Brilliantly crafted! These are the words that spontaneously come to one's mind while thinking about the film Vaalmiki. G. Ananthanarayanan, an alumnus of the Madras Film institute, had earlier worked under director Shankar and this is his first film as director. But while watching the film, you get a feel that that it has been directed by a veteran. The story of petty criminals being reformed by a woman has been portrayed in the past but the presentation this time is indeed different and realistic.

The film is an inspiration from Hindu mythology. Just as sage Vaalmiki was a thief before he penned the Ramayana, the protagonist Paandi (Akhil) of Vaalmiki is a petty thief; how he transforms himself and starts working to earn a living forms the main focus of the film. It throws light on his contributions and also talks about human values.

The film starts in Central jail where Paandi works as a jail warden, registering the list of criminals and the properties they have stolen. One day, during the course of his duties, he sees a gold chain which once belonged to his lover Vandana (Meera Nandan). The film then moves to flashback sequence where Paandi and his associates are shown as thieves and a menace to society.

One day, he encounters Vandana at a temple; the two become friends after Pandi saves her life from a mentally retarded man Murugan (Badava Gopi). Vandana, who does not know about Paandi's true colours, develops a liking for him and even invites him to her house. She runs a crèche for kids and regularly meets Paandi.

Paandi contacts his friend Karuna (Ajay) who decides to help by providing him accommodation and introduces Paandi to his sister Kanaga (Sruthi Nair), who begins to like Paandi for his casual ways, and develops a secret desire to marry him. She realizes that Paandi has a liking for Vandana and is heart-broken. Kanaga then decides to marry the man whom her brother recommends.

Paandi is arrested on suspicion of theft, which Vandana gets to know about. What happens next? She reconciles to the fact and tries to change him into a good human being.

Paandi slowly tries to move away from Vandana as he realizes that the two are not meant for each other, but the defiant Vandana is determined to bring about some transformation in him. She finally does manage to achieve that metamorphosis, but doesn't live long enough to see his complete transformation.

Akhil, who impressed us with his performance in Kalloori, does not disappoint. Meera Nandan, a newcomer in Kollywood, had earlier acted in the Malayalam film Mulla. Sruthi Nair does a very convincing job and is sure to go places with her ability to emote. Her performance clearly stands out.

N. Azhagappan does not disappoint with his camera and Isaignani Ilayaraja's music only makes one go nostalgic about early 90s and late 80s. The songs are melodious and clearly have the stamp of the maestro.

Vikatan Talkies has emerged a winner. They are taking one step at a time but are making a conscious decision to make the right kind of socially relevant films. The Vikatan publication house has been active for several years and now, has forayed in to film-making. They definitely have a stock of hundreds of scripts written by many writers over the past several years.

Vaalmiki, a beautiful film with a social message, is refreshingly different.