Synopsis
Set in Kanniyakumari, Vanangaan follows Kotti (Arun Vijay), a deaf and mute man who works odd jobs and lives with his devoted “sister” Devi (Ridha). Kotti’s sense of justice drives him to punish three perverts who attempt to exploit visually impaired girls at an orphanage. However, his actions come at a cost, threatening his bond with Devi and putting him at odds with the law.
Review
Strengths:
- Arun Vijay’s Performance: Arun Vijay delivers a powerful and robust performance as Kotti, capturing both the vulnerability and fury of the character.
- Brother-Sister Bond: The sentimental relationship between Kotti and Devi offers fleeting emotional moments.
- Bala’s Signature Humor: The sarcastic remarks sprinkled throughout provide occasional laughs, reflecting Bala’s trademark style.
Weaknesses:
- Recycled Themes: The film rehashes familiar elements from Bala’s earlier works, such as socially marginalized protagonists, tragic climaxes, and exploitative villains, without offering anything fresh or engaging.
- Lack of Depth: The characters, especially Devi and the antagonists, are poorly developed, making it hard for the audience to connect emotionally.
- Redundant Action Sequences: The action scenes lack variety, with repetitive choreography failing to heighten the tension or stakes.
- Tone Issues: The film’s attempt to discuss sensitive issues around disability is undermined by scenes that verge on voyeurism, contradicting its message.
- Predictable Storytelling: Convenient plot developments and overly familiar beats rob the narrative of surprise or suspense, leaving it feeling perfunctory.
Performances
- Arun Vijay: Carries the film with his committed performance, elevating an otherwise lackluster script.
- Ridha: Offers a heartfelt portrayal as Devi but is limited by shallow writing.
- Supporting Cast: Functional but forgettable, with even pivotal roles like the judge and investigator lacking impact.
Technical Aspects
- Direction: Bala’s distinct style feels dated, relying too heavily on tropes from his earlier films.
- Cinematography: The visuals are serviceable but fail to leave a lasting impression.
- Writing: The screenplay lacks depth and originality, with overly convenient and predictable plot points.
- Editing: The pacing falters, particularly in the second half, with drawn-out sequences that dilute the tension.
Verdict
Vanangaan tries to replicate the emotional and visceral impact of Bala’s past successes but falls short due to predictable storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and redundant sequences. While Arun Vijay’s performance is commendable, it cannot save a narrative that feels stuck in the past. For fans of Bala’s earlier work, this may evoke nostalgia, but it doesn’t bring anything new to the table.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2.5/5)