Vaazha: Biopic of a Billion Boys(2024) - "The film explores the nostalgic essence of youth, beautifully capturing friendship, bonding, and the challenges of growing up."
Directed by: Anand Menon
Written by: Vipin Das
Starring by:
- Siju Sunny as Ajo Thomas
- Amith Mohan Rajeshwari as Vishnu Radhakrishnan
- Joemon Jyothir as Moosa
- Anuraj O. B. as Abdul Kalam
- Anshid Anu as Vivek Anand
- Saaf Bros as B. C. Vishwam
- Meenakshi Unnikrishnan as Maya
- Ziya Vincent as Reetha
- Sruthy Manikandan as Daisy
- Basil Joseph as CI Krishnan
Genres: Drama
Language: Telugu
Plot Overview:
Vaazha: Biopic of a Billion Boys follows the lives of five friends—Ajo Thomas, Vishnu Radhakrishnan, Moosa, Abdul Kalam, and Vivek Anand—through their school and college years, exploring their carefree friendships, relationships with their parents, and the humiliations they face as they grow up. The film portrays their journey through various life stages, reflecting on the people they meet and the transformations they undergo. The film delves into the nostalgic moments of youth, capturing the essence of friendship, bonding, and the trials of growing up.
Performances:
- Siju Sunny, Amith Mohan, Joemon Jyothir, Anuraj O.B., and Anshid Anu: The core cast delivers incredibly natural performances, making it feel like you are watching real-life moments rather than scripted acting. Their chemistry is the heart of the film.
- Basil Joseph: His cameo as CI Krishnan, especially in the police station scenes, adds an unexpected charm and humor to the narrative.
- Meenakshi Unnikrishnan, Ziya Vincent, and Sruthy Manikandan: The female characters, though playing smaller roles, bring authenticity to their performances and support the film’s emotional beats.
- Father-Son Bonding: The pre-climax scene portraying the father-son relationship is particularly well-done, adding emotional depth and relatability.
Technical Aspects:
- Direction: Anand Menon, along with writer Vipin Das, has crafted a film that beautifully captures the nostalgia of growing up. The direction feels fresh, with natural dialogues and situations that don’t feel forced.
- Music & BGM: The music, including some well-placed rap tracks, heightens the film’s emotional and comedic beats, enhancing the overall experience.
- Cinematography: The visuals are a highlight, with the camera work contributing to the immersive, nostalgic tone of the film. Each shot is well-composed, giving a fresh visual experience.
- Production Values: The production quality is excellent, adding polish to the film's authentic feel.
Strengths:
- Natural Performances: The cast delivers performances so genuine that it feels like real life rather than acting.
- Nostalgic Vibe: The film captures the essence of school and college life, which will resonate with many, invoking strong feelings of nostalgia.
- Music: The soundtrack and rap songs are well-integrated, making certain scenes stand out.
- Father-Son Bonding: A key highlight, especially towards the end, that adds emotional weight to the story.
- Comedy & Cinematic Style: The comedic moments and the unique style of taking elevate the film.
Weaknesses:
- Screenplay: While the screenplay brings a fresh approach, it may not appeal to all audiences. The film’s pace and style might feel slow or disjointed for viewers who expect a more traditional narrative structure.
- Appeal: The story’s simplicity and laid-back nature might not engage all types of audiences, making it somewhat niche.
My Personal Take On Cinema:
Vaazha: Biopic of a Billion Boys is a film that thrives on nostalgia and natural performances. It stands out because of its fresh visual style and the way it handles relationships, particularly the father-son dynamic, which is heartwarming. The movie feels like a slice of life, with relatable moments that linger long after watching. Though the screenplay may not be for everyone, its authenticity and emotional moments make it memorable. The Malayalam cinema scene in 2024 has truly been remarkable, and Vaazha adds to the list of must-watch films from this year.
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