Vaazha: Biopic of a Billion Boys

Highly relatable to 90s Malayalee kids entertainer. What could've been complete cringe behaviour and humour of the so-called backbenchers is saved and enhanced by some clever use of performances, editing etc. The inclusion of actual "Vaazhas" throughout the movie was fun. The emotional aspects they tried in the second half worked really well. The inclusion of different father-children relationships was great. Even the surprising empathy that is given to the issues of the so-called first benchers when you expect the movie to take the side of the protagonists was nice to see. However, I'm not sure how much this will work without a houseful audience.

The Malayalam film industry has consistently produced films that strike a balance between entertainment and substance, and this latest offering is no exception. This movie, with its perfect blend of comedy and emotion, not only keeps the audience thoroughly entertained but also leaves them with a meaningful message to ponder.

From the very beginning, the film grabs the audience's attention with its light-hearted and witty humour. The first half is packed with laugh-out-loud moments that are delivered effortlessly by the talented cast. The screenplay is sharp, and the dialogues are cleverly written, making every scene enjoyable. The comedy is not forced, but rather, it flows naturally from the situations and the characters, which is a testament to the strong writing and direction.

The first half of the movie introduces us to a set of characters who are not only relatable but also endearing. Each character is well-defined, and the chemistry among them is palpable. The director has done a commendable job of balancing the ensemble cast, giving each actor their moment to shine without overshadowing others. The interactions between the characters are genuine, and the humour arises from their unique personalities and the circumstances they find themselves in.

As the film progresses into the second half, the tone shifts subtly from comedy to emotion. This transition is handled with great finesse, ensuring that the change in mood does not feel abrupt. The second half delves deeper into the characters' lives, revealing their vulnerabilities and struggles. It is here that the movie's emotional core comes to the fore, offering the audience a glimpse into the more serious themes that the film seeks to address.

The emotional arc of the story is where the film truly shines. The director has skillfully woven in themes of love, loss, and redemption, without ever becoming preachy or melodramatic. The film's message is clear and resonant, yet it is delivered with a subtlety that respects the intelligence of the audience. The characters' journeys are portrayed with sincerity, and by the time the film reaches its climax, the audience is deeply invested in their outcomes.

One of the most impressive aspects of this film is its pacing. There is no unnecessary dragging or filler; every scene serves a purpose, either advancing the plot or developing the characters. The narrative is tight, and the transitions between scenes are smooth, making the entire viewing experience engaging from start to finish. Even in the more emotional segments, the film never loses its grip on the audience's attention.

The performances in the film are nothing short of exceptional. The actors, both established and new, deliver performances that are nuanced and compelling. The lead actors, in particular, display a remarkable range, effortlessly switching between comedy and drama. Their portrayals are so convincing that it is easy to forget they are acting. The supporting cast also deserves praise for their strong performances, each bringing something unique to the table. It is clear that these actors are not only talented but also deeply committed to their craft, making them the future stars of the Malayalam film industry.

Visually, the film is a treat. The cinematography captures the essence of the setting beautifully, whether it's the vibrant scenes of the first half or the more subdued, emotionally charged moments of the second half. The music and background score complement the narrative perfectly, enhancing the overall impact of the film without overpowering the story.

In conclusion, this film is a well-rounded package that offers something for everyone. It is a rare gem that manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. The blend of comedy and emotion is handled with care, and the result is a film that is not only enjoyable to watch but also leaves a lasting impression. The performances are top-notch, and the direction is confident, making this film a must-watch for anyone who appreciates quality cinema. The future of the Malayalam film industry looks bright with such talent emerging on the scene.

The story is pretty straightforward and this combined with clever acting and directing makes this movie an above-average experience. The talent-rich cast is one of the main highlights of this film.

The climax could have been executed more neatly, but that's not a drawback at all. After all, this is a pure comedy movie. There were lots of laughable moments. The second half was more engaging for me.

The veteran actors has done a great job. Noby Marcose deserves more roles like this and there is no point in typecasting him as a mimicry star.

Overall a good movie and we would love to see more films from the same cast in the future.

This was an entertaining watch - one you can watch with friends and even family - but with friends you might enjoy the first half tremendously. ( Especially if you older than say 27-28 ).

First les talk about what works : -

1. Casting was spot on - the story happens across different time periods and all actors, especially the child actors of various ages played convincingly and the pair of father's and their son were casted really well as well. Especially the pair of Noby and his son ( all actors including child actors resembled him )

2. Period settings were on point ( the dress may be less so, but attention to detail was really commendable)

3. Cinematography and screenplay was organic and done with passion and finesse ( there is a fight scene near the middle which was brilliantly shot, similarly the stunning shots towards the end, inside the house, hospital - all were excellent.

4. Perfomance were pretty good - especially Aziz and Kottayam Naseer.

Now things that could be better -

1. Editing / direction could have been more crisp - the pace in the second half felt a bit too slow and few scenes seemed a bit of repetition and few elements felt could be elaborated or explained with more depth ( the story line around the 'sucessful' guy and his troubles and issues could either have been excluded or explained a bit more in detail - now it looks like a caricature and you don't 'feel' much for his plight due to this )

2. Ending was good and bad - won't go into details since it might spoil - but more depth could have given on what happens to the boys a bit more

3. Music and score was just ok - not really giving any lasting impression ( I cannot even recollect any song from the movie after leaving the theatre)

Vazha - A laugh riot. Really had a good laugh this year in theatres after Premalu. All actors did well except Basil. He is repetitive and I had enough of him. He is omnipresent now in every other movie.

Joemon jyothir was exceptional. Expect to see him many more movies. Started liking him from guruvayoor ambalanadayil the only part I enjoyed in that, otherwise a dampener movie.

Post interval the movie moved to emotional track and thought they would insert "Nanma" or preachy mode thankfully the movie again pulled back to the comedy genre and ending was also not a usual one. Music was exceptional as well but sometimes it is too loud that some dialogues are not heard clearly.