Common Sense Media Review
By Ishmeet Nagpal
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Indian action drama about accessible education has violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Vaathi
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In VAATHI, a teacher (Dhanush) posted in a government college in a rural area of India, battles politicians, goons, and profit hungry businessmen to ensure a bright future for underprivileged students.
Is It Any Good?
This Indian action drama, that pans across several decades, starts out with big ideas; corruption, the brutality of competition, the lack of quality teachers, the caste divides inside classrooms. However, Vaathi tends to lose itself in gratuitous violence and hero worship instead of chalking out practical and replicable paths to empowerment. Songs meant to evoke sympathy for the central character -- a teacher intent on making education accessible to all -- only end up glorifying him, not his message. Ultimately the film proves to be boring, preachy, obsessed with proving lead actor Dhanush's machismo, and lacking in nuance when it comes to caste or gender dynamics.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Vaathi. How did it make you feel? Was it necessary? Do some types of media violence have different impact than others?
What was the film trying to say about the dangers of privatizing education? Do you think good education should be available for all? Why, or why not?
How was smoking and drinking portrayed in the movie? Were they glamorized? When is it OK for my kid to watch shows that have alcohol, drugs, and smoking in them?
How was the mental health of the students affected by the intense competition of entrance exams? Have you ever felt stressed by your schoolwork?
What do you know about the Indian caste system portrayed in this film? What problems could it cause?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 17, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : March 17, 2023
- Cast : Dhanush , Samyukhta Menon , Samuthirakani
- Director : Venky Atluri
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Run time : 139 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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