Maari

Cast	:	Dhanush Kajal Aggarwal, Vijay Yesudas Robo Shankar, Vinoth
Director	:	Balaji Mohan
Cinematographer	:	Om Prakash
Music	:	Anirudh Ravichander
Producer	:	Wunderbar Films Magic Frames
Release Date	:	July 17, 2015
Length	:	2 Hours & 11 Minutes
Language	:	Tamil

My Thoughts

Maari (Dhanush) is a local small-time rowdy who has an inclination towards training pigeons and sending them for race. He is funny and irritating at the same time. His full-time job is to nag the local people and get money from them. He is also the left-hand for a politically supported red sanders smuggler Velu. People fear Maari and Maari, in turn, makes full advantage of such fear. He has two assistants – Sanikkizhamai (Robot Shankar) and Adithaangi (Vinoth). He rules the locale until Arjun, a cop (Vijay Yesudas) starts investigating about Maari and the crimes he has been a part of. Will Arjun succeed in debarring Maari? Is Maari a criminal or a good-hearted man? Watch the movie for that J

Having said that, the story is nothing new and some of the scenes could have been clichéd too. But, thanks to the director who has handled such a fragile storyline in an innovative manner. Sanikkizhamai’s quirky one-liners and Adithaangi’s seamless reactions wards off monotony. Robot Shankar is truly a delight and he is easily one of the prime reasons for infusing light-heartedness into the film.

Dhanush comes across with ease and lives comfortably as Maari. He smokes cigarettes every five minutes and lets the cloud of smoke surround him bringing an aura of surrealism to him. Did he remind me of Rajinikanth? His days as Murattu Kaalai and alike? He twirls his moustache and ensures that the heroism is maintained throughout. He proclaims himself as a bad guy and never once goes out of the way to prove himself wrong. He carries the movie on his shoulder and re-emphasizes that acting comes naturally to him.

What I loved about the movie is that the romantic angle is underplayed. Sridevi (Kajal Agarwal) is believable and real. I loved her costumes – very vibrant and wearable. I also loved the end – different and appropriate!

The cinematographer has given a tint to the film which looks really nice. Anirudh’s music is peppy as always. His background score is equally nice. Dhanush and Anirudh have proved to be a smashing combo!

It was surprising to see Vijay Yesudas (the owner of sweet voice) in a menacing police officer avatar. For a debutant, he has done a very good job. His demeanor also is perfect for his character.

As you see, I am all praises for the script, dialogs, actors’ performance, music and cinematography. Editing is also done very well, the movie never bores you in spite of the slow motions! I was thoroughly entertained. I laughed as if I would choke and die right away. I tapped my foot when the songs were played.

Then, what’s the problem? Well, the story! The purpose of the film. I mean the takeaway from the film! Is the movie about pigeon races? Or the good Vs. bad? I am sure it is not! Does the movie say it is okay to be bad? What did the director try to convey? I agree that movies are a medium of entertainment. But, can we say that we are not influenced by it at all. I think that it is high-time that our movie industry stop glorifying rowdies. I don’t know why they are so obsessed with the underworld. It is okay as long as the hero is fighting against it. But, I really think that an actor at a stature of influencing others should not undertake roles that involves crime, illegal activities, beating people, snatching money and alike. Let the hero be “hero” and let him fight for good. Or let the movie evoke the hero in him by transforming into a good-natured hard-working man. Let it not unapologetically celebrate the advantages of being a bad-man and end on a note that the hero will be a rowdy, no matter what! Are you serious?  

In short, I was entertained and I was confused too. I am sure that you will not get bored too. Enjoy it! But don’t take anything away from it!

Rating

4/5