that proves disparity and inequality still exist among the working class. Even when the credits roll for this film the lyrics of the song being played in the background is surely going to break your heart. To know more about this film watch Vaazhai streaming only on Hotstar.