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Vaazha backdrop

Vaazha

15 August 2024Malayalam2h 5m

What critics are saying

Critical reception for Vaazha is mixed, with reviewers generally acknowledging its humor and nostalgic relatability as genuine strengths, particularly in the first half.

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Four friends deemed 'losers' face immense pressure from parents and society upon entering adulthood. Their emotional tale sees them embark on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, where love ultimately triumphs over judgment.

Critic Consensus

Critical reception for Vaazha is mixed, with reviewers generally acknowledging its humor and nostalgic relatability as genuine strengths, particularly in the first half. Several critics praised its portrayal of friendship and its ability to avoid becoming overly sentimental despite emotional material. However, a recurring criticism is the film's shallow treatment of its subject matter, with multiple reviewers noting that it fails to meaningfully interrogate the male irresponsibility it depicts, which sits uneasily against its self-proclaimed premise as a 'biopic of a billion boys.'

4 rated reviews · 2 positive · 2 negative

Praised: humor and nostalgic relatabilityCriticised: shallow, uncritical portrayal of male irresponsibility

AI-generated summary of 5 critic reviews · may contain errors

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Critic Reviews (5)

Updated
7.0
Anand Menen's film is an impressive portrayal of friendship that satisfies all the entertaining aspects it promised, thanks to Anand Menen's direction.
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Vignesh Madhu· New Indian Express
6.0
This shallow exploration of boyhood is fun while it lasts
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Ajay U K· The News Minute
4.0
Anand Menen's coming-of-age film is fun in parts but shallow in politics.
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Anandu Suresh· Indian Express
4.0
While Vaazha might evoke laughter and nostalgia for many, a major issue with the film is its blatant glorification of male irresponsibility and a carefree attitude that often impacts others. The film's failure to emphasise the fact that these five too are part of the problem is something that cannot be overlooked, especially since its tagline says 'biopic of a billion boys.'
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Not rated
What redeems Vaazha, 'the biopic of a billion boys', is the humour woven in all the scenes in the first half of the film and the relatability factor in the second half. What works for this movie most is the relatability factor; director Anand ensures that the film does not become maudlin, although the second half has plenty of scenes where it could have turned into a typical tear-jerker. Vaazha is a full-on comedy that also asks certain pertinent questions about parenting and education.
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Cast & Crew

Cast

Details

Release Date
15 August 2024
Runtime
2h 5m
Language
Malayalam
Genres
Comedy, Drama

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