Vaagai Sooda Vaa (2011)

Veluthambi is an educated young man who is looking to become a teacher in a government school. Before that he is sent by the Grama Seva to work in a village for some time and educate the kids there. The particular village is one where small children are used as child laborers to lay bricks. The parents of the kids are also not aware of the ulterior motives of the proprietors. It takes Velu to put some sense into them that education is the way forward.

The kids take a lot of coaxing to finally agree to learn. They keep playing funny pranks on the teacher. There is also a young girl, Madhi who falls in love with the teacher seeing his charming and funny ways.

Towards the end, Velu becomes too attached to the village and gives up on his own ambitions and decides to live for the villagers' cause. It reminds us of Swades in a small way.

The movie doesn't preach. It just is a small attempt to aid awareness about child labor and about education being the only way forward. Nicely done.

All the kids in the movie are very natural and so is Iniya who seems to be a natural talent all the way. She is very expressive. Vimal could have done better though. A better hero could probably have lifted this movie to commercial success as well. Thambi Ramaiah and Bhagyaraj show their experience in nice little roles. Kumaravel has a very striking role as the supposed mad man and his makeover is extensive.

The soundtrack of this movie by Ghibran is delightful to say the least. The songs and the BGM are lovely. 'Porane' and 'Sara Sara' will stay with you. The way they have been picturized is an added bonus. The lyrics for the songs are poignant and very meaningful.

The camerawork is grand, the art work is intricate and makes sure that the period setting is authentic. Old songs have been tastefully woven into the narrative.

VERDICT: Honorable attempt that is not too preachy either. Good message and nicely delivered.