These days Vaazha, the plantain plant, is the talk of Tinseltown. “Vaazha: Biopic of a Billion Boys,” a slice-of-life drama revolving around the shenanigans of a group of boys, has brought in crowds to the theatres and cheer to its director Anand Menen and his team.
The title is inspired by an adage in Malayalam which says it is better to grow a plantain tree (vaazha) instead of a person considered good-for-nothing. This idiom perfectly aligns with the theme of the movie, which focuses on the journey of underachievers.
The film follows the lives of Ajo Thomas (Siju Sunny), Vishnu (Amith Mohan Rajeswari), Moosa (Joemon Jyothir), Abdul Kalam (Anuraj OB), and Vivek Anand (Anu Anshid) who struggle to find their place in the world. These characters have faced disapproval from their families and teachers since childhood, and the film poignantly captures the challenges they encounter as they transition into adulthood. Their relationship with their fathers adds another layer of depth to the story.
Director Anand Menen, who made his debut with the 2020 feel-good movie “Gauthamante Radham,” believes that “Vaazha” resonates with audiences because of its relatability. “We have presented the points of view of both the youngsters and their parents with humor and a dash of satire. We’ve incorporated several nostalgic elements that the audience really enjoyed,” says Anand.
However, Anand describes “Vaazha” as the “unplanned movie” of his career. “After my first film, there was a significant gap. That’s because I am someone who isn’t easily satisfied with scripts. I keep reworking the stories that come to me. I was almost ready to direct my next film when Vipin chettan [filmmaker Vipin Das] gave me the script of ‘Vaazha’,” Anand explains. Vipin has written the story, screenplay, and dialogues for the movie.
Anand reveals that when he became friends with Vipin in 2018, the latter already had the story of “Vaazha” with him. “He had named it ‘Vaazha’ back then and had planned it as his second movie [after ‘Mudhugauv’]. But as he went on to direct other projects such as ‘Anthakshari,’ ‘Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey,’ and ‘Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil,’ ‘Vaazha’ was put on the backburner,” Anand points out.
The director emphasizes that many scenes in the movie might have happened in real life to many people. “Vipin chettan has had such experiences or might have heard them from others. Even I could relate to some of the scenes,” Anand adds.
One of the movie’s strengths lies in its cast of relatively fresh faces in Malayalam cinema, which is often a risk for producers. “But ‘Vaazha’ materialized because of a bunch of people who believed in the project and the actors,” says Anand. The film has five producers: Vipin Das, Harris Desom, PB Anish, Adarsh Narayan, and Icon Studios.
Anand adds, “We all wanted freshness in the movie, for which we needed these actors. They were placed in settings that were new for them as well as the audience.”
Interestingly, Anand has known several of the actors for many years.
. “I have known Joemon, Amith, and Anuraj for years now. Joemon had a role in my first movie. Amith chettan was a part of the short film ‘Magneto,’ in which I had acted. Anuraj and I started our careers together,” he says. Through Vipin, Anand also came to know Siju, Anu, and Saaf Bros, who plays BC Vishwam, the studious kid who becomes the archrival of the gang.
Minimal interference from Vipin allowed Anand to steer the film in his desired direction. “We started the shoot with a song sequence in college, and Vipin was there throughout the shoot. Otherwise, he was seldom on set because he was busy with ‘Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil.’ We coordinated the shoot mostly through video calls or voice notes,” he says.
Anand mentions that the climax sequences, a highlight of the movie, were the only “properly written” portions in the script. “The rest were all dialogues and situations. Sometimes Vipin chettan would write on the spot as well. The actors were given the freedom to improvise. Of course, we controlled the performances when necessary.”
Collaboration with the direction team played a crucial role in the movie’s success. “The first song, ‘Athimanoharam,’ features shots suggested by all members of the direction team. Since Vipin chettan is the writer, his suggestions were given priority,” Anand explains.
The performances of senior actors like Kottayam Nazeer, Noby Marcose, Azeez Nedumangad, and Jagadish have received significant praise. “Their characters were well defined in the script, and they have taken it up a notch with their talent and experience,” Anand notes.
The younger cast impressed with their subtle humor and dialogue delivery. Anand mentions that it was enjoyable to see how they enhanced the comedy during dubbing.
The film’s music, composed by five independent musicians, blends seamlessly with the narrative. Tracks like the “Vaazha” anthem by Nomadic Voice and “Swaha” featuring Jay Stellar and rap artist Rakz Radiant were part of the movie even before Anand received the script. Other contributors include Rajat Prakash, Parvathish Pradeep, and Electronic Kili.
Primarily shot in Irinjalakkuda in Thrissur, the film also features a massive plantain plantation in Chalakkudy, which is essential to the story. “It took some time to locate one,” Anand mentions.
In an exciting development, the makers have announced a sequel to the movie, to be directed by Savin SA, an associate from the first part. It appears that the story of “Vaazha” will continue to capture hearts and reflect the lives of many more.
