Maareesan Review: A quirky tale of odds
Maareesan is a peculiar little thriller that brings together Fahadh Faasil and Vadivelu once again. The film, now available online in both Tamil and Telugu (on Netflix), is built on an unusual premise but doesn’t always hold steady till the end.
The Plot
Daya (Fahadh Faasil), a small-time burglar, ends up in a strange situation when a break-in leads him to Velayudham (Vadivelu). What starts as a simple demand for money in exchange for a ride soon turns into something far more complicated. Daya discovers Velayudham suffers from Alzheimer’s, and sees a chance to exploit him. But the journey unravels hidden layers, Who is Velayudham really? Is Daya only as selfish as he appears? The film keeps dropping clues as their story unfolds.
What Works
Vadivelu’s transformation: Usually remembered for his comic timing, Vadivelu delivers one of his most restrained and impactful roles. His portrayal of memory loss is touching, but it’s the darker shades of his character that truly impress.
Fahadh’s layered performance: Though not the central figure, Fahadh makes Daya unpredictable and engaging, sometimes cruel, sometimes strangely tender. His exchanges with Vadivelu bring the best moments in the film.
The setup and reveal: The film starts out as a quirky road adventure but slowly peels back to reveal a deeper, darker story. This unexpected shift works really well, keeps viewers invested.
Supporting cast: Sithara and Vivek Prasanna, despite limited screen space, make their presence felt.
Where It Falters
Once the big reveal is made, the narrative struggles to maintain intensity. The pacing dips and the film begins to drag.
Some scenes feel unnecessary, stretching the runtime without adding much value. A few smaller surprises could have kept the suspense alive longer.
Certain characters, like Kovai Sarala’s officer role, feel wasted. The emotional potential in some subplots is underdeveloped.
Technically: The direction and writing are sharp in the opening half but lose focus later. Cinematography and editing do the job but don’t elevate the film, while Yuvan Shankar Raja’s background score is serviceable but not outstanding. The Telugu version, though dubbed neatly, could have benefitted from a freer adaptation of the songs. Production quality, however, is solid.
Maareesan review overall: Maareesan shines in moments thanks to the powerhouse pairing of Vadivelu and Fahadh Faasil. The first half sets up an engaging ride, but the later portions slip into predictability. It’s worth a watch if you enjoy strong performances and a different kind of story, but don’t expect a consistently gripping thriller.
