Movie : Maharaja
Release Date : June 14, 2024
Starring : Vijay Sethupathi, Anurag Kashyap, Mamta Mohandas, Natty (Natraj), Bharathiraja, Abhiram, Singampuli, Aruldoss, Munishkanth, Vinoth Sagar, Boys Manikandan, Kalki, Sachana Namidass.
Director: Nithilan Saminathan
Producers: Sudhan Sundaram, and Jagadish Palanisamy
Music Director: Ajaneesh Loknath
Cinematographer: Dinesh Purushothaman
Editor: Philomin Raj
Telugu Release By: NVR Cinemas
Makkal Selvan Vijay Sethupathi’s landmark film, his 50th- Maharaja has generated quite a buzz with its curiosity generating trailers. The film directed by Nithilan Saminathan is releasing simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu today on 14th June in theatres. Let’s check-out the review in detail.
Story:
Maharaja (Vijay Sethupathi) is a barber who owns a salon living with his daughter, Jyothi (Sachana Nemidas) One day, when Jyothi attends a sports meet, Maharaja unexpectedly visits the police station to file a missing person report for someone named Lakshmi. The police, confused about Laxmi’s identity, refuse to file a case but reluctantly start searching. The story then delves into the mystery of who Lakshmi is, what happened to her, and how these events are connected to the physical education teacher Asifa (Mamta Mohandas), Inspector Varadan (Natty), and Selvam (Anurag Kashyap).
Performances:
Vijay Sethupathi once again showcases his acting prowess with an intriguing character that perfectly suits him. Playing an innocent father in the first half and a desperate man searching for his beloved Laxmi in the second. His silent yet intense portrayal is captivating. Sethupathi delivered an exceptional performance carrying the entire movie with his remarkable screen presence.
Anurag Kashyap, despite having minimal screen time, leaves an impact with his villainy. Divya Bharati and Abhirami shine in their roles as wives, portraying them aptly. Mamta Mohandas delivers a solid performance, and Natty fits well into his role as a cop. The rest of the cast also contributed to the film’s overall narrative.
Highlights:
Vijay Sethupathi
Engaging Non-linear Screenplay
Emotional Quotient
Writing & Dialogues
Technicalities
Drawbacks:
Slow Paced Narration
Analysis:
Director Nithilan comes up with an interesting screenplay which seems confusing during initial part but slowly drags audiences into an engaging and emotional thriller ride. Though the first half faces some hurdles, with slow paced narration and somewhat confusing screenplay, the characters were established and raises curiosity about ‘Lakshmi’.
It is the second half which takes the audience on a thriller ride with unexpected twists and turns. Especially the pre climax and climax twists will standout. The film’s main highlight is its non-linear narration. The director skillfully tells a simple story in an engaging way, keeping viewers enthralled.
The cinematography by Dinesh Purushothaman is impressive. Philomin Raj’s editing is adequate. Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score stands out presenting scenes realistically. The Telugu dubbing and dialogues are well executed.
Rating: 3.5 / 5
Bottom-line: Vijay Sethupathi’s Show In A Shocking Thriller
