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Vaazhai backdrop

Vaazhai

23 August 2024Tamil2h 14m
Drama
out of 10
Recommendedmost critics liked it
Monk Score · 9 scored reviews · 3 not rated

Mari Selvaraj's raw, emotionally honest portrait of class lands with quiet force.

Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: Direction and emotional authenticity
  • Criticised: Lack of moral complexity in characters

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Critic consensus

What 12 critics are saying

Vaazhai has received a strongly positive critical reception, with reviewers broadly praising Mari Selvaraj's assured direction and the film's emotional depth. Critics frequently highlighted the quality of performances, particularly from the child actors, as well as the technical craft encompassing cinematography, music, and composition. Baradwaj Rangan and Bhuvanesh Chandar offered some of the strongest endorsements, calling it 'terrifying cinematic beauty' and 'poetry in motion' respectively. The most consistent criticism, raised by Abhinav Subramanian, is that the film's portrayal of class conflict is too black-and-white, with underdeveloped antagonists reducing dramatic complexity.

How the 9 scores spread

3 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 12 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (12)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    Baradwaj Rangan

    Film review

    The buildup to the climax is simply extraordinary. This is one of the best passages of cinema I have seen in recent times. Mari Selvaraj's Vaazhai is a work of terrifying cinematic beauty.

  2. Deccan Herald

    Film review ·

    The trailer of 'Vaazhai' (Banana) hinted at a story of oppression and resilience in the backdrop of an exquisite setting and a touch of emotional drama.

  4. Indian Express

    Film review

    Vaazhai is effortlessly subversive, nonchalantly poignant, and characteristically uncompromising. Mari's films are well-planned, and well-executed, with a clear purpose for every beat. It is beautiful how Mari takes his time to make us understand love can't be dissected.

  5. OnlyKollywood

    Film review

    Vaazhai is surely worth a watch for the story it brings, with Mari holding the film powerful and personal at the same time. The film deserves a watch on the big screen for the conviction with which Mari is able to tell his story, with technically strong product supported by excellent camerawork and solid score.

  6. The South First

    Film review ·

    Mari Selvaraj's film is heartwarming and gut-wrenching in equal parts. Child actor Ponvel M as Sivanendhan is the show-stealer. The writing, cinematography, and music aid the story in leaving the intended impact.

  8. MovieCrow

    Film review

    A lovely representation of life which has all mixed emotions, realistic treatment with an engrossing screenplay. Barring some minor flaws, we get to travel along the characters, feel for their joyous and sorrowful situations.

  9. Ottplay

    Film review ·

    It is easily a delightful deviation in Mari Selvaraj's filmography. High on quality, and beautifully emoted characters, Vaazhai shines in its treatment and becomes an ode to innocence.

  10. Times Of India

    Film review

    Vaazhai has got heart and looks the part, but it could've used a bit more grey in its village tableau. The film's so busy painting this black-and-white picture of the downtrodden versus the village bigwigs that it forgets to add some shades of grey, making it tougher to stay connected despite stellar performances from the young leads.

  11. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    This is not just another Tamil film - it makes you laugh, cry and most importantly, think. This rural drama is based on true events.

  12. The Hindu

    Film review ·

    With Vaazhai, Mari Selvaraj — apart from showing you who he is — makes you smile, laugh, think, and leaves you with a lump in your throat. Vaazhai is as measured a story gets to be told in modern-day mainstream cinema. From how the frames are composed to how shots are juxtaposed, it's poetry in motion.

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