Critics Review
2.50
Surya show!
Vaaranam Aayiram is an out and out Surya show. Simran comes a close second with her puffed eyes and refined articulation of emotions announcing that she is ageing gracefully. Harris’ music complements Thamarai's lyrics with almost all songs, albeit termed as interruptions, hummable. The three hour long movie advocates non-smoking heavily and hits the smokers hard with the harsh reality of its consequences. (more)
Source: Editorial Board, Behindwoods.com
3.00
Its Surya all the way
Vaaranam Aayiram (A thousand Elephants), directed by Gautam Vasudev Menon is almost a love-story with Surya, and no one but Surya at its epicenter. Harris Jeyaraj's songs have already become chart-busters; his background score gels well with the movie. At three hours, this one is too long -- a healthy snip would have made for much better viewing. (more)
Source: Pavithra Srinivasan, Rediff.com
3.00
Only for niche audiences
The film is clearly meant for niche audiences, and not for mass viewing. Technically the film is state of art. The female star cast is simply too good. The film demands great patience to sit through and is an overdose of emotions. If the film holds on, it is because of its music and superb performance of Surya. On the whole, the film is optimistic, fresh and emotionally honest. (more)
Source: MovieBuzz, Sify.com
3.00
Memoirs of a heart with abounding memories
Suriya the actor rocks throughout. The variety of emotions he has portrayed is very good and a strong mention has to be made about his good looks and charm. Harris Jayaraj has rendered a beautiful set of songs with this film. One gets the feeling Gautham could have used all of Suriya's efforts with a better narration AND with all-round emotions to connect all the incidents in the script which would have made it more interesting. (more)
Source: Editorial Board, IndiaGlitz.com
3.00
An ode to dad dearest
Halfway through the film, the screenplay flounders without focus and unwarranted interpolations mar the momentum. Harris Jeyaraj has come out with some scintillating pieces, though the heard-before feel is a recurring feature. The same combo came together for ‘Kaakha Kaakha’ and signed off with a flourish not so long ago! Of course ‘Vaaranam …’ does have some great moments, but it’s a lengthy film, and you feel it!(more)
Source: Malathi Rangarajan, The Hindu
4.00
Watch it - be moved , be inspired and be touched
Beautifully told and intricately woven, Vaaranam Aayiram is a tale on the backbone of realism and beautiful music. Vaaranam Aayiram impresses visually, in terms of color and environment. The actors are simply superb. One just cannot pick a better actor than another because they are in their element in this movie, except Suriya, of course. He is nothing short of brilliant. Perhaps the only drawback of the movie is its length. At 3 hours, it’s a daunting task to think about watching a movie as deeply introverted as this. But once the tale begins, there is no putting down THIS story. (more)
Source: Editorial Board, Tamilwire.com