Vaazhai Movie Review: Mari Selvaraj’s impressive tale of Rural Resilience

Mari Selvaraj is back with another gem, Vaazhai, and if you’ve seen his previous works like Pariyerum Perumal and Karnan, you already know that Selvaraj doesn’t shy away from tackling heavy themes. With Vaazhai, he gives us a story rooted in his own childhood memories, set against the backdrop of a banana plantation. This film is as much about the struggles of an oppressed community as it is about the small moments of joy that make life bearable.

Vaazhai introduces us to Shivanaindhan, a young boy who, despite his age, has the weight of his family’s survival on his shoulders even though he is not interested. He works in the banana fields with his mother and older sister, hauling heavy banana bunches over long distances. His only escape from this hell is School but even that is a luxury in his world, where work takes priority over childhood. The film does a beautiful job of showing how this harsh labor impacts Shivanaindhan emotionally, making you feel his burden.

Mari Selvaraj’s decision to set the story in a banana plantation isn’t just for the sake of aesthetics. The plantation and the bananas become symbols of the laborious and oppressive system that the characters are trapped in. There’s a scene where Shivanaindhan’s mother trades her earrings for a cow that her son lost, and it’s one of those moments that really tugs at your heartstrings, showing just how harsh and unforgiving the world they live in.

Ponvel M., who plays Shivanaindhan & master Raghul who plays as sekar, is absolutely brilliant. Their performance is one of those rare ones that stays with you long after you leave the theater. Especially Shivanaindhan character doesn’t just act; he has just lived the character, making every scene he’s in feel incredibly real and raw.

Nikhila Vimal also shines as Shivanaindhan’s school teacher, Poongodi. The supporting cast is equally strong. Kalaiyarasan, though not heavily featured, leaves a lasting impression as a young man fighting for his rights. And Divya Duraisamy, playing Shivanaindhan’s sister Vembu, adds emotional depth to the story, making the family dynamics feel all the more real.

Mari Selvaraj deserves a round of applause for how he brings this period to life. From the dusty village roads to the dry ponds and overgrown weeds, everything feels authentic. The film doesn’t romanticize rural life; instead, it shows it as it is—raw, tough, and unpolished.

If the first half of Vaazhai is about setting the stage, the second half is where the real drama unfolds. The climax, in particular, is a punch to the gut. Santhosh Narayanan’s music is the perfect companion to Mari Selvaraj’s storytelling. His score captures the mood of the film beautifully, enhancing the rural ambiance and making you feel like you’re part of the village.

When it comes to capturing the essence of rural life, Mari Selvaraj is in a league of his own. With Vaazhai, he doesn’t just tell a story; he transports you to another time and place. Theni Eswar’s cinematography brings the banana plantations and village life to vivid life on screen, making the setting feel as much a character as the people in it.

While Vaazhai might not have the same mainstream appeal as Pariyerum Perumal or Karnan, it’s a film that’s deeply personal and incredibly real. It’s not about delivering a crowd-pleasing story; it’s about staying true to the characters and their world. And in that, Selvaraj succeeds brilliantly.

Vaazhai is more than just a movie; it’s an experience. It’s a film that makes you think, feel, and most importantly, remember. With powerful performances, a beautifully authentic setting, and a story that’s as personal as it is universal, Vaazhai is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates cinema that doesn’t just entertain, but also resonates on a deeper level.