User reviews

Vaazhai is more than just a film and those who have experienced it knows it leaves a mark - a film that is psychologically draining yet ultimately heartwarming coming-of-age journey that evokes smiles but with a heavy heart. It is a remarkable film from threads of real life events from director Mari Selvaraj's own life.

It follows the arduous journey of young Sivanaindhan, living with his mother and sister in the idyllic yet challenging village of Puliyankulam near Tirunelveli. He and his best friend Sekar navigate the treacherous terrain of poverty, a relentless cycle of labor mirroring the hardships. Sivanaindhan has a morbid wish, might sound messed up but he hopes that someone in the village passes away daily so he can avoid the laborious task of lugging. The banter between both about Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth is sure to elicit laughter from audiences and this adds a layer of humor to the film.

However, amidst the harsh realities, a delicate beauty unfolds. Despite the weight of existence, Sivanaindhan remains steadfast in his studies, finding solace in the gentle gaze of teacher Poongkodi.

Furthermore, Sivanaindhan's obsession with Poongkoodi reaches new heights as he not only sniffs her handkerchief and hums songs named after her but also accompanies her on her daily errands, such as visiting the rice mill. This is like a beacon of hope for the young Sivanaindhan who doesn't want to miss school amidst the tempest of life that demands he carry banana plantains to repay the debt of his late Father. The film's emotional climax and surreal imagery are hallmarks of Mari Selvaraj's distinctive style. The director skillfully employs a raw sequence involving paper cuttings to reveal the true incident.

Mari Selvaraj, a master storyteller, paints a vivid portrait of childhood with a fine balance between nature's elements and the village's intricate caste dynamics. The cinematography captures the beauty and the brutality of rural life with equal poignancy. Additionally, Mari Selvaraj's approach to the film's intermission was particularly noteworthy. Instead of relying on the conventional template, he opted for a more retro-inspired cinematic technique, utilizing on-screen text to echo Sivanaindhan's internal turmoil and his vow to his mother.

For some, the boy's daily life might seem mundane, and the village life, with its fights and caste divides, might appear like not an everyday affair to city dwellers. But I guarantee you that Vaazhai provides a unique perspective, showcasing the complexities of rural life that often go unnoticed as it delves deeper revealing another side of Sivanendhan's inner world. His coming-of-age experiences, a delicate blend of joy and sorrow, which will be rewarding for those seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.

The film seems to be a slow-burn narrative that resonates more with an audience familiar with rural life and its everyday struggles, rather than catering to mainstream entertainment. While it lacks the high-paced drama or action many viewers might expect, the technical aspects such as cinematography, direction, acting, and background score are undoubtedly praiseworthy, which is often a hallmark of art films.

The comparison to Rahul Dravid's batting style -steady, technically sound, and unflashy - perfectly encapsulates the film's approach. It's methodical and patient, not relying on extravagant or high-intensity moments, but rather on the steady build-up of simple yet meaningful storytelling. The climax, as you pointed out, brings everything together and provides a satisfying conclusion, making the earlier slow pace feel justified.

In summary, Vazhai appears to be a well-crafted art film, best suited for audiences with an appreciation for subtle, authentic filmmaking rather than those seeking high entertainment value.

Very Good movie based on real events .I can say that the best movie from Mari Selvaraj. No politics like his earlier movies. Only real story with some movie element to make you engaged .The cinematography and music is top notch If you are somewhat familiar with the life in villages, you will definitely love this movie. If you lived your entire life in cities like Chennai you may not connect with this movie. No powerful mainstream hero, duet songs and typical fight scene. You will love the portrayal of lifestyle in southern districts in Tamilnadu in 1980s. The inclusion of movie songs from that era is beautiful. The only concern to me was overloaded emotion.

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"

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.

