Being brought to Telugu audience by Suresh Kondeti, this is the story of two couples. While one pair belongs to the lower pyramid, the other pair is well-heeled. How these two couples cross their paths forms the crux of the story. The director was inspired by a real-life incident that happened in the North.
... Read moreBeing brought to Telugu audience by Suresh Kondeti, this is the story of two couples. While one pair belongs to the lower pyramid, the other pair is well-heeled. How these two couples cross their paths forms the crux of the story. The director was inspired by a real-life incident that happened in the North.
Director Balaji Sakthivel has always been known for his gritty, realistic take on situations, whether its love, marriage, or just plain adolescence. This time around, the director of Kaadhal comes back with a hard-hitting Vazhakku En 18/9, produced by Thirupathi Brothers and UTV Pictures and the meticulous research makes you applaud.
In a way, though, this is a movie that encompasses more than one story, and there seems to be a disconnect, at times. The director does make sure to connect the dots, however.
The hero of the story, however, is Balaji Shakthivel, in every way. Like his previous films, he roots his films in reality and sets his screenplay with such precision and unswerving logic that the proceedings do grip you. As is the norm with movies of this genre, the proceedings move at their own pace.
Plot
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!
Performances
The set of fresh faces like Sri, Urmila Mahanta, Midhun Murali, Manisha Yadav, Muthu Raman are strikingly realistic and pitch in superlative performances.
Of the actors, Muthuraman scores high, while Chinnasamy comes a close second, as well, bringing their characters to life. So does Rithika, who plays a savvy school correspondent smoothly.
Overall
This is a tale that might seem depressing, but ultimately, Vazhakku En 18/9 is also about hope, and love. With its painstaking attention to detail, logic and life on the streets, this movie certainly deserves to be watched.
