Directed by: Venky Atluri
Produced by: Surya devara ,Naga Vamsi,Sai Soujanya
Starring: Dhanush, Samyuktha
Cinematography: J. Yuvaraj
Edited by: Naveen Nooli
Music by: G. V. Prakash Kumar
Language :Tamil
Release date : 17th February 2023

Vaathi is a period coming-of-age action drama film written and directed by Venky Atluri. It is shot simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu languages. Produced by Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, the film stars Dhanush and Samyuktha.

What works

Let’s start by talking about Vaathi’s emotional content. The film is quite heavy on moral values and giving back to the society. Credit should go to Venkit atlury for sticking to the content and sending out a strong message through hero’s character. Dhanush is majestic in his role and carries the entire film on his shoulders. He looks dashing as a Vaathi and the way he brings out varied emotions during the second half is a class apart. Samyuktha gets a meaty role and is quite decent in the film. Samuthuthirakani is royal in his role and gives the added edge to the film. The way his character is etched out and all his confrontation scenes with Dhanush are superb.

First half of the film is quite vibrant and has some very classy moments. Second half has emotional undercurrent and Venky Atlury manages to bring out superb performances from all his artists. Sai kumar is quite pleasing in his character. Production values of the film are quite good and showcase the film in a rich light.

Camerawork by J Yuvaraj is top class as all the visuals look quite pleasing. The way he has showcased the village atmosphere during the second half is pretty good. Fights need special mention as they look quite well and have been choreographed very stylishly.

GV Prakash’s music is pretty good and grows on you once you watch his songs on screen. But it is GV’s background score which elevates the film to another level. Dialogues are brilliant and will connect with the common man quite easily.

What doesn’t work

One of the drawbacks of the film is the pace as the proceedings take their own time. There are certain village scenes which could have been edited to make the film crisp. the story is quite known to everyone, it is also slightly cliched and predictable in nature.

Praveena is wasted in her role and does not get any screen space. Comedy characters are under utilized and could have been elevated more to generate some entertainment. Climax of the film is hurried up as the proceedings are wrapped up in a simpler way.

Bottomline

Decent emotional social drama, which will hit the right chords with one and all!!!

3.25/5