"**Vazhai**" is a film that truly left a deep impact on me. It cannot be categorized as a movie meant for just one community; it is a film for all Tamilians. The movie speaks about the exploitation of labor, about love, and the pains of life. It is a must-watch for the younger generation as well. The cinematographer beautifully captures the essence of our land, from a mother cow that has lost its calf, to the millipedes that appear during the rainy season, and even the Odakkan. I could go on and on about this film. This is a quality life-drama film in Tamil cinema. Must watch in theatres, at least send this to the Oscar.

It's been a while since I watched a movie that speaks to you at multiple levels . "Vaazhai"does that & more.

At a very obvious level it gives you a ringside view of the suffering and the exploitation of the workers employed in the banana plantations of Tamilnadu . The sole purpose of their existence , it seems , is to keep working only to repay their debts .

At another level , you see the lost childhood of the young Siva who dreams of a life beyond carrying the head loads of the harvested Banana crop to the lorries thru the slush and mud .

As with a Banana Tree, the director peels away the various layers of a relationship.

Mari Selvaraj takes you thru this roller coaster of emotions, the rural milieu, childhood infatuation, a friendship that transcends the Kamal - Rajni rivalry , the brother- sister relationship and much more with absolute finesse.

With a bunch of unheralded but hugely talented star cast , " Vaazhai" goes for the jugular with a brilliant climax .

The young actor - Ponvel - who plays the role of Siva , has turned in a performance worthy of a national award.

Watch " Vaazhai" to rediscover the forgotten art of meaningful filmmaking.

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....

After watching Karnan, the main issue I felt with its screenplay was that it lacked any relief moments between the heavy or traumatic scenes. Nearly every scene carried some form of trauma. In Mamannan, while there weren't as many traumatic moments, and there were some pauses between heavy scenes, there still weren't enough contrasting or lighter moments.

However, in Vaazhai, these issues are not present. The screenplay includes some well-placed relief moments that allow the audience to slow down and regain energy before the trauma hits again.

After seeing Director Bala become emotional after watching this movie, I prepared myself for an intense emotional ride. Perhaps because I was expecting something overwhelming, I found that the movie wasn't as distressing or saddening as I anticipated. The film primarily addresses capitalist ideologies, and it is well-made, brilliantly portrayed, and effectively showcased.

A man has opened up to share his pain and past struggles, and this should be embraced with empathy, not judgment. It's a reflection of the lives of the oppressed, more like a journey than just a film.

However, when viewed purely as a movie, which should aim to captivate its audience, VAAZHAI falls short. Its lasting impact pales in comparison to the profound effects left by Mari's Perumal and Karnan. That said, the children in the film have done a remarkable job in preserving the essence and atmosphere of the story. Characterization of kalai, broker and trader could have been better. Teacher, sister and the mom characters will definitely pull you into the screens.

Vaazhai

A tale on the lives and miseries of banana plantation workers set on the backdrop of a small village in Thoothukudi.

The plot of the story is about the lives of two young school boys set on the backdrop of a small village who makes livelihood through working for Banana plantations.

This story is a dedication to his family clan in Thoothukudi losing 20 lives in an accident in 1990 due to the carelessness of the then affluent hands.

Mari Selvaraj has blended love,friendship,unity through the screenplay in the movie. He has also portrayed the agony of the underprivileged labourers over the middlemen and traders for their daily living through intricate details.

A well versed screenplay mixed with commercial cinematic essence keeps the pace of the movie steady and engages the audience completely with many hilarious moments in school with mischievous behaviour of the two boys.

Subtle performances by Ponvel,Nikhila Vimal,Kalaiarasan & Divya Duraisamy in the movie. Director has given detailed characterisation arc to all main characters and avenues for performance in the movie.

A remarkable story telling by Mari Selvaraj.

Rating - 3.5/5.

Nowadays, many filmakers are making anything in the name of creativity. Just to show that a accident happended, they made us sit for 2 hours through a serial like story telling. I have seen so many films with the same type of ending. Director could'nt manage to make his own experience feel by the audience. It was booring. Just because an old woman cries very loud, does'nt make it a master peice ending. Since there was nothing going on in the film, everyone could easily expect the ending. The only positive thing is the acting of the teacher's role. Lucky to not take my friends with me, they would have been dissapointed in me.

