A Unique Blend of Comedy and Thriller That Almost Lands Perfectly
Sudheesh Sankar’s Maareesan is a Tamil-language film that dares to be different. Starring Vadivelu and Fahadh Faasil in standout roles, this movie weaves together an emotionally layered road trip with a suspense-filled crime thriller. It’s a commendable attempt that gives us flashes of brilliance but ultimately falls short of greatness due to uneven pacing and a slightly loose script.
An Unlikely Pairing That Delivers Powerfully
Vadivelu and Fahadh Faasil Shine
The heart of Maareesan lies in the chemistry between its two lead actors. Vadivelu, known for decades as Tamil cinema’s most iconic comedian, continues his fascinating evolution into more grounded and dramatic roles. Much like Indrans in Malayalam cinema, who transitioned from comic relief to intense character portrayals, Vadivelu is now stepping into roles that showcase his full acting potential. And it’s good to see him this way.
Fahadh Faasil, playing the street-smart thief Dhayalan, balances mischief with empathy. He avoids caricature and plays the grey shades of his character with restraint. Fahadh’s calm intensity provides the perfect counterweight to Vadivelu’s emotional volatility. The two together create a bond that is both moving and entertaining.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half of Maareesan is where the film shines brightest. As Dhayalan and Velayudham set out on their journey from Nagercoil to Tiruvannamalai, there’s a gentle rhythm to the storytelling—subtle humor, philosophical musings, vintage Ilaiyaraaja tracks, and charming detours that reveal layers of each character. It’s slow, yes, but immersive. You feel like a third passenger on this emotional journey.
However, as the interval twist hits—a surprisingly sharp genre shift—the film trades its emotional core for a crime thriller template. What begins as a soulful road movie becomes a moral drama about vigilante justice. While the second half is not devoid of merit and contains moments of tension and strong performances, it lacks the emotional richness of the first act.
A Concept That Could’ve Been More
Thematically, Maareesan has ambition. It explores memory, grief, redemption, and the fragility of identity. One of its most touching moments comes when Velayudham reflects on life without memories, subtly reminding us how identity is built on remembrance. Another compelling beat is Dhayalan’s journey from a con artist to a man awakening to morality through an unexpected bond.
Yet, these strong concepts are diluted by inconsistent tone shifts and writing that doesn’t fully trust the audience’s intelligence. The flashbacks could have been trimmed, and the climax, though emotionally satisfying, feels a bit too convenient for a story that otherwise revels in moral complexity.
Technical Brilliance and Subtle Storytelling
Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music elevates the film, especially in the first half where his score gently underscores the evolving bond between the protagonists. Kalaiselvan Sivaji’s cinematography beautifully captures the scenic roadscapes and the loneliness of two lost souls in transit. Even the editing, while leisurely early on, supports the film’s reflective tone before the thriller element kicks in.
Final Verdict
Maareesan is far from perfect, but it’s certainly worth your time. If only the writing had been tighter and the tonal shift handled with more finesse, this film could have been truly exceptional. Still, the performances of Vadivelu and Fahadh Faasil are reason enough to watch. They breathe life into a story that dares to explore the blurred lines between right and wrong, memory and identity, comedy and pain.
Bullseye Rating: ★★★1/2☆ (3.5/5 stars)
A touching, ambitious film anchored by two fantastic performances. Falters in the second half, but still an engaging watch.
Maareesan is currently playing in theatres.