Vaanam Tamil Movie Review

Hardly we see films that don’t focalize on commercial grounds and the producers of such films deserve praiseworthy remark and so for the actors, who take up such projects. Yes, the producers of ‘Vaanam’ and actors Silambarasan and Bharath have done a marvelous job by picking up a script that doesn’t turn towards the usual commercial masala ingredients, but provides a substantial platform for their performances.

‘Vaanam’, a remake of Telugu film ‘Vedam’ boasts of an unforeseen concept. Though, we might have come across Manirathnam’s ‘Aayutha Ezhuthu’ nearly 7 years before, this one proves to be more complex and very much engrossing as well. Each lead character in the film has more significance as they are on the quest of their own dreams. Cable Raja (Silambarasan), a well educated, but struck in poverty woos down a rich girl (Jasmine) unraveling his real status. He is on the run for a whooping amount of Rs. 40,000 for buying couple passes for New Year Eve party.  A Rockstar (Bharath) and his group leave from Bangalore to perform a Live Concert in Chennai. Set in backdrops of Tuticorin, a poverty-stricken widow (Saranya) and her father-in-law Muthaiah are striving for the betterment of her son’s future. But, everything goes terribly unimaginable as the money lender (Kadhal Thandapani) takes him away and insists them to return back the interest money. They’re heading to Chennai for selling off a Kidney for the sake of money. Rahim (Prakash Raj) along with wife Sarah (Sonia Agarwal) are travelling to Chennai in search of his brother Umar, who left them before 3 years in a Hindu-Muslim clash. Saroja (Anushka), a sex-worker aspires to run her own business in Chennai and departs from Sullurpettai along with her pal, a transgender Karpuram.

Although these characters are herein Chennai for different reasons, they are forced by situations that turns them selfless resulting in dawns and dusks in their lives.

A grand applause for the entire team for we get to witness a crème de la crème effort by everyone. For those, who couldn’t experience his usual traits in ‘Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya’ have a big treat from the actor. But, that doesn’t mean, he is back to the pavilion of ‘Silambattam’. Nah! He underplays his role as the film gives equivalent substantiality to all characters. His performance in climax is astounding till the date. Bharath on pars makes use of this good opportunity and emotes with a greater depth throughout the film. A humble request to Bharath! Please continue to act in such roles that win you laurels. Anushka’s role as a sex-worker deserves special mention. Unlike her previous films, she doesn’t go for more skin show and instead focuses on performance. Prakash Raj is remarkable. One of his best performances is in the flashback sequences, where he bursts out for his wife’s miscarriage. Santhanam’s comedy tracks are one of the major highlights of this film. While, major portions of the film are filled with seriousness, his comedy tracks freshen up our spirits. Vega does justice to her role while Jasmine as a rich girl is a good option, but is it worth singing ‘Evandi Unna Pethan’ for her? Simbhu should have had a second thought. Maybe, Sneha Ullal could have been the best option. Saranya as a pathetic mother exhibits her adeptness while the actor enacting the role of her father-in-law is fabulous.

Here are few portions that leaves us in tears and urges us to applaud ardently.

1. Anushka trying to save Karpuram and her conversation with doctor that she is ready to sleep with him throughout her life.
2. Simbhu returning back the money with an additional sum from his pocket.
3. Transformation of Bharath after a Sardarji saves.
4. Prakash Raj saving the police officer during attack.
5. Obviously, the climax that will make you sit even after the show is over.

Nirav Shah’s cinematography is the major plus as he tries changing the tone with accordance to the nature of characters. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s background score is awesome and the song ‘Vaanam’ that is heard almost throughout the film turns to be the cherry-pick. ‘Evandi Unna Pethan’ doesn’t have stunning moves of Simbhu, but is shot stylishly. ‘No Money No Honey’ is a Kuthu treat for his fans.

The first half has more commercial elements in the portions involving Simbhu, Santhanam and Ganesh. The opening fight sequence where Simbhu makes fun of ‘Kuruvi’ Vijay and praises for ‘Thala’ is rib-tickling.  Although, audiences might be quite confused with the non-commercial elements, they are sure to be drawn into the film by second hour for the edge-seated narration.

The film needs a special welcome for its unique genre and a brilliant effort by entire team. Watch ‘Vaanam’ for a different and new experience.

Cast & Crew:

Banner: Cloud Nine Movies, VTV Productions, Magic Box Pictures

Production: Dayanidhi Azhagiri, Ganesh, Ganesh

Direction: Krish

Star-casts: Silambarasan, Bharath, Anushka, Prakash Raj, Sonia Agarwal, Santhanam, Ganesh, Jayaprakash, Saranya, Vega, Jasmine and others

Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja

Cinematographer: Nirav Shah

Editing: Anthony

Verdict: Don’t Miss it. Strongly recommended