"**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.

Mari Selvaraj is so determined to expose the tears of the marginal people. His 'vaazhai' made me to realise how grateful I should be for the things I have. This is not a film which brings us joy but a quality content for the ones who seeks.

I found nothing wrong with the characterisation and their acting. Every role got its attention and dignity.

The plot exposes raw tirunelveli/Thoothukudi sides. Initially I thought it would be another caste based film from maari, but the films surrounds communism with a metaphor of why the hero's father photo and justified why he was so obsessed with communism.

It's sad to hear still the people are suffering like this with the low wage.

Definitely not an entertainer. Strengthen your hearts before the second off.

Thank you Mr. Mari Selvaraj.

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 (2024) : Brief Review -

The haunting tale of Mari Selvaraj's childhood lacks substance, but is full of powerful cinematic parallels. Those who don't know Selvaraj or his cinema should first watch his classics, Pariyerum Perumal and Karnan, before watching this movie to learn his style, texture, and why those rural stories can't be told better than anybody else but him. I would have called Vaazhai as Mari's attempt at The Fablemans, but it's not that happy tale, nor does it have any uplifting moments like John Ford's character at the end. It's more like a tragedy that Mari faced in childhood and also explores a terrible accident that took lives 19-20 luggers. The film lacks substance considering the kind of tragic adventures and intense world it puts on display throughout two hours. You may disagree when I say it lacks substance because there are so many conflicts, so many things continuously happening for two hours, but I'd suggest you just think about those complicated situations once you are finished watching the film. Why did this all happen? (Excluding the accident part, I am strictly adding this.) Just because of the fascinating romance of a child, and with whom? His teacher. I don't blame Mari for that because that's so real; it's just that it consumes a lot of space and time. I mean, I have seen my friends having a crush on teachers in my school days, and many of them have gotten slapped right after expressing their feelings in front of teachers. That's how it ended in my real life. Mari's romance continues in filmy style despite that severe conflict at the intermission point. I couldn't connect with this crush part. Rest assured, Vaazhai's got some brilliant cinematic parallels that only Mari Selvaraj could have achieved, right from Black & White grading for tragic scenes, folk songs, Kamal & Rajinikanth's mentions, popular songs to repeating backdrop scenes in new situations. The impact is strong even though the story is weak.

RATING - 6/10*

By - #samthebestest.

Vaazhai: Movie Review by Rajesh Puvvada

Hot food served on a plantain leaf evokes all culinary indulgences at one go. After watching this movie those fresh thoughts will remain washed out for ever!!

Mari Selavaraj's fourth instalment of movies with strong social imbalance theme knocks a notch higher on your emotional senses and leaves you with a thought provoking dilemma. Pari Yerum Perumal, Karnan, Manannan and now Vaazhai have a strong message. The only difference is Vaazhai ends in inexplicable pathos as against the earlier instalments.

The pace of the movie is slow and spins around a few places and characters over a strong story. Every word said by every character will make you think about the strength of the plot. The slow pace reflects the life and times in that context.

The plot sets you up very well for an unexpected twist in the very end. Twice or thrice we are set up to walk into the unexpected. That way I appreciate the genius in the story telling.

In a very strong pathos, a mild comedy can be very strong. You know the comedy is a little outdated but you will still enjoy it as a relief to the pain the movie traverses.

We always have close friends who will always enjoy to see you get stuck in a funny controversy. And they will lead you into it. And those become a memory that will bring tranches of nostalgia for the future. In this movie the protagonist is a very young boy who has a soulmate of a friend who remains his alter ego till the end. Always trying to tickle the sensual aspects of childhood, the friend does it for one last time in the very end. This his provocation saves the life of the protagonist.

