#Vaazhai

[filmmakersvision]

Best of 2024: Favorite Tamil Films

January 9, 2025

by Inakshi Chandra-Mohanty

1. Vaazhai

It is impossible to speak of the power of Vaazhai without revealing essential details, yet it will be a disservice to the audience to speak of the story without allowing everyone to experience it. Though it is not a suspenseful film, certain riveting elements and character arcs are best felt than described. This dramatic tale of a poor child laborer who oscillates between innocent play in school and the rugged nature of lugging work is both heartfelt and tragic. Sivanaindhan’s story emphasizes a fractured childhood, the burden of reality over aspirations, and a loss of innocence at far too young an age.

This film seems to be writer-director Mari Selvaraj’s most personal work as it contains fragments of his own childhood. His brilliant use of atmospheric elements, repetitive frames, and a larger than life musical score, makes us truly experience the tragedy of thousands of young boys around the country, who are burdened by similar circumstances. By the end of the film, with our guts wrenched and our hearts full, we count ourselves fortunate, that we never had to live such a painful childhood.

2. Kottukkaali

Kottukkaali, translated as The Adamant Girl, is about Meena, one such stubborn girl paraded across an obstacle ridden journey in an attempt to extinguish her love for a lower caste boy, or as her family members put it, the ‘evil spirit’ that has overtaken her body. This neo-realist film, directed by P.S. Vinotharaj of Koozhangal fame, doesn’t strive to make a point. Instead, it centers on introspection, using cinematic metaphors and character tropes to highlight regressive practices, female entrapment, and fragile masculinity. Whether it is Meena’s position reflected by a caged rooster, or a meandering bull the cowardly men are unable to drive away taken with ease by a little girl, or the gross invasiveness of an exorcism, there are many such thought-provoking moments.

The film’s purpose is to appeal to the audience. Rather than deliver a message itself, it allows us to make the decision of what path these characters will take, hoping that maybe the frustration of what we are witnessing, will convince us to take a step away from patriarchal norms. We are drawn into this uncomfortable environment with only one escape: our own sense of morality.

3. Lubber Pandhu

Cricket rivalry. Ego tussles. Intertwined romance. Intense drama. Lubber Pandhu is a complete package, an amalgamation of different genres, a thorough massy entertainer. Yet, it is so far removed from the typical content that emerges from Tamil mainstream cinema. It contains real characters, empathetic relationships, and a pinch of ridiculousness. The story follows Anbu and Gethu two cricket stars from different towns as they regularly engage in conflict to outmatch one another. This struggle is further complicated by their romantic involvements, ultimately forcing them to make choices that determine the value of family, love, and cricket in their lives.

Despite being a film centered around the fragility of the male ego, the strong women and their bond with the men are the greatest appeal. Yasodhai and Durga aren’t just typical love interests, they are the anchors for these hypermasculine men in their pursuit of success. That combined with the crackling chemistry and angsty passion these couples present on screen makes the film an enjoyable experience. The story also places a subtle emphasis on caste differences. It refrains from revolving primarily around discrimination, by showing that while Anbu’s caste has held him back, it is not his identity. We see Anbu as a human being, far before we are made aware that he is from a lower caste. With this slight social commentary amidst a plethora of fun characters, crisp comedy, lovable relationships, and obsessive competition, Lubber Pandhu will leave you with a satisfied smile on your face.

4. Maharaja

Storytelling is the hero in this ludicrous film about a barber attempting to retrieve his stolen dustbin. A seemingly wafer-thin plot morphs into a suspenseful, complex narrative, courtesy masterful writing and brilliant direction. Despite comprising of a few cliched tropes and predictable turns, Maharaja is a sharply executed action thriller that uses non-linear elements to repackage its typical content. The story is about far more than a man’s obsession with a decrepit object, but our ability to decipher this puzzle hinges on neatly placed visual clues and smart narrative progression.

