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Vaazhai

Released Aug 23 2h 14m Mystery & Thriller List
Tomatometer 4 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Inspired by true events, "Vaazhai" chronicles, through the story of a lost childhood, the struggles and aspirations of raw banana plantation workers.

Critics Reviews

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Rohan Naahar The Indian Express Vaazhai is an especially disorientating autobiographical film, one that goes from Malgudi Days-style nostalgia to straight-up cruelty porn in the span of a few minutes. Sep 6, 2024 Full Review Abhinav Subramanian The Times of India Craft-wise, the film holds its own. Theni Easwar’s cinematography is a highlight, capturing the countryside and banana plantations with an eye for earthy details like animals and insects. Rated: 3/5 Aug 24, 2024 Full Review Latha Srinivasan Hindustan Times This is not just another Tamil film - it makes you laugh, cry and most importantly, think. This rural drama is based on true events. Aug 24, 2024 Full Review Bhuvanesh Chandar The Hindu In his most personal work to date, and arguably his career-best feature, Mari Selvaraj displays exceptional control over his film language to tell a deeply aching tale of a stolen childhood. Aug 24, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Kumar P Its not a movieits a powerful life experience Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/02/24 Full Review arvind s Once in a while there comes along a movie that will manage to move you to an extent that you could not have previously imagined. Mari Selvaraj's films are a class apart. His latest, Vaazhai, which is partially based on his life, leaves a lasting impact that will have you zoned out for hours, days, reflecting on what you just experienced. Set in 1998, in the village of Karungulam, Sivanaindhan, who lives with his mother and sister is forced to accompany them to work at a banana plantation over the weekends. He hates this job so much that he keeps finding excuses to skip work. Vaazhai captures moments from his carefree life, his interactions with his best friend, Sekar & Poongodi, his teacher.  When you are inspired to make a film based on your own life, you can expect something out of the ordinary. The way Mari Selvaraj navigates us through the innocence of childhood is something to marvel upon. The simplicity of the 90s, the arguments between friends on their favourite actors, coming up with excuses to skip work & living life as a kid. I did not want the movie to end. Santhosh Narayanan's music elevates the movie to another level. Especially tracks such as #thenkizhakku & #paadhavathi will have you experience a varied range of emotions.  The lead pair, played by debutants, Ponvel & Raghul, who play best friends onscreen are simply brilliant. I cannot believe that they are debutants. The support cast that incude the likes of Nikhila Vimal, Kalaiyarasan, Karnan Janaki & Dhivya Duraisamy are effective in their respective roles. Mari Selvaraj's Vaazhai may just be the best movie to come out this year. I do not expect anything to top this. Excelling in every department and leaving such a lasting impact, Vaazhai has my heart.  Do not miss this!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/06/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Vaazhai

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Movie Info

Synopsis Inspired by true events, "Vaazhai" chronicles, through the story of a lost childhood, the struggles and aspirations of raw banana plantation workers.
Director
Mari Selvaraj
Producer
Mari Selvaraj
Screenwriter
Mari Selvaraj
Distributor
Prime Media
Production Co
Navvi Studios
Genre
Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
Tamil
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 23, 2024, Limited
Runtime
2h 14m