Vaagai Sooda Vaa
Encyclopedia
Vaagai Sooda Vaa is a 2011 Tamil romantic
comedy drama film directed by A. Sarkunam, directing his second film after Kalavani
. It features Vimal
and newcomer Iniya in the lead roles, with K. Bhagyaraj, Ponvannan
and Thambi Ramaiah
playing supporting roles. The film is a period piece
set in the 1960s in a remote village in Tamil Nadu. The film released on 30 September 2011 to generally positive reviews.
, which emerged a sleeper hit
, Sarkunam had informed that he had "a couple of scripts in mind" and was discussing with his team on which they should work next, while stating that it "most probably" will not be set in a village again. He started working on his next project in late 2010, which he had titled as Vaagai Sooda Vaa, roping in Vimal
, who essayed the lead role in Kalavani, for the lead character again. The film was revealed to be a period piece
, set in 1966, with Sarkunam describing it as a "romance drama sprinkled with humour", while also stating it would convey a "much-needed" message. Vaagai Sooda Vaa was Sarkunam's first script and his "dream project", which he had wanted to make his directorial debut with, but he had to drop the idea, since no producer was willing to produce a period film with a newcomer in the lead role. He dismissed reports that the film was based on a Hollywood film and clarified that it was based on a scheme introduced by the Government in the sixties.
Vimal was identified to play a young man named Veluthambi, who had finished his PUC and aspires to become a teacher. The lead female role was that of a "teatender" of the 1960s, a person working at a tea shop. Initially Amala Paul
was signed up for the role, much before the release of her critically acclaimed Mynaa
. However, Amala, who following the release became much sought-after, was soon ousted from the project, since she started adjusting her dates as per her wishes and refused to take rehearsal
s first, which Sarkunam did not agree with. She was replaced by a Malayali model-turned-actress Iniya, who had previously appeared in several Malayalam films and the 2011 Tamil film Yuddham Sei
under her original name Shruthi. Iniya had been rejected at first, but was later approved by Sarkunam, when she visited his office during a Chennai trip and showed keen interest in the project and the role. Director-cum-actors K. Bhagyaraj and Thambi Ramaiah
were signed to portray the fathers of the lead male and female characters, respectively, while Ponvannan
would enact the antagonist
's role and Elango Kumaravel
would play a pivotal role as a "kuruvikaarar".
Contrary to what Sarkunam had initially planned, Vaagai Sooda Vaa, too, was a story set in a village. Seenu, an assistant Sabu Cyril
, took care of the art direction and erected a set of a village of 1 crore worth, near Aruppukottai. The team had further conducted extensive historical research to create an authentic portrayal of the 1960s. Programmes that were aired on Radio Ceylon
, which most people during that time were listening to, were imitated, with mimicry artists being roped in to reproduce the voices of the broadcasters of that time.
s reviewer called it a "thought provoking film which is beautiful, complete and laced with social consciousness", further adding that it was a "bittersweet tale of human frailties, a small film with a very big heart and a subtle message". A critic from Times of India gave the film 3.5 out of 5, labelling it a "simple tale, beautifully narrated on screen", while citing that it was a "welcome trip back to the villages and to a time when success wasn't defined by wealth alone". Malathai Rangarajan from The Hindu
wrote that the film was not a "run-of-the-mill entertainer, yet it entertains", summarizing it as "poignancy with an ample dose of healthy fun". Anupama Subramanian from Deccan Chronicle gave it 3 out of 5, citing that "though the pace suffers and in many places it gives you a docu-drama feel, Sargunam's intension of making a movie different from the run-of-the mill kind should be lauded". The critic from Behindwoods wrote that the film worked "big time due to the brilliant detailing of Sarkunam and team, art director Seenu, cinematographer Om Prakash and music director Ghibran" and that it "emerges triumphant bringing out the period feel with a simple love story and a noble message", giving it 3 out of 5. Indiaglitz reviewer described the film as "strikinly different" and an "interesting watch", while noting it was "more a docu drama touching up the economic struggles of the oppressed". Chennai Onlines reviewer wrote that the film was a "must-watch for those looking for a clean movie sans bloodshed, gory violence and obscene dialogues. The script, cinematography, art work and appreciable performances by the lead actors make it a compelling viewing". On the contrary, Rediffs Pavithra Srinivasan rated the film 2.5 out of 5, noting that it "may have a few advantages going for it, but it hasn't really capitalised on these strengths", going on to call it "outdated".
s before. The soundtrack, which was released on 1 July 2011, features 6 songs, with lyrics penned by Vairamuthu
, Karthik Netha and Ve. Ramasamy. Ghibran had collaborated with the Lisbon International Symphony Orchestra for one of the songs.
