Critics Review
2.75
Appreciable for its Intent!
Edutainment with its own hits and misses. Has quite a few exciting stretches but the engagement is on and off. Dhanush's natural presence and GV Prakash's rousing score add value.(more)
Source: Ashwin Ram, MovieCrow
3.00
Dhanush scores high along with his students in this tale of empowerment
Vaathi is a film that's mounted on no-nonsense writing though it could have been even better.(more)
Source: TOI, Times Of India
2.50
Dhanush is the only saving grace of this Venky Atluri film
Vaathi is more about the journey of a middle-class teacher and director Venky Atluri has tried his best to tug at the audience�s heartstrings to make them emotionally connect with this flat film. Some scenes are touching and others simply have no logic. Take the scene where Bala tries to convince parents to send their kids to school in the village. He narrates the story of APJ Abdul Kalam, which supposedly opens everyone�s eyes as to why education is important and they decide to send their kids to school.(more)
Source: Latha srinivasan, India Today
2.50
Dhanush-starrer about right to education is effective and brave, but needed better characters
The film does allow Dhanush to play to the gallery in a few instances but the story never glorifies his character. Samyuktha plays her part well and manages to score in the limited screen time she gets. The movie definitely needed a better written antagonist character as someone even as versatile as Samuthirakani couldn�t make the role interesting.(more)
Source: Haricharan Pudipeddi, Hindustan Times
3.50
Dhanush Can Never Go Wrong & Even The Script Is Backing Him Well This Time
Vaathi is a simple film that does its job well and entertains too. Give this one a chance.(more)
Source: Koimoi, Koimoi
1.50
Dhanush starrer about right to education fares poorly
In contrast, despite the fact that there are only a few striking scenes in the movie that show the depth of the relationship between Bala sir and his students, it comes across as quite effective, thanks to the performances of the kids in the film. The scene in which Bala Sir teaches his students about caste discrimination as a social ill thus becomes meaningful, even with the tepid dialogues.(more)
Source: Anandu Suresh , Indian Express
2.50
The noble intent powered by a fantastic Dhanush makes Vaathi a watchable entertainer.
The message enveloped in the film is a big positive for the film due to its relatability. Most of the scenes are simple and conventional which widens its reach among the audience. The romantic angle is short and it is woven into the storyline. This does not loosen the grip of the screenplay. Dhanush once again playing an underdog kind of role does wonders for the script as the sequence of him leaving the village touches the audience through its genuine moments.(more)
Source: Behindwoods, Behindwoods.com
2.50
Dhanush is the only saving grace of this Venky Atluri film
Vaathi is more about the journey of a middle-class teacher and director Venky Atluri has tried his best to tug at the audience�s heartstrings to make them emotionally connect with this flat film. Some scenes are touching and others simply have no logic. Take the scene where Bala tries to convince parents to send their kids to school in the village. He narrates the story of APJ Abdul Kalam, which supposedly opens everyone�s eyes as to why education is important and they decide to send their kids to school.(more)
Source: Latha Srinivasan, India Today