Mari Selvaraj‘s new movie, Vaazhai, has garnered widespread acclaim since its release on August 23, 2024. Known for his previous works, such as Pariyerum Perumal and Karnan, Selvaraj has consistently impressed audiences with his storytelling. Now, with Vaazhai, he has delivered what he describes as his best film yet, and the audience agrees with that.
Mari Selvaraj’s movie Vaazhai gets stellar reviews
Vaazhai tells the story of Sivanaindhan (Ponvel), a young boy with a sweet smile and an optimistic outlook on life. Living with his mother, Janaki, and elder sister, Vembu, Sivanaindhan’s life is a constant balancing act between school and work at a local banana plantation.
Despite his academic excellence, his joy is stained by the grueling labor that strips him of his childhood. Overall, the film explores themes of inequality and personal struggle, highlighting the emotional and physical toll of Sivanaindhan’s dual existence.
Social media platforms have been flooded with praise for Vaazhai, with many viewers expressing their admiration for the film’s heartfelt depiction of reality. One netizen shared, “Vaazhai is a lovely representation of life with all the emotions, realistic treatment, & an engrossing screenplay. Barring some minor flaws, this one’s heart-warming & heart-wrenching.” Another echoed these sentiments by writing, “Just saw Vaazhai, a stunning portrayal of reality with top-notch acting. Every scene felt genuine and gripping. Easily the best movie I’ve watched this year.”
The film’s first half has been particularly well-received, with viewers praising the performances of the young leads. “#Vaazhai is one of those films you would want to scoop up and hold close to you for as long as possible. It’s stirring and emotional in its tale. It is so tender yet haunting. And it is one of those rare films that you would want to erase from your memory to watch over again,” wrote one reviewer.
The film’s music, composed by Santhosh Narayanan, has also been lauded for its haunting melodies, which perfectly complement the film’s tone. A viewer commented, “I can’t stop thinking how the press show audience remained firmly in their seats when #Paadhavathi played in the credits.”
All in all, Vaazhai stands out as one of the best Tamil films of 2024.