Mari Selvaraj's Vaazhai Will "Haunt You Forever": Reviews Out (image mri_selvaraj)
Vaazhai is a Tamil’s children’s drama written and directed by Mari Selvaraj. The film tells a tragedy that unfolds through the eyes of Sivanendhan, a school kid living with his mother and sister in Puliyankulam village near Tirunelveli.
According to Times of India, the film presents picturesque snapshots of the countryside, with affecting sounds that marry the harshness of their lives with the mud that they come from. It said Mari Selvaraj stuck to his style and delved into caste dynamics. It sets up a whole ecosystem: villagers breaking their backs in the plantation, a broker playing middleman, and when Kani tries to organise a strike, the big boss shows up to smooth-talk their demands away. The review also added that the film is begging you to feel bad, but by making everything so cut-and-dry, it actually makes it tougher to stay connected.
India Today said Vaazhai, is a biographical film that explores a significant incident that changed Mari’s life. The review said Vaazhai is the career best film of Mari Selvaraj, and a perfect answer to the troll that targeted him.
In the film, the exploitation of the working class, social inequalities and the importance of money are explored through stunning visuals and carefully crafted sequences, read the review. “‘Vaazhai’ is hands-down Mari Selvaraj’s exquisite work”, according to the review.
Social Media Reactions
Social media said Vaazhai is a film that should not be missed in theatres. A user wrote that the film will “haunt you forever”.
#Vaazhai will haunt you forever!
Not to be missed in theatres… 😭 pic.twitter.com/HJlzF4oxuo
— Karky Johnson (@karkyjohnson) August 21, 2024
Another one said, “Watched this beautiful, beautiful film today. I still can’t get over this. Such brilliance from @mari_selvaraj sir, @thenieswar sir, @Music_Santhosh brother and the entire team. Special mention to my friends @KalaiActor and @dhivya_dhurai. Loved it!”
Watched this beautiful, beautiful film today. I still can’t get over this. Such brilliance from @mari_selvaraj sir, @thenieswar sir, @Music_Santhosh brother and the entire team. Special mention to my friends @KalaiActor and @dhivya_dhurai. Loved it! ❤️ #MariSelvaraj #Vaazhai pic.twitter.com/1CoqL48i5O
— Ajesh (@ajesh_ashok) August 22, 2024
One user called the film the best of the year. The tweet read, “This year’s best film comes from Tamil cinema’s one of the finest filmmakers — @mari_selvaraj . He puts a big smile on your face, transports you to his childhood and make you mourn along with him for the tragic loss. What a brilliant craftsman Mari is turning out to be”.
Another user said, “#Vaazhai – Usually, filmmakers dealing with this premise would prefer a ‘Sugar-Coated Pill’ treatment, but #MariSelvaraj hits it hard with the ‘Reality Really Bites’ theory. The story gives so much pain and pathos, which we can resonate with and carry back those bitter moments of the protagonist”.
#Vaazhai – Usually, filmmakers dealing with this premise would prefer a ‘Sugar-Coated Pill’ treatment, but #MariSelvaraj hits it hard with the ‘Reality Really Bites’ theory. The story gives so much pain and pathos, which we can resonate with and carry back those bitter moments of… pic.twitter.com/yXh53jcalB
— Star Talkies (@startalkies_ofl) August 21, 2024
