A still from ‘Vaazha’
Five directionless youths burdened by the weight of their parents' aspirations! This is a frequently recounted narrative filled with angst, frustration, and sorrow. However, what elevates "Vaazha," dubbed 'the biopic of a billion boys,' is the humor intricately interwoven throughout the first half of the film, complemented by the relatability found in the latter half. Witty one-liners—some risqué, others genuinely amusing—elicit laughter.
Ajo Thomas, Vishnu, Moosa, Abdul Kalam, and Vivek Anand are five close-knit friends struggling to succeed in their examinations, and the challenges faced by backbenchers resonate with many viewers. The film chronicles their journey from preschool through college and into adulthood, all while depicting their middle-class backgrounds.
While Moosa enjoys unwavering support from his father, the other young men grapple with parents who are too preoccupied to acknowledge their struggles or allow them to pursue their aspirations.
In Malayalam, "Vaazha" translates to plantain tree; it also references a well-known somber saying that suggests it would be more beneficial to plant a plantain tree than to invest in a child deemed unworthy.
The film is penned by director Vipin Das, known for "Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey" and "Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil," and is directed by Anand Menen, who made his directorial debut with "Gauthamante Radham."
Vaazha (Malayalam)
Director: Anand Menen
Cast: Jagadish, Kottayam Nazeer, Azees Nedumnagad, Siju Sunny, Amith Mohan Rajeswari, Joemon Jyothir, Anuraj OB and Saaf
Runtime: 125 minutes
Storyline: The journey of five thick friends, all backbenchers, who drift through school and college, burdened by the expectations of their parents
The film's Reels-like atmosphere is accentuated by sharp scenes that illustrate the young characters' interactions with indifferent and uninspired teachers throughout their school and college experiences. It features a blend of action, brawls, and humor. At some point after the intermission, the writer and director seem to recognize that the film—much like its main characters—has been meandering along without direction. Consequently, they opt to introduce elements of reality to strengthen the narrative.
As the protagonists navigate their engineering college journey, with seats purchased by their hopeful parents who envision their sons fulfilling their aspirations, they begin to confront harsh realities such as failed exams, unsuccessful interviews, and fleeting relationships.
The film poignantly highlights how parents can hinder their children's growth by imposing their own life choices. It critiques the educational system, where teachers often prioritize exam scores as indicators of success, neglecting students who may wish to pursue alternative dreams. Toxic parenting is scrutinized, with traditional expectations of blind obedience and the meddling of intrusive relatives being challenged. A particularly touching moment occurs when Ajo’s father, portrayed by Azzez Nedumangad, confronts his toxic brothers who belittle his son, resonating with young viewers who endure similar familial pressures.
Despite addressing the challenges stemming from the students' academic struggles, writer Vipin skillfully maintains a comedic tone throughout. Even the more emotional scenes in Vaazha manage to avoid becoming overly sentimental.
The film's greatest strength lies in its relatability; director Anand ensures that it steers clear of melodrama, even as the second half presents numerous opportunities for it to devolve into a conventional tear-jerker.
Amith Mohan Rajeswari, Siju Sunny, Joemon Jyothir, Anuraj OB, and Anu portray the five classmates, while Saafboi takes on the role of the antagonist, a top-performing student and teacher's favorite who embodies the traits of an A-lister.
Kottayam Nazeer delivers an impressive performance as Vishnu’s disheartened father, complemented by strong portrayals from Jagadish and Azees. Noby Marcos, in the role of Moosa’s father, effectively embodies a supportive parental figure with a subtle touch. Additionally, Basil Joseph’s cameo enhances the narrative with a refreshing element.
While the female characters in the film have limited roles, Vipin refrains from resorting to themes of chauvinism or toxic masculinity. Instead, the screenplay highlights how a deficiency in emotional understanding and maturity complicates the establishment of healthy relationships with women.
Despite several inconsistencies in the script, the overall uplifting atmosphere of the film compensates for these shortcomings. The technical team, featuring Kannan Mohan’s precise editing and Aravind Puthussery’s cinematography, provides valuable support to the director.
Vaazha is a robust comedy that also raises important questions regarding parenting and education.
vaazha is currently running in Disney Plus Hotstar
🎬 Movie: Vaazha : Biopic of a Billon Boys
📅 Year: 2024
🔊 League: Tamil Dubbed
🔅 IMDB: 7.5
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