Released on May 4, 2012, Vazhakku Enn 18/9 is a Tamil crime thriller directed by Balaji Sakthivel. The film presents a gripping story that explores social injustice, corruption, and the struggles of the underprivileged. Unlike commercial films filled with glamour and action, this one takes a realistic approach, making it an emotionally intense experience.
With an engaging screenplay, strong performances, and an authentic portrayal of urban struggles, Vazhakku Enn 18/9 stands out as one of the finest Tamil films of its time. This article will explore the film’s plot, strengths, weaknesses, box office details, and overall impact.
2. Plot Summary
The movie follows Velu, a poor teenager working at a roadside food stall. His simple life takes a turn when he meets Jyothi, a maid who works in a high-rise apartment. Velu gradually develops feelings for her.
Parallelly, we are introduced to Dinesh, a rich and arrogant college student who has a crush on Aarthi, a modern girl from the same apartment complex. However, his attraction soon turns into an unhealthy obsession, leading to a shocking crime.
As the police begin investigating, the lives of these characters collide in unexpected ways, revealing the corruption of law enforcement and the struggles of the lower class. The story highlights injustice, abuse of power, and the harsh reality of society, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.
3. What’s Good?
Brilliant Direction
Balaji Sakthivel deserves full credit for making this film so realistic and impactful. Instead of flashy visuals, he focuses on raw storytelling that makes the audience feel the emotions of the characters.
Outstanding Performances
- Sri (Velu): His innocent expressions and natural acting make his character believable.
- Urmila Mahanta (Jyothi): Delivers a powerful and emotional performance.
- Mithun Murali (Dinesh): Plays the perfect spoiled rich brat with ease.
- Manisha Yadav (Aarthi): Effectively portrays a modern, confident young woman.
Realistic Screenplay and Dialogues
The film’s dialogues feel real and natural, making the interactions between characters highly relatable. There is no unnecessary melodrama, and the story flows in a raw, documentary-style manner.
Powerful Themes
The movie highlights important social issues, including:
- Corruption in law enforcement
- Rich vs. poor inequality
- Abuse of power by the privileged
- Struggles of women in society
Brilliant Cinematography
Cinematographer Vijay Milton has done an exceptional job. The use of natural lighting and handheld camera techniques makes the audience feel like they are watching real life unfold.
Emotionally Engaging Background Score
The background music by Prasanna enhances the intensity of every scene without overshadowing the emotions. The lack of unnecessary commercial songs helps maintain the film’s realistic feel.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
✅ Realistic Storytelling – The film avoids clichés and stays true to its message.
✅ Strong Emotional Impact – The raw emotions make it a deeply moving experience.
✅ Outstanding Acting – The performances make the characters feel real.
Weaknesses:
❌ Pace Might Feel Slow – Some audiences might find the movie a bit slow compared to commercial films.
❌ Dark and Gritty Tone – Not suitable for those looking for lighthearted entertainment.
Despite these minor flaws, the film’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a must-watch.
5. Target Audience
This film is best suited for:
- Serious cinema lovers who appreciate raw and realistic storytelling.
- Fans of crime dramas looking for a gripping narrative.
- Viewers interested in social issues and films with a strong message.
However, those looking for comedy, action, or masala entertainment might find it too intense and emotional.
6. Box Office Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Budget | ₹2 crore |
| Worldwide Collection | ₹6+ crore |
| First 5 Days Collection (India) | |
| Day 1 (Friday) | ₹0.80 crore |
| Day 2 (Saturday) | ₹1.10 crore |
| Day 3 (Sunday) | ₹1.50 crore |
| Day 4 (Monday) | ₹0.75 crore |
| Day 5 (Tuesday) | ₹0.60 crore |
Despite being a low-budget film with no big stars, Vazhakku Enn 18/9 performed well at the box office, thanks to its strong word-of-mouth publicity. It also won critical acclaim, further boosting its success.
7. Conclusion and Recommendation
Overall, Vazhakku Enn 18/9 is a brilliant, emotionally gripping film that shines a light on real social issues. If you love realistic storytelling and thought-provoking cinema, this movie is a must-watch.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Highly Recommended!