Fresh off the heels of his debut Kurangu Bommai, writer-director Nithilan Saminthan again proves his expertise in manipulation. By creatively weaving together parallel tracks and multiple timelines, he takes the audience on a mind-boggling ride. But the manipulation isn’t just relegated to the plot. It is also present in the emotions. He gets us intensely invested in the titular character and his pursuit for justice even when we aren’t privy to the backstory, and Vijay Sethupathi’s stellar performance gives the character an additional genuineness that resonates with us. Overall, Maharaja is a delightful experience that shows how good storytelling can convert even the simplest of plots into an ingenious film.

5. Amaran

Unlike the majority of army-based biopics that foreground the main character’s journey through his actions and achievements, Amaran is about the person behind the uniform. The husband, the father, the son, the brother, the friend, the leader. Major Mukund Varadarajan isn’t just a national hero, he’s all these as well. Narrated from the perspective of his wife, Indu, this wholesome biopic regales his real-life story by showing us who he is in her eyes. It’s the Indian audiences’ favorite blend of patriotism and emotional drama, balancing his heroic encounters with the relatable, humane aspects of his character.

The most memorable moments in the film are not those where he conducts the intense operations he was hailed for, but those where he is his light-hearted pleasant self, smiling while listening to his daughter’s voice on the way to an attack, sleeping with his wife on a video call, sharing a comedic camaraderie with his army mates, or presenting his parents with a new home. Actor, Sivakarthikeyan, in one of his best performances, deserves credit for the ease with which he shifts between the serious, tough demeanor of Mukund – the squadron leader, and the caring smiles, soft voice of Mukund – the husband and father. Through all these empathetic moments, writer-director Rajkumar Periasamy does a terrific job weaving together an extremely personal story of love, hope, and triumph. For those of us that get exhausted by apathetic action sequences that army films typically rely on, this is a refreshing change. Amaran is truly a heartfelt ode to a national hero, who is first and foremost, a good human being.

6. Meiyazhgan

Just like C. Prem Kumar’s previous directorial venture, 96, Meiyazhagan has little plot development with a heavy reliance on the chemistry between the lead characters. The only difference, in 96 this bond is a teenage romance, and in Meiyzhagan it is a youthful bromance. The story follows Arul’s return to his hometown 22 years after he was forced to leave and his overnight interactions with a distant relative he fails to recognize. It is a heartwarming journey as Arul revisits forgotten memories and rediscovers his old self in this mysterious stranger.

The entire impact of the film hinges on the believability of the friendship between these two opposing personalities. How do a full of life stranger and a lifeless Arul find comfort and ease in conversation with one another? This is only possible due to brilliant situational dialogue writing and powerful performances. Karthi with his exuberance and Arvind Swamy with his calmness fully imbibe the contrasting nature of this delicate relationship. There is a certain simplicity and grounded-ness in their subtle acting that make the characters relatable, and their discussions flow as smoothly as a stream of water. Meiyazhagan brings out a tearful empathetic nostalgia and it’s clear that it is a film made from the heart.

[educationalbusinessindia]

Agribusiness Management Colleges in India

[allmovies4eu]

Vaazhai Box Office Collection Day 1 Friday, Hit Or Flop, Budget, Cast And Crew, and Release Date

Vaazhai Box Office Collection Day 1 Friday

Vaazhai Box Office Collection Day 1 FridayVaazhai Worldwide Gross CollectionsVaazhai Movie BudgetVaazhai Movie Hit or FlopVaazhai Movie Cast and CrewVaazhai Movie Release Date Vaazhai Box Office Collection Day 1 Friday: Vaazhai is an action drama Tamil language biographical movie and the movie Vaazhai is directed by Mari Selvaraj. Raghul R., Nikhila Vimal, Ponvel M., and Kalaiyarasan are playing…

[drmsss]

LIST OF MY FAVORITE FILMS THAT I HAPPENED TO WATCH IN AUGUST…… :)

AAVESHAM: I like the silliness ( doesn’t mean to say it’s dumb & meaningless) of this film in particular…. I fancy its presentation style ( like it’s very comical & animated ) ….

