‘Vaathi’ Netflix Movie Review - A Must-See for Advocates of Equality

Vaathi, the 2023 Indian period drama film directed by Venky Atluri, is more than just a cinematic experience. It's a powerful call to action that challenges society's status quo on education and the rights of underprivileged students.

Starring Dhanush and Samyuktha Menon as leads, Vaathi's gripping plot takes you on an emotional journey that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. Through its engaging storyline and masterful direction, Vaathi showcases the power of cinema to affect social change, making it a must-see for all movie lovers and advocates of equality.

The movie is set in the late 1990s, following the story of Balamurugan (Tamil) / Bala Gangadhar Thilak (Telugu), a young man who fights against the privatization of education. He stands up against the system that denies the right to education to students from underprivileged backgrounds. When an assistant teacher from a big private institute is assigned to teach in a rural school as part of their goodwill plan, Bala confronts him and the private institute, highlighting the injustice done to the students who have been deprived of their right to education.

Vaathi's strengths lie in its well-written plot and Dhanush's powerful performance. He effectively portrays the struggles of a young man against the privatization of education and showcases his comedic timing in many scenes. His understanding of when to take a back seat is highlighted in many scenes, adding depth to his character. Additionally, G.V. Prakash's music and background score adds an emotional element to the film and heightens its impact, making you feel the characters' struggles and triumphs.

The movie's message about making education accessible to all is crucial and has been delivered effectively. Atluri's direction is noteworthy as he has brought out the best performances from the actors and presented the story in a simple yet engaging manner. The movie's ability to bridge the gap between Tamil and Telugu languages by setting the story in a rural village is also commendable. Vaathi successfully addresses the issue of education and the divide between the urban and rural areas, making it relatable to a wider audience.

Yet, one of the drawbacks of Vaathi is that the director had already shown the story in the trailer, reducing the impact of the film. Some viewers may have felt that the movie was too commercialized, with too many colorful sets and dance numbers, that it detracted from the serious message that it was trying to convey. However, while these points are subjective, they do not detract from the overall success of Vaathi as a well-made film that delivers an important message to society as a whole.

As the credits roll on Vaathi, it leaves an indelible mark on your mind, its message of the right to education for all resonating long after the curtains close. The film is a testament to the power of cinema to inspire change, and its carefully crafted elements leave an impact on you. From Dhanush's powerful performance to Atluri's exceptional direction, Vaathi is a must-watch movie for anyone who believes in the transformative power of cinema.

Final Score- [8.5/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times