DIRECTOR: L R Sunderapandi
CAST: Bala, Vishaka, Shyam Ganesh, Sai Kumar, Thalaivasal Vijay, Thennavan, Kanja karuppu, Appukuttan
Set in a rural milieu, 'Vaigai' centers around two star-crossed lovers. He is the village bigwig’s son, and she the postman’s daughter. Real life seems to merge with reel life here. For, the story is supposedly based on a true life incident that happened years back. And to corroborate his claim, the director has brought in the woman from real life. In the final scene, she is shown paying obeisance at the grave of her lover, with some other people who knew the couple and their love saga, talking about them.
The rich poor divide, apart from the fact that Arivu was expected to marry his uncle’s daughter, formed the hurdle to his love with Uma. His father rigid and conservative, believed in honour killing. And Arivu knew that if their love affair was discovered, while he would be spared, Uma and her father would have to face dire consequences. But that doesn’t stop the lovers from stealing moments to be with each other. And when the inevitable happens, the duo decides to end their lives. Fate wills otherwise, the love story taking yet another turn, before reaching its fateful finale.
The earlier scenes of romance and the parental attitude are routine ones, with not much going for them. Playing Arivu with fair competence is Bala (his second film), the winner of the 'Maanadu Mayilaadu'-season 2 dance contest. As Uma, debutant Vishakha is just about adequate. The film picks up pace and some interest towards the latter part, the emotional climax touching a chord.
expresso@epmltd.com