SAPTA SAGARADAACHE ELLO- SIDE A&B: I look at this series of films as dark chocolate… side A is similar to 55% cocoa dark chocolate & side B is almost identical to 90% cocoa dark chocolate.… Amongst the dairy milk (which contains more amount of sugar than cocoa beans) kinda romantic films, this film is not that type.…. It's more raw, rooted & hard-hittin’ …

VAAZHAI: After watchin’ this film, I was like “I am not even eligible to say the word tribulation to describe my downs ” as the director conveyed to me the true meanin’ of the word “hardship” …. Many people say that this film is not a commercial film which I don't agree….

SARIPODHAA SANIVAARAM: I watched this film yesterday... I think this film’s director made this film with the feelin’ “This is what you wanted right?? Take it take it” … But he did not cook this film in an unambitious way… He had done it in an admirable & intelligent way… I watched Ante Sundaraniki before & I like that film as well.… That film is more rooted compared to this film… But that doesn't make this film weak either:)

I am not a film expert.… I’m just an admirer of films

[pristine24]

Vaazhai Deleted Scene - Watch & Enjoy Vaazhai Running Successfully world...

[dailyreportonline]

OTT Releases This Week: Zindaginama, Citadel: Diana, Raat Jawaan Hai, and More | Daily Reports Online

This week, SonyLiv is treating us with two heartwarming dramas. In Zindaginama, we follow six stories about mental health. In Raat Jawaan Hai, we meet three friends who embark on an adventurous journey of raising kids. Another heartwarming release on homefront comes from Hotstar’s Vaazhai, where we see a young boy trying to break free from his life on a banana plantation. On the international…

[rarulmca]

ரஜினி விஜய் பட வசூலை முந்திய வாழை VAAZHAI Beats Rajini Vijay Movie Colle...

[karuppuezhutthu-blog]

K. Krishnasamy | மண்ணை ஆண்டவர்களை கூலிக்காரர்களாக சித்தரிப்பது தவறு | Vaazhai Movie

K. Krishnasamy | மண்ணை ஆண்டவர்களை கூலிக்காரர்களாக சித்தரிப்பது தவறு | Vaazhai Movieசெய்திகளை துல்லியமாகவும் துரிதமாகவும் வழங்கும் தமிழகத்தின் முதன்மை செய்தி தொலைக்காட்சி உங்கள் நியூஸ்18 தமிழ்நாடு.

[saranga9922]

Vaazhai - Official Trailer | Kalaiyarasan | Nikhila Vimal | Santhosh Nar...

[subkuz]

सीएम योगी आदित्यनाथ ने शनिवार को जम्मू कश्मीर में आगामी विधानसभा चुनावों को लेकर कांग्रेस पर जोरदार हमला बोला। 

उन्होंने कांग्रेस और नेशनल कॉन्फ्रेंस के मिलन पर नेता प्रतिपक्ष राहुल गांधी से कई गंभीर सवाल किए। उन्होंने यह पूछा कि क्या कांग्रेस जम्मू कश्मीर के युवाओं की भलाई के बजाय पाकिस्तान के साथ बातचीत कर अलगाववादी ताकतों का समर्थन कर रही हैं?

#ItsGonnaBeAlright#ULTIMAHORA#Vaazhai#NationalSpaceDay#Kalki2898AD#YoongiNeverWalksAlone#YESUNG#Release_Tre3Anskey_Result#HONORMagic6Pro5G

[loadingshare683]

Ramanichandran Novels Ullam Engira Kovilile

Tamil romance novelist, and presently the best selling author in the Tamil language. She has written more than 125 novels, most of which first appeared serialized in magazines like Kumudam and Aval Vikatan and were later brought out in book format by Arunodhayam. Some of her famous novels are available here. pls support to click the link of adds and support to me to continue my services to collect all books in tamil and create one tamil library . and save the all tamil books available in one place. Her stories feature “no caste conflict, no religious conflict, no terminal illnesses, no characters with serious vices. They are “100% soft romance.

