Vaazha – Biopic of a Billion Boys (2024) is a hilarious and heartfelt Malayalam coming-of-age dramedy that blends friendship, failure, and fun into one wild ride. Read our 800-word spoiler-free review.
Vaazha – Biopic of a Billion Boys (2024) – Movie Review 🍌🎬 | A Wild, Witty Ride Through Friendship and Failures
🎬 Directed by: Anand Menen
✍️ Written by: Vipin Das
🎵 Music by: Rajat Prakash, Nomadic Voice, Rakz Radiant, Parvatish Pradeep, Electronic Kili, Jay Stellar
📅 Release Date: 15 August 2024
⏱️ Runtime: 125 minutes
🌍 Language: Malayalam
💰 Budget: ₹4 crore
💸 Box Office: est. ₹40 crore
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Plot Summary
Set against the backdrop of Kerala’s middle-class neighborhoods and college corridors, Vaazha – Biopic of a Billion Boys tells the chaotic, comic, and sometimes touching story of six friends — Boney (Siju Sunny), Rafi (Amith Mohan Rajeswari), Kuttu (Joemon Jyothir), Jikku (Anuraj O. B.), Sameer (Anshid Anu), and Saaf (Saaf) — who dream big, fail spectacularly, and somehow keep going.
The “biopic” in the title is, of course, ironic. These are not billionaires — far from it. They’re a bunch of aimless young men navigating academic failures, dead-end jobs, parental pressure, and romantic confusion. What binds them is not ambition, but a raw, unfiltered camaraderie that makes even the worst days feel like an adventure.
As the story unravels through quirky incidents, music, and montage, we realize that this “biopic” isn’t about monetary success — it’s about growing up, making memories, and embracing life in all its chaotic beauty.
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Performances
Siju Sunny as Boney
Siju Sunny delivers a standout performance as the emotional anchor of the group. His expressions swing effortlessly between comedy and pathos, grounding the film in a believable emotional core.
Amith Mohan Rajeswari & Joemon Jyothir
Both actors shine with impeccable comic timing. Their back-and-forth banter feels authentic, never forced, and provides many of the film’s laugh-out-loud moments.
Anuraj O. B., Anshid Anu, and Saaf
The trio add layers of warmth, chaos, and youthfulness to the gang. They embody the everyday Malayali youngster with dreams too big for their surroundings and minds too distracted to chase them seriously.
Supporting Cast (Jagadish, Kottayam Nazeer, Noby Marcose)
Veteran actors like Jagadish and Nazeer bring gravitas and generational contrast, while Noby adds another layer of humor and absurdity to the mix.
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Music & Soundtrack
One of the film’s biggest strengths is its offbeat soundtrack. The collaboration of multiple composers — Rajat Prakash, Nomadic Voice, Rakz Radiant, Parvatish Pradeep, Electronic Kili, and Jay Stellar — results in a genre-bending, pulsating musical landscape.
From lo-fi beats to Carnatic-infused rap, the film’s score becomes part of its identity. Tracks like “Njanum Ninte Tholiyum” and “Banana Republic” are instant earworms, and background scores elevate several sequences into iconic moments.
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Direction & Technical Aspects
Anand Menen’s direction is bold, experimental, and refreshingly unfiltered. He brings Vipin Das’s sharp script to life with inventive visuals and kinetic pacing. Rather than conform to standard Malayalam cinema tropes, Vaazha feels like a hybrid between a YouTube sketch and an indie coming-of-age saga — in the best possible way.
Cinematography by Aravind Puthussery is vibrant and chaotic, using wide angles, jump cuts, and handheld shots to reflect the restless energy of the protagonists.
Editing by Kannan Mohan is slick, giving the film its unique rhythm. The non-linear structure, flashbacks, and fourth-wall breaks keep the narrative fresh and unpredictable.
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Themes & Symbolism
🌱 Youth, Dreams & Delusions:
The film isn’t just a comedy. It’s a biting commentary on today’s “billionaire” obsession. Everyone wants to “make it” — but few are prepared for the reality. The film pokes fun at hustle culture, startup fantasies, and social media-fueled ambition.
👬 Brotherhood and Belonging:
At its core, Vaazha is about friendship. Even when life falls apart, these boys stick together — sometimes to their detriment, but always with heart.
🪞Meta Narrative & Satire:
By calling itself a “biopic,” the film constantly mocks and subverts the very idea of success stories. It asks: What if our greatest achievement is just surviving life with a smile?
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What Works
✅ Relatable, grounded characters with excellent chemistry
✅ Witty dialogues and culturally rooted humor
✅ Unconventional storytelling and visuals
✅ Diverse, innovative soundtrack
✅ Heartfelt message beneath the absurdity
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What Doesn’t Work
❌ Some segments feel overindulgent or stretched
❌ Tonal shifts between comedy and emotion may not land for all viewers
❌ Narrative may confuse viewers expecting a traditional arc
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Final Verdict
Vaazha – Biopic of a Billion Boys is a refreshing, gutsy, and unapologetically local film that breaks the mold of what a “coming-of-age” story should be. It’s loud, chaotic, hilarious, and unexpectedly moving — just like life in your early twenties. It may not be everyone’s banana, but for those who vibe with its energy, it’s a goldmine of laughter and nostalgia.
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BMR (Best Movie Review) Rating: 8.1/10
A vibrant and offbeat coming-of-age gem that celebrates friendship, failure, and the beauty of being average.