Filmmakers often trying to experiment with different cinemas let themselves get-go for a period film. Quite a cliche and it’s been evident with ‘Madharasapattinam’ and yet to release ‘Aravaan’. Director Sargunam has picked up a style little different from these ones as it touches the backdrops of the late 60s that revolves around an interesting plot of a teacher bringing forth an abrupt change in the lives of people drenched in deplorable scenario.
A village located near Tanjore is a land of thick population of brick labourers, who have no sound knowledge about education. Vimal plays the role of a wannabe government school teacher, who is urged by situations to pick a job to teach the children in this village. Though, he is reluctant to teach them during initial stages, the protagonist literally starts liking the place as time proceeds. He doesn’t educate them, but enlightens the entire village emblazoning their lives. But soon he starts facing problems from the cruel cunning landlords, who own the brick manufacturing industry.
Director Sargunam’s penchant taste for humor won him incredible praises in his debut directorial ‘Kalavani’. Though, ‘Vaagai Sooda Vaa’ is a different film from his earlier one, he doesn’t miss to add the hilarious moments that becomes the biggest asset during first half. The first half of the film is filled with slow moments as it takes more time for the conflicts to rise. Till then, the audiences can just sit back and experience something new about the visuals. On the flip side, the visuals give an odd look as we can see the set works has been done in the backdrops of a large vacant land.
Vimal has done what is exactly required for the role of a teacher. He doesn’t over-react during any situations and exhibits a naturalistic approach to his characterization. Iniya shows up with a brilliant performance and the young actress can look ahead for some awards or at least nominations. Ponvannan sleepwalks through his role as a typical cunning personality and Thambi Ramaiah has nothing much to perform.
Gibran makes a promising debut swaying with best tunes and almost all the songs are over the top. But few songs are nowhere closer to the situations and director Sargunam has purposely had added it. The cinematography with sepia tone could have been tried in a different style. Why do all period films should have the similar tone? It isn’t a big drawback, but the filmmakers can take into consideration.
On the whole, ‘Vaagai Sooda Vaa’ is a different cinema when it comes to Tamil film industry and we need to appreciate the entire team for having done a good job.