I am a fan of the musical genius of Santosh Narayanan's score. He goes one level up in his offering. Scoring for pathos in a socially imbalanced setting will have some regional and ritualistic themes which he has handled very well. Dhee's fits this theme quite well, and delivers a foot tapping number in a sombre setting.

The presentation and cinematography happens to be a brilliant outcome. Unwrapping slowly layer by layer with metaphors. In the very end portrayal of cranes is a brilliant metaphor for establishing balance at the moment of tragedy. Not sure how many will get that piece of art work. Strong parts of emotional feelings are delivered in monochrome. Thus giving a special touch to the feelings the movie evokes

Very strong performances by every artist. Not one artist in this movie fits the popularity list. Many new faces in a close to reality setting. The movie retains its identity as a close to reality till the very end. One can only offer such strong social themes only when experienced earlier. I am certain Mari Selvaraj's portrayal in his installments come from his deep layered socially stigmatic experiences within.

Fresh and balanced on the outlook, deeply flawed and fragile social imbalance put forth with sheer brilliance.

If you are a movie goer for entertainment you can't appreciate this brilliant work. In my view this work qualifies for many national and international accreditations!!

Unlike the earlier instalments of Mari Selavaraj, no canine character is tragically lost!!

I am going with a 9.5/10. Will watch again to pick up some nuances, this time in OTT, whenever it shows up!!

Wow what a great cinematography that was! All kudos to the Cameraman and the Director of course, who is the writer of this movie which is based on his own life.. Storyline is pretty basic but the way that Child Actor performed his role was truly brilliant. I simply amazed to know that it was his debut movie. Wow child, long way to go ; Best wishes! His friend was also good in this entire movie and all other supporting actors also played their parts brilliantly.

The first half of this movie is pretty basic and slow, but it showcased the beautiful environment throughout the time. The relationships among villagers, their work cultures, way of gaining knowledge from school, earning sources everything showed brilliantly.. But it's totally an art movie in the first half so might not fit for all type of audiences. But the way they peaked and showcased emotional moments in the last 25-30Min, WoW that was my moment to feel for this movie.. Simply amazed to know the fact that it's kind of a real story of the director.. BGM was also melancholic at that time..

Overall a kind of art movie, not for masala audience lovers.. I will go with 7 out of 10 Stars for it and definitely a family friendly movie..

This film is overrated. Sadness can be painfully imposed. Looking at a female teacher's handkerchief and replying that you are like a mother or sister. What that boy is doing is not moral. How can pity come upon him? Can you lift the banana? Will it come in case of an accident? Is it okay to steal for hunger?

How can there be tragedy when none of the victims of the accident ever appear in the story? Ten accidents are shown live every day.

If you study well, you can look at the teacher's handkerchief, lie and steal. Is that so?

One question, if a student who doesn't study well is doing this, is he bad?

After a disastrous maamanan , mari selvaraj has delivered his career best movie, VAAZHAI. I always loved the story telling of Mari, his way story telling is always pictorial and visualised. The writting for this movies is really good. The politics, comedy, sentiment, emotions and love has been portrayed so well. Kudos to the writting, it has come so well. The two boys played a wonderful, with tirunelveli slang was so elegant and real. Those boys deserve a national award for their performances. Even Mari selvaraj and the mother character deserve a national award for their performances and direction. The music was a big pillar , SANA just nailed it so well, the songs and the Bg music was soo good. The art direction has done a good job too, i mean the topography has worked so well. The end was a bit emotional and touchy, overall a good movie must watch available in Hotstar. Pls do watch it.

Another gem from Mariselvaraj.

Viewers from all category are welcome to watch this masterpiece. Audience, who are interested in drama genre with beautiful detailing of the plot and characters would just praise the time, what they invest to watch this movie.

Especially the movie is based on a true incident, which would make the audience understand the impact of that incident, through this movie.

As usual, Mariselvaraj didn't forget to address his way of protest and the pathetic plights of the people, who have been through it.

Totally, the movie is worth watching.

We are expecting works like this from you Mr. Mariselvaraj.