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Yesterday, I watched a thought-provoking Malayalam movie titled “VAZHA,” which translates to “Plantain Garden.” The film centers around a powerful idea: the protagonist reflects that instead of raising a “useless child,” he could have cultivated a plantain garden, which would have yielded more benefits.

The story humorously chronicles a band of mischievous boys navigating life in a village in Kerala. Their well-meaning parents are convinced that their little delinquents’ academic woes stem from hanging out with the “bad crowd”—which, let’s be real, is just another group of boys perfecting the art of distraction. With a knack for causing chaos, these kids often find themselves making impromptu trips to the principal’s office, where the stern looks from authority figures just add to their comic repertoire. Meanwhile, their parents, armed with the finest threat of “no snacks if you don’t study,” create an environment filled with relentless pressure that leads to more eye-rolling and pillow-punching than actual studying!

While I don’t want to spoil the entire plot, the film underscores the importance of supportive parenting. Rather than yelling or placing undue pressure on their children, parents should encourage them and allow them to make their own choices. This perspective is crucial in a society where respect and understanding are often lacking.

Lately, I’ve noticed a trend in Malayalam cinema focusing on young boys navigating engineering college life, facing challenges, and sometimes even getting into trouble. For instance, there’s a Kannada film called “Yuva,” which shares stories of engineering students grappling with their academic and personal lives. Many youngsters today struggle to secure placements after graduation, often feeling coerced into paths they’re not interested in.

In “VAZHA,” the boys attempt to start their own ventures. They explore innovative uses for every part of the banana plant—like creating clothes from the fibers, decorative items from the tree stem, and using banana leaves for food packaging. However, they also grapple with the realities of agricultural life, such as the long wait for fruit production and the challenges posed by weather conditions.

A compelling character in the film is a young policeman who, despite initially trying to uplift the boys’ spirits, ends up repeating the same oppressive patterns with his own sons. This cycle of expectations and pressures is poignantly illustrated through the stories of the boys, including one studious student who moves to Canada but finds himself lonely and disconnected, largely due to his parents’ strict upbringing.

The film raises important questions about joblessness, family dynamics, and the true meaning of happiness. It emphasizes that success does not always equate to happiness. You can achieve a lot in life and still feel unfulfilled, while true happiness often stems from connections and relationships, not just financial success.

Ultimately, the film highlights the significance of friendship. The boys support one another as they transition from school to engineering college, navigating the complexities of their lives together. Their evolving friendships serve as a reminder of the importance of social connections in achieving a fulfilling life.

In conclusion, I enjoyed “VAZHA” for its engaging storyline and poignant messages about parenting, friendship, and the struggles of youth. What a powerful film!