VAANKU MOVIE REVIEW CLICK TO RATE THE MOVIE

Vaanku follows the life of four teenagers with a particular focus on Razia. A teacher's suggestion leads to her unearthing a desire she has had ever since a little girl - to recite the Azaan (prayer call played by the masjid, typically by a male voice) except the hitch is that the same being done by a girl is forbidden by her conservative surroundings.

Does she get to do it and what are the hardships she and her family go through in the process is told in this close to two-hours drama. While it is indeed welcome to see great teacher-student bonding on the screen, a 'rape joke' makes us squirm in our seats.

Teenagers being able to speak to their parents about their love overtures is a welcome sign as well. The film doesn't shy away from showing the two extremes. Post Razia evincing her desire to recite the Azaan, she finds parents now suddenly desirous of marrying her off while earlier the idea seemed like something that can be put off for a little while.

Her suitor tells her that post the fracas, he needs to 'lock' her, else he can't have her and we have our young girl who doesn't have freedom in even choosing her partner, all because she dared to smash patriarchy.

She also faces resistance from the 'culture keepers' of the educational institution she attends. Things seemingly get 'better' once she decides to don the purdah.

Coming to the performances, while the film does indeed belongs to the girls, Vineeth with his nuanced acting is a revelation and a far cry from the lover boy of the Kadhal Desam days.

Music by Ouseppachan, the veteran, blends with the proceedings and gives a melancholy feel. Cinematography by Arjun Ravi is pleasing and is among the film's strengths.

On the flip side, it is possible to miss out on the experience as the nativity factor looms large. 

Vaanku streams on NeeStream.