Vazhakku Enn 18/9 Movie Review.

MovieVazhakku Enn 18/9DirectorBalaji SakthivelProducerN. Subhash Chandra BoseMusicPrasannaCastSri, Urmila, Midhun, Manisha, Muthu Raman

Here is a small film with a big 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 tale unfolds in this sort of manner that it keeps you guessing till the very end. The story, screenplay and dialogues deserve distinction marks.

The set of clean 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 lady is fighting for all times and a boy Velu (Sri) is dropped at the police station for enquiry. Inspector Kumaravel (Muthu Raman) listens attentively to Velu’s story of the way he reaches Chennai and joins as a helper to a man who runs a roadside eatery joint. He's enthusiastic about Jyothi (Urmila) who's a domestic assist in nearby upmarket apartment. His one-side love develops but Jyothi is blind to it.

Dinesh (Midhun) is a spoilt brat, son a rich and affluent lady who's after Arthi (Manisha), who lives within the same apartment complex. He slowly work his way through, gets on the subject of her and increase her confidence in him. He is taking 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 desires to take revenge on her but Jyothi becomes the scapegoat and Velu is framed!

Vazhakku 18/9 has qualities that you simply don’t find in movies too often at the present time. Music and background score by Prasanna is actually arresting and likewise 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 practical manner, way to amazing cinematography by Vijay Milton.

Hats off to Balaji Sakthivel, producers Lingusamy and Subash Chandrabose for selecting a bold and relevant subject and taking the street less travelled. And that makes all of 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