Vaali (1999)

I cannot stop marvelling at how seamlessly Simran and Ajith transitioned from playing a cutesy romantic couple (Priya and Shiva) to a creepy, obsessive stalker (Deva) and the newly married bride who quickly finds herself in the most hopeless situation possible. Such amazing performances so early on in their career, I can't help but be in awe of them. Another thing I can't stop thinking about is how Ajith straight up played both his and Prakash Raj's characters from Aasai (1995) and made it seem so effortless. Even though I was sceptical at first, I must say Ajith did full justice to the double role, making it not just one of his most memorable performances ever, but also one of the best of its kind. 

Coming to the movie itself- I think this must be one of the finest thrillers ever made in mainstream Indian cinema. I was so freaked out in certain places that I had to take pauses, and you know a movie is good when it makes you do that. The first half was super adorable and funny, and the way the second half just took those wholesome sentiments and completely turned the movie on its head was truly remarkable. It's not just Simran and Ajith being the amazing performers they are- the way it's written, the background music, the cinematography, everything came together brilliantly to induce goosebumps and chills. Especially so in the climax; my god, my heart was literally in my throat while that sequence was going on. 

I loved Vivek's comic track here a lot- it didn't feel like an intrusion into the rest of the movie, and was perfectly woven into the narrative. Jyothika's cameo (and her first screen appearance!) was really special as well, and it's amazing how she managed to own the role despite having very few dialogues. Speaking of which, the final monologue was so not needed. I did not care for the way the movie seemed to absolve Deva of his criminal behaviour and letting him have the last word. The monologue added both a glorification angle as well as a pity angle- the poor deaf-and-dumb lover who just couldn't express his love properly. Umm no, he had violent tendencies, and deserved what he got. Stop trying to whitewash him.

In conclusion, I feel deprived of the scenes between Simran and Jyothika. Someone put them together in a movie again!!

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