VAATHI/SIR
Cert 12A
134 mins
BBFC advice: Contains moderate violence, bloody images, sex references
I was fortunate enough to pass my 11-plus back in the day and that entitled me to a place at grammar school.
In later life, we made considerable sacrifices to pay for our children to go to private schools to give them the best possible chance of quality education.
However, I wish with all my heart that the standard of schools and teaching were the same across the country and that nobody felt the need to pay.
Apparently, the differences in India are even starker, as represented in Venky Atluri's Tamil film Vaathi (or Sir in Telugu).
It stars Samuthirakani as the head of a private education business that is more concerned with making lots of profit than teaching.
In a move that makes him appear philanthropic, he sends some of his staff to government schools that offer free education.
However, he picks only what he believes to be the most inept or lazy candidates, knowing the results will be bad and forcing the parents into paying for their children at better establishments.
But he has not counted on the intelligence and enthusiasm of one of his team, played with great vigour by Dhanush.
Our hero moves to the village school and persuades mums and dads that he can change their children's lives for the better.
He has only a handful of allies, including a fellow teacher (Samyuktha Menon) with whom he scents romance.
However, his love life cannot distract him from the job of defeating all the odds and those with political self-interest to lead the kids to where they need to be.
Vaathi/Sir is double-edged as it highlights the corruption and inequalities of the education system while also showing what young people can achieve if they are given the chance.
Meanwhile, Dhanush is charismatic as he makes the case and also kicks some ass along the way.
I found it rather uplifting.
Reasons to watch: Uplifting topical tale
Reasons to avoid: A little bit too simplistic
Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 7/10
Did you know? By 2030, it’s estimated that India’s higher education system will have more than 20 universities among the global top 200 universities. It’s also thought that it will be among the top five countries in the world in terms of research output, with an annual research and development spend of US$140 bn.
The final word. Samyuktha Menon: "I think school days are one of the most beautiful times in our lives. And while working on the film, I did remember my teachers and their body language." Cinema Express
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