ULLAM ENUM KOVILILE.illanthalir.com - Google Drive. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators. Adi Vaazhai Amutham Vilaiyum Anbin Thanmaiyai Arintha Pinne Atharkoru Neramundu Avanum Avalum Anbu Manam Mariyathen Azhagu Mayil Aaadum Aval Enge Piranthirukkindralo Baanumathi Bethamatra Nenjamadi Chandhini Ellam Unakkaga Ellorukkum Aasai Unndu En Uyir Neethanea En Uyire Kannamma Enathu Sinthai Mayanguthadi Enkannin Paarvaiyandro Ennai Yaarendru Enni Enni Enakkagave Nee Enna enna Aasaigalo. Oct 30, 2011 Re: Ramanichandran Novel List. Gaana Mazhai Nee Enaku. Idaiveli Adhigam Illai. Indha Manam Endhan Sontham. Ini Ellame Nee Allavo – 1. Ini Ellame Nee Allavo – 2. Ini Varum Udhayam. Iraivan Kodutha Varam.

Ramanichandran Novels Ullam Engira Kovilile Full

Ramanichandran (Tamil: ரமணிசநதிரன) is a prolific Tamil romance novelist, and presently the best-selling author in the Tamil language.She has written 158 novels, most of which first appeared serialized in magazines like Kumudam and Aval Vikatan and were later brought out in book format by Arunodhayam. Some of her famous novels are ValaiOsai,Mayangugiral oru madhu, Venmayil ethanai nirangal, Adivazh Ramanichandran (Tamil: ரமணிசந்திரன்) is a prolific Tamil romance novelist, and presently the best-selling author in the Tamil language.She has written 158 novels, most of which first appeared serialized in magazines like Kumudam and Aval Vikatan and were later brought out in book format by Arunodhayam.

[famoussrikant]

happy to start my journey in photography with this simple shot taken at my home. harvesting of bananas is considered to be an auspicious thing in our place. in tamil we mention the entire bunch of bananas as "vaazhai-thaaru" (வாழைத்தாரு). and a single smaller branch of bananas (6-12) as a "seeppu" (சீப்பு). . . . #photography #coimbatorephotographers #coimbatorephotographer #bananaplant #iphonephotography #harvesting #newyear #world_photography_page #southindia (at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6xqhMHn5b2/?igshid=3hkx631yoios

[trendingwatch]

It's a wrap for Mari Selvaraj’s Vaazhai

It’s a wrap for Mari Selvaraj’s Vaazhai

மாரி செல்வராஜ் தனது அடுத்த இயக்கத்திற்கான படப்பிடிப்பை முடித்துள்ளார். Vaazhai. இப்படத்தில் கலையரசன், நிகிலா விமல், பிரியங்கா நாயர் உள்ளிட்ட பலர் நடித்துள்ளனர். இந்த படத்தின் மூலம் மாரி செல்வராஜ் தயாரிப்பாளராக அறிமுகமாகிறார். டிஸ்னி+ ஹாட்ஸ்டார் மற்றும் நவ்வி ஸ்டுடியோஸ் வழங்கும் இந்த படம் ஸ்ட்ரீமர் ஒரிஜினலாக இருக்கும் என்று எதிர்பார்க்கப்படுகிறது. Vaazhai’s தொழில்நுட்பக் குழுவில் தேனி ஈஸ்வர்…

[theechudar]

Mari Selvaraj’s Vaazhai shoot wrapped- Cinema express

Mari Selvaraj’s Vaazhai shoot wrapped- Cinema express

Mari Selvaraj has wrapped up the shoot for his next directorial, Vaazhai. The film stars Kalaiyarasan, Nikhila Vimal, and Priyanka Nair, among others. With this film, Mari Selvaraj is debuting as a producer. Presented by Disney+ Hotstar and Navvi Studios, the film is expected to be a streamer original. Vaazhai’s technical team includes Theni Eswar as the cinematographer, while Suriya Pradhaman…