Unpacking ‘Maareesan’: A Deep Dive into Fahadh Faasil and Vadivelu’s Flawed Comedy Thriller

Maareesan movie review:

If you think about problematic Malayalam films, Villali Veeran (2014) often comes to mind for its troubling themes. This movie, featuring actor Dileep—who faced serious allegations in 2017—was infamous for its misogynistic undertones and inappropriate humor. So, when director Sudheesh Sankar resurfaced after a decade with Maareesan, expectations were mixed, especially given the talents of Fahadh Faasil and Vadivelu.

Plot Overview

The story centers on Dhayalan (Fahadh), a thief freshly released from prison. He’s eager to steal bigger items than just mobile phones or small cash. One night, while breaking into a house, he encounters Velayudham Pillai (Vadivelu), an elderly man chained by his son due to early-onset Alzheimer’s. Velayudham initially claims he has no money but later reveals he has a significant sum in his bank account. As they attempt to withdraw cash, Dhayalan learns more about Velayudham but faces obstacles when the old man forgets critical details, including his ATM PIN.

Predictably, the film struggles to maintain momentum, especially when it shifts into a thriller mode. There are moments that could have elevated the story, like revealing Velayudham’s true identity, but these were mishandled, leading to a lost opportunity for a dramatic twist.

Character Dynamics

The film has a lot of potential, reminiscent of Barry Levinson’s Rain Man (1988). Both Fahadh and Vadivelu display a wonderful chemistry that enhances the narrative. Their interactions, even when the script falters, keep the audience engaged.

Critics often praise Fahadh for his immersive acting style, and his performance as Dhayalan reinforces this. He shows remarkable depth, especially in portraying Dhaya’s drunkenness. Despite the character’s flaws, his connection with Vadivelu’s Velayudham is a standout element. Vadivelu shines with his portrayal of innocence and complexity, making even mundane scenes captivating.

Technical Aspects

Musically, Yuvan Shankar Raja delivers a compelling score that enhances the film’s atmosphere. The visuals and makeup also deserve a nod for contributing to its overall appeal.

Controversial Themes

However, the film dives into sensitive topics such as child sexual abuse. Critics argue that these serious themes were treated superficially. This led to questions about the filmmakers’ intentions. Many viewers felt that the victims were overlooked, reducing their experiences to mere plot devices for the male leads.

The question remains whether Sudheesh Sankar, who previously created a problematic film, genuinely sought to address such an important issue or if he was simply cashing in on the trend of socially conscious cinema.

Conclusion

Maareesan falls short of its potential, weakened by flimsy writing despite the strong performances from its leads. The film ends up as a mixed bag, offering moments of brilliance overshadowed by missed opportunities and uncomfortable portrayals of serious subjects. With a rating of 2 stars, it seems the film struggles to rise above its past associations.

Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Vadivelu, Kovai Sarala
Director: Sudheesh Sankar
Rating: 2 stars

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