Romance film
Romance films are love stories that focus on passion, emotion, and the affectionate involvement of the main characters and the journey that their love takes through courtship or marriage. Romance films make the love story or the search for love the main plot focus...
comedy drama film directed by A. Sarkunam, directing his second film after Kalavani
Kalavani
Kalavani , is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film written and directed by newcomer A. Sargunam. It stars Vimal of Pasanga fame in the lead role along with debutante Oviya, Saranya Ponvannan, Ganja Karuppu and Ilavarasu, who enact pivotal roles...
. It features Vimal
Vimal
Vimal is an Indian film actor, who appears in Tamil films. Following cameo appearances in the Vijay-starrer Ghilli and Kuruvi and Ajith Kumar's Kireedam, he played the lead role in Pandiraj's critically acclaimed Pasanga...
and newcomer Iniya in the lead roles, with K. Bhagyaraj, Ponvannan
Ponvannan
Ponvannan is an Indian film actor, who has played supporting roles throughout his career. He directed the award-winning film, Jamila. He is married to fellow actor, Saranya.- Tamil TV Serials -...
and Thambi Ramaiah
Thambi Ramaiah
Thambi Ramaiah is an Indian film actor and director, who works in the Tamil film industry. He directed the Vadivelu-starrer Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan; his performance in Mynaa, won a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. Ramaiah has also been working occasionally as a...
playing supporting roles. The film is a period piece
Period piece
-Setting:In the performing arts, a period piece is a work set in a particular era. This informal term covers all countries, all periods and all genres...
set in the 1960s in a remote village in Tamil Nadu. The film released on 30 September 2011 to generally positive reviews.
Cast
- VimalVimalVimal is an Indian film actor, who appears in Tamil films. Following cameo appearances in the Vijay-starrer Ghilli and Kuruvi and Ajith Kumar's Kireedam, he played the lead role in Pandiraj's critically acclaimed Pasanga...
as Veluthambi - IniyaIniyaIniya is an Indian film actress, who works in the Malayalam and Tamil film industries.-Career:Iniya hails from Trivandrum, Kerala; she has two sibilngs, one brother and one sister. She acted in several Malayalam television series, short films and telefilms as a child artist...
as Madhi - K. Bhagyaraj as Annamalai
- PonvannanPonvannanPonvannan is an Indian film actor, who has played supporting roles throughout his career. He directed the award-winning film, Jamila. He is married to fellow actor, Saranya.- Tamil TV Serials -...
as JP - Thambi RamaiahThambi RamaiahThambi Ramaiah is an Indian film actor and director, who works in the Tamil film industry. He directed the Vadivelu-starrer Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan; his performance in Mynaa, won a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. Ramaiah has also been working occasionally as a...
- Elango KumaravelElango KumaravelElango Kumaravel is a Tamil film and stage actor and script writer. He is also a co-founder of the Chennai based theatre group "Magic Lantern". He is an alumnus of Pondicherry University's Sankaradas Swamigal School of Performing Arts and the Chennai based theatre workshop koothuppattarai. He has...
- Thennavan
- Poovitha as Sivagami
Production
Shortly after the release of KalavaniKalavani
Kalavani , is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film written and directed by newcomer A. Sargunam. It stars Vimal of Pasanga fame in the lead role along with debutante Oviya, Saranya Ponvannan, Ganja Karuppu and Ilavarasu, who enact pivotal roles...
, which emerged a sleeper hit
Sleeper hit
A sleeper hit, a.k.a. surprise hit , refers to a film, book, single, album, TV show, or video game that gains unexpected success or recognition...
