Movie: Vazhakku Enn 18/9
Genre: Drama
Starring: Mithun Murali, Sri, Urmila Mahanta, Manisha Yadav, Muthu Raman
Music: Prasanna
Director: Balaji Sakthivel
Producer: N. Subhash Chandra Bose
Running Time: 1:55
Release Date: May 4, 2012
Rating: 3/5
Here is a small film with a large heart. The lines between art house and commercial cinema are blurring.
Working from his own story, director Balaji Sakthivel creates a memorable, film with textured characters and poignant moments. It keeps you glued to the screen and the story unfolds in such a manner that it keeps you guessing till the very end. The story, screenplay and dialogues deserve distinction marks.
The set of fresh faces like Sri, Urmila Mahanta, Midhun Murali, Manisha Yadav, Muthu Raman are strikingly realistic and pitch in superlative performances. Full credit goes to Balaji Sakthivel for this and presenting two parallel love stories that culminates in a chilling climax.
The film opens in a hospital where a girl is fighting for life and a boy Velu (Sri) is brought to the police station for enquiry. Inspector Kumaravel (Muthu Raman) listens attentively to Velu's story of how he reaches Chennai and joins as a helper to a guy who runs a roadside eatery joint. He is smitten by Jyothi (Urmila) who is a domestic help in nearby upmarket apartment. His one-side love develops but Jyothi is unaware of it.
Dinesh (Midhun) is a spoilt brat, son a rich and affluent lady who is after Arthi (Manisha), who lives in the same apartment complex. He slowly work his way through, gets close to her and build up her confidence in him. He takes her to a beach resort and captures a video on his phone. But Aarthi finds his true colour and intentions and erases the video which irks Dinesh. He wants to take revenge on her but Jyothi becomes the scapegoat and Velu is framed!
Vazhakku 18/9 has qualities that you don’t find in movies too often these days. Music and background score by Prasanna is truly arresting and also in sync with the narrative. The screenplay and editing are tight and the performances are mind blowing. Chennai and its suburbs are captured in a realistic manner, thanks to amazing cinematography by Vijay Milton.
Hats off to Balaji Sakthivel, producers Lingusamy and Subash Chandrabose for choosing a bold and relevant subject and taking the road less travelled. And that makes all the difference. In an era of mindless action, larger-than-life heroes and below the belt humour, Vazhakku Enn 18/9 is refreshing, captivating and engrossing. A winner in all respects, a must see film.
Verdict: Excellent
Review 2
After the simple Kaadhal and the memorable Kallori, director Balaji Sakthivel is back with his next venture Vazhakku Enn 18/9. Balaji Sakthivel is noted not only for his realistic style of film making, but also for his observation skills and ability to transform these observations into a neat celluloid version that attracts viewers. Surprisingly, Vazhakku Enn 18/9 is an out-and-out love story. The film deals with how the concept of love has changed today, beginning with the so-called 'boyfriend-girlfriend' culture. The film is produced jointly by Thirupathi Brothers and UTV Motions Pictures; and has newcomers Sri, Mithu Murali and Urmila Mahanta in the lead roles.
Knowing what Balaji Sakthivel is capable of, we eagerly anticipate this film!
What is it about?
Looks like director Balaji Sakthivel has taken inspiration from many news articles to create a solid plot for Vazhakku Enn 18/9. The films opens with an ambulance rushing towards a hospital.... the victim is in serious condition and her mother suspects Velu. From there the police investigation begins...
Flashback... Due to circumstances Velu (Sri) is forced to work in a chips (and snacks) making factory in the rural areas of North India. When his parents die in an accident, the owner of the factory hides it from Velu and when he overhears this, he decides to leave his job forever. Obviously Velu lands in Chennai and ends up working in a roadside fast food. One day Velu ends up in a small conflict with the innocent Jothi (Urmila Mahanta) and her rude mother. So who is Jothi... A simple teenage girl hailing from a poor class family. She works as a maid in a nearby posh flats. In the same flat, Dinesh (Mithun Murali), son of a rich industrialist, sets his eyes on Aarthi (Manisha Yadav) and interestingly Jothi works in Aarthi's house.
