Movie: Vaagai Sooda Vaa (Thamizh,2011)
Plot: Set in the 1960s, the film focuses on a govt. job aspirant playing the role of an educator at an absolutely illiterate brickmaking village. Initially he stays there for the job-to-come by virtue of his stay but as he stays longer, he sees the importance of educating the children there thanks to the shaking of his conscience by the wisdom of a mysterious old man. Love blossoms and so does the prowess of the villagers in arguing against the looting landlord. Throwing away his aspirations, He stays there for good to complete the reform that he started.
Highlights:
- The director, Sargunam after a slick rural entertainer in Kalavaani goes a bit different with a film that sends a strong message on child labour but the fun quotient is not sacrificed. He is quite successful in coming out with a likable end-product.
- The music (many songs & the background score) was surprisingly so good given that a debutant had made the compositions. So is the photography. For this simple reason of identifying and using nice talent, the director is one to look-out for in the future.
- Vimal shows that he is an able performer; The new heroine with her strange accent and 'village-beautygirl' looks does a fine job (except for those exaggerated expressions in songs!); The kids, Bhagyaraj & Thambi Ramiah fit in some nice cameo roles.
Lowlights:
- Poor placement of songs at times harps the interest in the film.
- The hero gets in the reform act a bit too late, after 80-90 mins into the film.
A valiant praise-worthy attempt..