, Sarkunam had informed that he had "a couple of scripts in mind" and was discussing with his team on which they should work next, while stating that it "most probably" will not be set in a village again. He started working on his next project in late 2010, which he had titled as Vaagai Sooda Vaa, roping in Vimal
Vimal
Vimal is an Indian film actor, who appears in Tamil films. Following cameo appearances in the Vijay-starrer Ghilli and Kuruvi and Ajith Kumar's Kireedam, he played the lead role in Pandiraj's critically acclaimed Pasanga...
, who essayed the lead role in Kalavani, for the lead character again. The film was revealed to be a period piece
Period piece
-Setting:In the performing arts, a period piece is a work set in a particular era. This informal term covers all countries, all periods and all genres...
, set in 1966, with Sarkunam describing it as a "romance drama sprinkled with humour", while also stating it would convey a "much-needed" message. Vaagai Sooda Vaa was Sarkunam's first script and his "dream project", which he had wanted to make his directorial debut with, but he had to drop the idea, since no producer was willing to produce a period film with a newcomer in the lead role. He dismissed reports that the film was based on a Hollywood film and clarified that it was based on a scheme introduced by the Government in the sixties.
Vimal was identified to play a young man named Veluthambi, who had finished his PUC and aspires to become a teacher. The lead female role was that of a "teatender" of the 1960s, a person working at a tea shop. Initially Amala Paul
Amala Paul
Amala Paul is an Indian film actress, who works primarily in the Tamil film industry. After appearing in supporting roles in a few low budget ventures, she was acclaimed for the portrayal of a controversial character in the film, Sindhu Samaveli...
was signed up for the role, much before the release of her critically acclaimed Mynaa
Mynaa
The film score and soundtrack for Mynaa was composed by D. Imman. The album consists of 5 tracks, featuring lyrics penned by Yugabharathi and Eknaath. The songs, especially the title track, had become very popular, while the album was widely considered Imman's finest work yet.-Awards:...
. However, Amala, who following the release became much sought-after, was soon ousted from the project, since she started adjusting her dates as per her wishes and refused to take rehearsal
Rehearsal
For other uses, see Rehearsal or Dress rehearsal A rehearsal is a preparatory event in music and theatre that is performed before the official public performance, as a form of practice, and to ensure that all details of the performance are adequately prepared and coordinated for professional...
s first, which Sarkunam did not agree with. She was replaced by a Malayali model-turned-actress Iniya, who had previously appeared in several Malayalam films and the 2011 Tamil film Yuddham Sei
Yuddham Sei
Yuddham Sei is a 2011 Indian Tamil crime thriller film written and directed by Myshkin. It stars director Cheran in the lead role along with debutant Dipa Shah, Y. Gee. Mahendra, Lakshmi Ramakrishnan and Jayaprakash. The film was released on 4 February 2011.-Plot:J.K. , a brooding CB-CID officer,...
under her original name Shruthi. Iniya had been rejected at first, but was later approved by Sarkunam, when she visited his office during a Chennai trip and showed keen interest in the project and the role. Director-cum-actors K. Bhagyaraj and Thambi Ramaiah
Thambi Ramaiah
Thambi Ramaiah is an Indian film actor and director, who works in the Tamil film industry. He directed the Vadivelu-starrer Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan; his performance in Mynaa, won a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. Ramaiah has also been working occasionally as a...
were signed to portray the fathers of the lead male and female characters, respectively, while Ponvannan
Ponvannan
Ponvannan is an Indian film actor, who has played supporting roles throughout his career. He directed the award-winning film, Jamila. He is married to fellow actor, Saranya.- Tamil TV Serials -...
would enact the antagonist
Antagonist
An antagonist is a character, group of characters, or institution, that represents the opposition against which the protagonist must contend...
's role and Elango Kumaravel
Elango Kumaravel
Elango Kumaravel is a Tamil film and stage actor and script writer. He is also a co-founder of the Chennai based theatre group "Magic Lantern". He is an alumnus of Pondicherry University's Sankaradas Swamigal School of Performing Arts and the Chennai based theatre workshop koothuppattarai. He has...
would play a pivotal role as a "kuruvikaarar".
