Plot Summary:
“Vaazhai” is a poignant portrayal of a young boy, Sivanaindhan (Ponvel), who lives with his widowed mother and sister (Dhivya Duraisamy) in a small village near Tirunelveli. Despite being a bright student who enjoys school and has a close friendship with Raghul (Sekar), Sivanaindhan is burdened by the harsh realities of his family’s financial struggles. His weekends and holidays are consumed by laborious work in the banana fields to repay his late father’s debt. His mother, intent on teaching him responsibility, pushes him to endure these hardships.
At school, Sivanaindhan is particularly fond of his teacher, Poonkozhi (Nikhila Vimal), who shows him kindness amidst his struggles. His sister’s affection for Kani (Kalaiyarasan), a labor rights advocate, adds another layer to the narrative. As Sivanaindhan faces the challenges of growing up, an unforeseen event disrupts his life completely.
Review:
“Vaazhai” draws from the director’s own experiences to offer a glimpse into the life of a young boy caught between the innocence of childhood and the harshness of adult responsibilities. The film beautifully captures the picturesque setting and the small joys that brighten Sivanaindhan’s life. The portrayal of his relationships—with his caring sister, his understanding teacher, and his supportive friend—adds a layer of warmth to the story.
The film excels in its depiction of joyous moments and personal connections, highlighted by the heartwarming scenes between Sivanaindhan and Poonkozhi, and the playful interactions with Raghul. The performances elevate the narrative, with Ponvel delivering a standout performance that could potentially earn him a National Award. Sekar’s portrayal of Raghul complements Ponvel’s character perfectly, adding depth to their camaraderie. Dhivya Duraisamy and Nikhila Vimal also shine in their roles, bringing nuance and sincerity to their performances.
The technical aspects of the film further enhance the viewing experience. Santhosh Narayanan’s musical score and background music are exceptional, adding emotional depth to the scenes. Theni Eswar’s cinematography provides stunning visuals that linger long after the credits roll.
Verdict:
“Vaazhai” is a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant film that offers a touching exploration of a young boy’s journey through life’s trials. Its engaging narrative, combined with exceptional performances and technical prowess, makes it a compelling watch.
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
