I
tend to write when something / someone inspires me in any-which way. But with films, I write only when they manage to touch one
of those deep-seated nerves of mine :) And so far, its only Tamil films; will expand horizons sooner or later.
I
inadvertently stood up after watching ‘Vazhaku En 18/9’ as a mark of my
salutation to the director, Balaji Saktivel : A native and authentic attempt sire!
The
film, in simple words, is a snapshot of today’s life style across ‘so-called classes’
in our society. It’s as if a stop-watch is turned on and the real life is
playing out for you. Hence, it hits you so direct that end of it you are shaken
real hard! The film revolves around 4 main characters (Velu, Jyoti, Dhinesh,
and Aarti) along with a ‘Police’ character, and unveils some key incidents in
their life and its impact.
‘Winner’
Elements:
- Story and Screenplay shoulders the film, which is very rare these days; ably supported by average – decent performance from the main artists who all are new to the field and no ‘Stars or Actors’. Great start for Sri (Velu) and Jyoti (Urmila)!
- Brilliant narration: Story is based on some real life incidents and today’s day-to-day life style. Film replicates director’s conviction so much that it feels as if he has seen all of this in close quarters. Apt pace, flow, and style that keeps you wondering what next!
- Different ending note: Films have been made based on real life incidents like Angadi Theru. But Vazhaku En goes a step further because of its climax. It not only says ‘don’t be blind victims’, but also walks the thin line between taking the law into hands and facing the tune when you do so!
- Many take-aways as ‘Dos’, Don’ts’, ‘Beware’, ‘Note of Caution’ – for parents, children, teenagers, people (what we say is society), law-enforcing bodies (police, courts etc) from across : low, middle, upper classes – which pitifully is a division by riches and not by human’s behavior and attitude!
- Brings to light many pathetic issues of today’s society :
- child trade & child labor,
- people running behind money all time
- parents neglecting the key factor of ‘giving time’ to nurture kids
- passing on unhealthy life style and attitude to kids
- lack of common law enforcement across society
- greedy, cunning people with power playing around with people’s life
- lack of dignity, respect and security except for those blessed with loads of money or contacts (who can get away with anything so easily)
- misuse of technology like the mobile phones & MMS
- children lured to the assumed ‘oh-so-comfy life of the riches’
- ...and so on & so forth. Kudos to the director & editor who managed to spin this in the narration without any unclear knots or loose-ends! Not a moment in the film you feel left out!
- Pat on back for director’s diligence! His grasp of incidents, people, and life style has helped him etch such a close-to-life film: realistic characters, locations and the setup, natural lights, dialogs & dialect are all add-on factors to the film! The 'Lady' who helps Velu initially stands in our mind though she appears just for a few mts! That is characterization!
- Very wise use of only 2 songs with no music and only when required, is a plus! I personally loved the dream-sequence song. Respite from the age-old formula of a kuthu-song (Rap song), romantic duet, and pathos songs.
‘Wondering’
Elements:
- While the climax is a ‘thumbs up’ for the film, I still had many questions – were they intentional or is it just my thinking, I wonder!
- The characters of Dhinesh, his mom, along with her strong political bodyguard get away with their doings… Harsh reality of today is you get away if you have money or contacts! Is this supposed to stay? Do we allow this to continue?
- The Inspector, who had the power to fix many a thing and chooses not to, is made to pay! I liked that treatment! At the same time, Jyoti who is forced to take laws into her hands is also been given a lesson of not to do so! It’s a mixed message here – as a person with no iota of backing, in today’s world, what am I supposed to do? Should I take law into my hand? Should I start being doubly devious like others? What is the way out?
In a nut-shell, a
thought-provoking film that leaves you with many questions, some answers, and
possibly with the hope that ‘people’ will wake up to the harsh reality.
It’s a different story that
the producer & director had to wake up to the harsh reality of people’s
reception to this film.
Hats
off to Balaji Shaktivel (director) and Lingusamy (producer) for giving us this
film; not many willingly invest (efforts and money) in such attempts! My
apology to the film maker as I’m also one of those to be blamed for not
catching this film in theater! Friends, at least do watch the film and spread word
on the social network – the least we could do to encourage such film makers.
Disclaimer: This is my personal view and thoughts of the film.