A simple story sincerely told. With brilliant visuals and refreshing music, Sargunam’s second outing is a must watch
With Vimal in the lead once again, Sargunam takes you on a trip to the sixties when the radio ruled instead of the idiot box and the net was unheard of as people waited for the snail mail to arrive.
Veluthambi (Vimal) arrives in a little known village of Kandeduthaan Kadu, home to a community of brick makers. Velu’s dream is to get a government job. His plan is simple. As suggested by his father, he hopes that this teaching experience will earn him a certificate and ultimately lead him to his dream job. But from the word go, he falls prey to the children’s pranks. And try as he may, he is unable to lure them to his class. Neither are their parents keen on their education. They would rather have them help in making bricks. Ruling over this illiterate community and exploiting them is the land owner. Seems like an old plot? Not really. For the difference lies in Sargunam’s treatment of the script. His characters are believable be it Velu or Madhi, the tea seller in love with Velu, or her father who derives a thrill stumping people with his mathematical riddles and of course the bunch of mischievous children. Nor does he rush through the plot. He lets the characters grow gradually and imprint themselves in the minds of the viewer. Shot realistically with attention to little details, the director proves that one can still create a good piece of art, sans big stars, sans verdant locales, sans glamour, sans revealing costumes and that comedy can be healthy and humorous sans double entendres. Not to forget that there are few people who rise above material needs to follow their heart.
Veluthambi (Vimal) arrives in a little known village of Kandeduthaan Kadu, home to a community of brick makers. Velu’s dream is to get a government job. His plan is simple. As suggested by his father, he hopes that this teaching experience will earn him a certificate and ultimately lead him to his dream job. But from the word go, he falls prey to the children’s pranks. And try as he may, he is unable to lure them to his class. Neither are their parents keen on their education. They would rather have them help in making bricks. Ruling over this illiterate community and exploiting them is the land owner. Seems like an old plot? Not really. For the difference lies in Sargunam’s treatment of the script. His characters are believable be it Velu or Madhi, the tea seller in love with Velu, or her father who derives a thrill stumping people with his mathematical riddles and of course the bunch of mischievous children. Nor does he rush through the plot. He lets the characters grow gradually and imprint themselves in the minds of the viewer. Shot realistically with attention to little details, the director proves that one can still create a good piece of art, sans big stars, sans verdant locales, sans glamour, sans revealing costumes and that comedy can be healthy and humorous sans double entendres. Not to forget that there are few people who rise above material needs to follow their heart.
Plus Points: Vimal acquits his character brilliantly. With his naïve expressions and attired in neat costumes of yore, the role seems tailor made for him. Supporting him is debutant Iniya as the love struck Madhi. She shows plenty of potential. Cute is her impromptu jig for a song. Another plus point is the casting. Thambi Ramiah as Madhi’s father and the child actors leave a mark.
Minus Points: Sadly Bhagyaraj as Velu’s father fails to impress.
Cinematography: Om Prakash’s camera defies the notion that only lush and green can be breathtaking, Panning an arid landscape in hues of brown and orange, he has captured landscape and sky most beautifully leaving the viewer speechless.
Music: On his maiden venture M. Ghibran's music is refreshing, with rich notes and lilting melody that lingers long after.
Verdict: ‘Vaagai soda vaa,’ leaves you with a warm good feeling. Not a film to be missed.
