Maari Movie Review

July 17, 2015

2 minutes read

Review Overview

Performances

Screenplay & Direction

Technical Aspects & BGM

An underwhelming outing!

The old-fashioned story-line and a feeble execution make Maari an underwhelming outing. Balaji Mohan thrives on Dhanush’s commanding screen presence and the dependence is visible in the umpteen numbers of slow-motion shots scattered through the film.

Cast: Dhanush, Kajal Aggarwal, Vijay Yesudas, Kaali Venkat, Robo Shankar, Kallori Vinoth & others

Cinematography: Om Prakash

Music: Anirudh

Editing: Nithin Arun & Prasanna GK

Stunts: Silva

PRO: Riaz Ahmed

Written & Directed by: Balaji Mohan

Produced by: Magic Frames & Wunderbar Films

Release Date: 16-07-2015

Run Time: 02:18:00

The success of Velai Illa Pattathaari is the rightful mix of Dhanush, the star and Dhanush, the actor. What happens when we get an over-the-top version of Dhanush, the star alone? We get Maari. I have always admired Dhanush for his prudent choice of script selection at different stages of his career. Though his career graph has always been volatile, he is one of the few actors who have carved his own path with some brave choices. But, he is not an exception from those stars who deliver ‘Strictly For Fans’ films once in a while. And, Maari, certainly, is one such film from Dhanush pandering to his star image.

The disappointment in Maari is not Dhanush. In fact, he sails through the role effortlessly with his towering screen presence. His role is filled with such effervescence that even the most mundane scenes become watchable on screen. But, the real disappointment of Maari is Balaji Mohan, who has proved his mettle and displayed inventive directorial skills in his first two films.

Maari is the story of a local don who lives his life by collecting petty bribes from people in the locality where pigeon racing is considered sacrosanct and a matter of pride. Maari (Dhanush) has been the indisputable winner for a long time beating all his opponents. That’s when Arjun – played by Vijay Yesudas in a highly miscast role – a sub-inspector in the local police station, enters the fray. Right from the first day of his duty, his only motive is to put Maari behind bars. He starts collecting evidences to prove a rumored murder committed by Maari that happened eight years back. The one-upmanship between Arjun and Maari forms the story. And, you know who the winner will be eventually.

Robo Shankar as Maari’s side-kick leaves the house in splits regularly. Balaji Mohan has superbly utilized Robo Shankar’s histrionics and enjoyable counter dialogues with impeccable timing. Kajal Aggarwal gets a fairly good role and is part of an underwhelming twist that forms the interval block.

Anirudh delivers what he is expected to effortlessly. This may be his first full-on commercial film, but he has provided full justice to the script. Nothing more. Nothing less.

The old-fashioned story-line and a feeble execution make Maari an underwhelming outing. Balaji Mohan thrives on Dhanush’s commanding screen presence and the dependence is visible in the umpteen numbers of slow-motion shots scattered through the film. Even with a not-so-good screenplay, Balaji Mohan has managed to break many mass-hero stereotypes. That’s where his real talent and ingenuity resides. That’s the Balaji Mohan I would like to see make a comeback in his next venture.