Vaazhai

This movie is about Sivanaindhan, a school student who is forced to work at weekends and holidays as a labourer to carry heavy banana bunches to pay his family's debt. The movie covers Sivanaidhan's friendship, his crush on a teacher, the state of villagers relying on only one job and the exploitation by the owner.

The movie starts with a serious flashforward scene of the movie's conflict. The school sequences, the fights and the unity between Sivanaidhan and his friend Sekhar, Sivanaidhan's infatuation towards his Teacher Poongodi, and the love scenes of Kani and Vembu were written as if in a slice-of-life movie. The attempt of Sivanaidhan and his friend Sekhar to avoid going to labour work was funny as well, as it shows how badly they hated it.

The conflicts were written as whenever Sivanaidhan does something for his joy it reverts to him negatively. I set my mind that something bad was going to happen as I saw the characters were happy for some time. The movie shows how the poor are being exploited without proper pay and treated poorly by the owners and middlemen. The movie gets darker by the climax. All the emotions were high in the movie, as required. The movie is good in every aspect.

Mari Selvaraj did a great job in crafting the true incident into a story of a schoolboy and then as a movie. Respect for him goes up, and I have high expectations for his next movie. The two boys who played Sivanaidhan and Sekhar did very well in their roles as debut actors. Other actors were good too as they played their roles well in the movie. The cinematography and composition were good. The music and songs play a vital role in this film to give a fulfilling experience.

In conclusion, I love this movie. It has had a huge impact on me. I would suggest everyone to watch this at least once.

"**Vaazhai**" is a deeply resonant film that serves as both a cinematic experience and a poignant exploration of life in rural India. Directed with a masterful blend of sensitivity and realism, the film presents a narrative that is as much about survival as it is about hope. With its authentic portrayal of the struggles faced by its characters, "Vaazhai" captures the essence of a world that is often overlooked in mainstream cinema.

Set in a remote village in Tamil Nadu, the film centers on a young boy who dreams of a better life amidst the harsh realities of his environment. His journey is one of resilience and determination, as he navigates the challenges that come his way with an unwavering spirit. The director, through his nuanced storytelling, ensures that the boy's story is not just about individual struggle but also about the broader socio-economic issues that plague rural India.

The film's pacing is deliberate, allowing the viewer to fully immerse themselves in the environment and the lives of the characters. This slow pace might be a deterrent for some, but it is crucial for the kind of storytelling "Vaazhai" aims to achieve. The narrative unfolds gradually, giving the audience time to absorb the intricacies of village life and the complex emotions that come with it. This approach also highlights the stark contrast between the serenity of the rural landscape and the underlying tension of daily survival.

One of the most striking aspects of "Vaazhai" is its cinematography. The film is a visual treat, with each frame meticulously composed to reflect the beauty and brutality of rural life. The lush green fields, the rustic homes, and the faces of the villagers are all captured with an authenticity that makes the film feel almost like a documentary. The use of natural light enhances the realism, while the camera's intimate focus on the characters adds depth to their emotional experiences. The visual storytelling in "Vaazhai" is so powerful that even without dialogue, the audience can feel the weight of the characters' struggles.

The performances in "Vaazhai" are another highlight of the film. The cast, consisting mostly of non-professional actors, delivers performances that are raw and deeply moving. The young protagonist, in particular, gives a performance that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. His portrayal of a boy caught between the innocence of childhood and the harsh realities of adulthood is nuanced and compelling. The supporting cast also does an excellent job of bringing the village to life, with each character adding to the richness of the story.

The film's music and sound design play a subtle yet significant role in enhancing the overall experience. The score is understated, blending seamlessly with the natural sounds of the village. It serves to underscore the emotions of the characters without ever overwhelming the narrative. The use of silence is also noteworthy, as it amplifies the tension in key moments and allows the audience to fully engage with the story on an emotional level.

"Vaazhai" is a film that doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of rural life, yet it is also a film that is full of hope. The director does an excellent job of balancing these two elements, creating a narrative that is both realistic and uplifting. The film addresses important social issues, such as poverty, education, and the rural-urban divide, but it does so in a way that feels organic to the story,

In conclusion, "Vaazhai" is a beautifully crafted film that offers a rare and intimate glimpse into a world that is often ignored by mainstream cinema. It is a film that challenges the viewer to think deeply about the issues it presents, while also offering a message of hope and resilience. For those who appreciate films that are both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging, "Vaazhai" is a must-watch. Its combination of stunning visuals, powerful performances, and a compelling narrative make it a standout film in contemporary Indian cinema.

A heart-rending film directed by a master film maker.

Starting with a child's infatuation with a teacher it gradually takes on more serious issues. It is woven beautifully with one serious issue after another.

Based on a true story It is set in the end of last century.

The child actors have done exceedingly well. The cinematography is stunning The adults have played their parts perfectly. The old Illayaraja songs add magic to the storytelling.

His earlier films, Paraiyerum Perumal had set a high level. Karnan was just as good.

This film is without doubt his Magnum Opus.

Tamil cinema is in safe hands.

One of the best movies in 2024 - Definitely a much watch movie to understand the happiness of simple things in life with the pain of poverty and hunger mixed.

The real success of this movie is - you get connected and corelate your life if you have crossed hardship in life. The movie will make you to self examine your self with regards to how you cross every news.

Food waste is a major problem in many countries, this movie will show the importance of food.

Oscar material - definitely this movie can be nominated to International nominations. Kudos to director for giving us this "BEST MOVIE - Vaazhai"

RATED 7/10 Language: Tamil Media Partner: Hotstar Source: Nil

The movie has powerful and highly impacting climax. The complete story is (very) slowly moving towards that climax portion. All these slow narration adding more impact for the climax. But one point of time you will get bored with the lengthy shots and unnecessary stretch of some scene sequences.

This movie definitely lack the eventful screenplay of "Pariyerum perumal". There is not much events in the first half and most of the events are get windup in second half only. I almost went to snooze state when "panchu mittai" song stretches, but the next scene its stunning....

Bear the slow and uneventful narration for the climax....