On a fine day someone throws acid on Jothi's face while she is in Arthi's house... So who is behind it, and wat is Dinesh's role in this? Watch out in Vazhakku Enn 18/9!
Performance and Techniques
It is the script which triumphs over everything and the real hero is the screenplay. Director Balaji Sakthivel has once again proved that it is not necessary to have big star's dates to make a good film. The director has used the first half to narrate the background information of all the characters and the story progresses in the second half. Unlike the regular perception that Vazhakku Enn... is an intense rural drama, the film is an intense love story which is pure and simple. Balaji Sakthivel's screenplay is well supported by S. D. Vijay Milton's camera works. He has used a Canon EOS 7D digital camera for the filming of this flick. Another major highlight of the flick is the soundtrack composed by noted guitarist R. Prasanna. Gopi Krishna's editing could have been better. On the flip side, the second half could have been tweaked a bit to increase the pace of the film. Awards are for sure, but now it would be interesting to see how audience welcome it!
Perfect casting! Sri, who played the lead role in TV serial Kana Kaanum Kaalangal, has done an excellent job as Velu. Malayalam child star Mithun Murali is equally good but his dubbing could have been better. Urmila Mahanta is innocent and naive; Manisha Yadav is perfect for the role. The rest of the star cast Muthuraman, Chinnasamy, Senthil, Rani, Rithika, Goutham, Vidhya Eeshwar and Anjali have done their roles very well.
A very well made realistic drama! Kudos to Balaji Sakthivel and team!
Review 3
Director Balaji Sakthivel is known for gripping storylines and his Kadhal set a new trend in Tamil cinema. More story driven, his films does have an impact on the masses. After Kallori, the filmmaker is back with a bang with Vazhakku En 18/9, a movie that harps on romance, crime and sex.
Balaji Sakthivel has a firm grip over the medium. This is evident in the movie as he has opted for a fresh star cast and they live up to the director's expectations. Not just the cast and crew, but the technicians behind the screen to have contributed their best making it a wholesome film.
The film stars newcomers Sri, Urmila Mahanta, Manisha Yadav and Mithun Murali donning the lead roles. The first half may be little flat but the suspense unfolds and lots of twists and turns occur in the latter part.
Story
It is more of two stories combining together as one. Velu (Sri) works in a roadside shop. An orphan, Velu falls for Jothi (Urmila Mahantha); she works as servant maid in adjoining apartments. He comes across Jothi and falls for her. He goes desperate to win over her heart.
Meanwhile, enters Aarthy (Manisha Yadav), who live in the apartment. A student she loves her neighbour in the apartment Dinesh (Mithun Murali). Dinesh is a spoiled brat. He woos Aarthy and takes her obscene pics. Coming to know of Dinesh's intentions, she threatens to go to police. A tensed Dinesh hatches a conspiracy and plans to bump off Aarathy. But caught in the firing line is Jothi. She becomes the victim. Now cops enter. Dinesh manages to settle the issue with the cops. The 'corrupt' cop frames Sri and he is made the scape goat. The rest is all but how law takes its own course and pins down the inspector for his greedy and corrupt act.
Performance
Sri is impressive of the lot. He plays an innocent and lovable orphan, who fights to make ends meet in life well. Urmila is a treat to watch. She delivers what Balaji Sakthivel wants from her. She is cool and passes the test with ease and elan. Mithun Murali as Dinesh oozes venom in the movie. He promises aplenty with his performance. The rest of the cast delivers a good show that promises to sustain the interest of the audience.
Analysis
Cinematography by Vijay Milton and background score by Prasanna adds pep to the proceedings. Slick editing by Gopi Krishna. Hats off the whole team for a splendid show. Balaji Sakthivel has made a movie that is sensible and strikingly different from the rest. The movie may have its flaws, but yet the noble intentions make it worth a watch.
Vazhakku Enn 18/9 Movie Review, Rating Vazhakku Enn 18/9 Online Movie Review
Reviewed by The Cinema News on May 4 2012.
Vazhakku Enn 18/9 Movie Online Review, Rating
Muppozhudhum Un Karpanaigal - A very well made realistic drama! Kudos to Balaji Sakthivel and team!
Rating: 3.5