Contrary to what Sarkunam had initially planned, Vaagai Sooda Vaa, too, was a story set in a village. Seenu, an assistant Sabu Cyril
Sabu Cyril
Sabu Cyril is an Indian film art director. He has won National Film Award for Best Art Direction four times and Filmfare Best Art Direction Award twice. His latest work Enthiran, in which he also played an important role, has won him international recognitions.-Early life and education:Sabu Cyril...
, took care of the art direction and erected a set of a village of 1 crore worth, near Aruppukottai. The team had further conducted extensive historical research to create an authentic portrayal of the 1960s. Programmes that were aired on Radio Ceylon
Radio Ceylon
Radio Ceylon is the oldest radio station in Asia. Broadcasting was started on an experimental basis in Ceylon by the Telegraph Department in 1923, just three years after the inauguration of broadcasting in Europe.- Edward Harper :...
, which most people during that time were listening to, were imitated, with mimicry artists being roped in to reproduce the voices of the broadcasters of that time.
Reception
Vaagai Sooda Vaa released to mostly positive critical response. SifySify
Sify Technologies Limited is an Internet service provider established in 1998, based in Chennai, India.-Company profile:...
s reviewer called it a "thought provoking film which is beautiful, complete and laced with social consciousness", further adding that it was a "bittersweet tale of human frailties, a small film with a very big heart and a subtle message". A critic from Times of India gave the film 3.5 out of 5, labelling it a "simple tale, beautifully narrated on screen", while citing that it was a "welcome trip back to the villages and to a time when success wasn't defined by wealth alone". Malathai Rangarajan from The Hindu
The Hindu
The Hindu is an Indian English-language daily newspaper founded and continuously published in Chennai since 1878. According to the Audit Bureau of Circulations, it has a circulation of 1.46 million copies as of December 2009. The enterprise employed over 1,600 workers and gross income reached $40...
wrote that the film was not a "run-of-the-mill entertainer, yet it entertains", summarizing it as "poignancy with an ample dose of healthy fun". Anupama Subramanian from Deccan Chronicle gave it 3 out of 5, citing that "though the pace suffers and in many places it gives you a docu-drama feel, Sargunam's intension of making a movie different from the run-of-the mill kind should be lauded". The critic from Behindwoods wrote that the film worked "big time due to the brilliant detailing of Sarkunam and team, art director Seenu, cinematographer Om Prakash and music director Ghibran" and that it "emerges triumphant bringing out the period feel with a simple love story and a noble message", giving it 3 out of 5. Indiaglitz reviewer described the film as "strikinly different" and an "interesting watch", while noting it was "more a docu drama touching up the economic struggles of the oppressed". Chennai Onlines reviewer wrote that the film was a "must-watch for those looking for a clean movie sans bloodshed, gory violence and obscene dialogues. The script, cinematography, art work and appreciable performances by the lead actors make it a compelling viewing". On the contrary, Rediffs Pavithra Srinivasan rated the film 2.5 out of 5, noting that it "may have a few advantages going for it, but it hasn't really capitalised on these strengths", going on to call it "outdated".
Soundtrack
The film's score and soundtrack are scored by debutant M. Ghibran, a friend of Sarkunam. Vaagai Sooda Vaa marks the film debut for Ghibran, who had been composing jingleJingle
A jingle is a short tune used in advertising and for other commercial uses. The jingle contains one or more hooks and lyrics that explicitly promote the product being advertised, usually through the use of one or more advertising slogans. Ad buyers use jingles in radio and television...
s before. The soundtrack, which was released on 1 July 2011, features 6 songs, with lyrics penned by Vairamuthu
Vairamuthu
Vairamuthu Ramaswamy Thevar is an award-winning Tamil poet and lyricist.Debuting in the film Nizhalgal with the lyrics for the song "Ponmalai Pozhudhu", he has now about 5800 songs to his credit as of January 2009. His partnership with the composers Ilaiyaraaja, and later A. R...
, Karthik Netha and Ve. Ramasamy. Ghibran had collaborated with the Lisbon International Symphony Orchestra for one of the songs.