Vaathi

"Vaathi" is a 2023 Indian period action drama film directed and written by Venky Atluri. The movie was released on 17th February 2023 in India, and it was shot simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu languages. Dhanush and Samyuktha played the main roles in the film, which also featured other talented actors such as P. Sai Kumar, Tanikella Bharani, Samuthirakani, and Hyper Aadi. The movie's music was composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, and it was produced by Tollywood studios "Sithara Entertainments" and "Fortune Four Cinemas". With its captivating storyline, excellent direction, and impressive performances, "Vaathi" is a must-watch for fans of period dramas and action movies.

The plot of the movie centers around the late 1990s and early 2000s, during which private colleges are attempting to overtake the public education system. Dhanush stars as Balamurugan/Bala Gangadhar Tilak, a mathematics teacher employed at a government college in a small town. He confronts Srinivas Thirupathi/Tripathi, played by Samuthirakani, the proprietor of a private college who aims to shut down the government college and force students to enroll in his institute. Balamurugan/Bala Gangadhar Tilak trains his pupils to perform exceptionally well in the entrance exams, showcasing their abilities. Simultaneously, he develops a love interest in Meenakshi, portrayed by Samyuktha Menon, a biology teacher. The movie's central themes revolve around Balamurugan/Bala Gangadhar Tilak's battle against education privatization and his love for teaching.

From my personal perspective, I believe that "Vaathi" is a remarkable movie that delivers a straightforward narrative that is easy to follow. What stood out to me the most was the movie's depiction of a crucial issue that exists in countries like India and Nepal, where education has become an industry for profit-making. The movie brings to light how private colleges are trying to take over public education, and how this affects the lives of students and teachers. The movie's relevance to current times was not lost on me, as the business sector continues to grow despite the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on other industries. The film raises the question of whether education should be a business or a fundamental right for everyone. It inspired me to think about the importance of accessible education for all and how we can eliminate the commercialization of education in society.

Although some might argue that the protagonist's physical strength is an overused characteristic in South Asian movies, I believe that it works well in the context of the storyline. It shows the character's determination and commitment to fighting against the privatization of education.

Overall, I highly recommend "Vaathi" to anyone who enjoys simple and thought-provoking narratives that address real societal issues. It is an excellent movie that highlights the darker realities of our society and encourages us to take action to create a better world.

That's an 8 out of 10 from me.