‘Vaazha’ Movie Review: A Lighthearted Yet Surface-Level Journey Through Boyhood

The film succeeds primarily due to its clever casting decisions and the impactful emotional shift in the second half.

In Malayalam, ‘Vaazha’ translates to banana tree, but it also serves as a derogatory term for those considered useless. Anand Menen’s latest film tells the coming-of-age story of a few such ‘vaazhas,’ focusing on their relationships with their fathers. The main characters—Vishnu (Amith Mohan Rajeswari), Ajo (Siju Sunny), and Moosa (Joemon Jyothir)—navigate life together from childhood into their late twenties.

The filmmakers incorporate a Hindu-Christian-Muslim dynamic, similar to the trio in *Premam*, perhaps to highlight that family dynamics are universal, regardless of religious backgrounds. Notably, the Muslim household portrayed is depicted as the most progressive among them. While all three boys are mischief-makers and struggle academically, Moosa’s father (played wonderfully by Noby) stands out as the only one who shows warmth and understanding towards them. After a somewhat aimless first half filled with various entertaining scenarios, it’s the exploration of the father-son relationships that truly resonates in the film.

As one character notes, there are three types of students: those who chase their dreams and succeed, those who excel academically to meet their parents’ expectations, and those who are lost regarding their studies and future. The film’s tagline emphasizes the focus on the billion boys in that last category, who live carefree and directionless lives.

The choice to cast social media influencers in lead roles benefits the film, as these actors are already recognized for portraying various types of slackers in their online content. Their lively chemistry and ability to extract humor from everyday situations add to the film’s charm.

The character of Maya stands out as the most promising in the film. A tomboy who strives to earn her father’s approval by emulating the boys, her journey is intriguing, especially when her relationship with Ajo concludes for practical reasons. This aspect of the film is commendable as it addresses real-life issues and remains grounded in reality.

Even in the climax, instead of a glamorous resolution, the boys’ futures remain uncertain, highlighting the ongoing struggles they face. The evolving nature of a character, once referred to as a ‘vaazha’, illustrates the cyclical nature of parental pressure, emphasizing that there are no quick fixes to these challenges.

**Movie:** Vaazha
**Director:** Anand Menen
**Cast:** Joemon Jyothir, Siju Sunny, Amith Mohan Rajeswari, Kottayam Nazeer, Azees Nedumangad, Noby Marcose, Hashir
**Rating:** 3/5