Maharaja Movie Review Vijay Sethupathi shines in a realistic portrayal of Maharaja, while Anurag Kashyap surprises with a strong performance. Director Nithilan Swaminathan entered the film industry in 2017 with his first movie, Korangu Bommai, a critically acclaimed crime thriller. After a seven-year hiatus, he returns with Maharaja, another thriller, which happens to be Tamil actor Vijay Sethupathi’s 50th film.
Movie Name : 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
The film Maharaja centers around the main character, a barber named Vijay Sethupathi, known for his simplicity. He dedicates his life to two main priorities: fulfilling his daily work duties and caring for his daughter Jothi under all circumstances. Their lives revolve strictly around these aspects, operating with precision. Jothi, an aspiring sports star in high school, admires her physical education teacher Mamta Mohandas, who provides significant support. The dynamic between the father and daughter is unique, as Jothi takes on a parental role towards her father. Despite their differences, they both share a deep affection for a dustbin affectionately named ‘Lakshmi’.
However, even though Maharaja lives a content life in his own world, he ends up at the police station one day. He is there to report that ‘Lakshmi’ has been stolen from his residence. Despite the authorities not taking him seriously and dismissing his claim as frivolous, Maharaja remains insistent at the police station, determined to retrieve Lakshmi. What unfolds in this situation and where does this narrative take us?
Nithilan Swaminathan has delivered a gradually unfolding thriller. Initially, several characters are introduced, appearing insignificant, but as the story progresses, their significance becomes apparent. It is in the latter part of the movie that the pieces start coming together, revealing the reasons behind Maharaja’s unwavering quest to locate Lakshmi.
The story of Maharaja is captivating, albeit with some imperfections. The nonlinear plot may be confusing for viewers who do not pay close attention. The film’s success lies in its complex nature as a crime thriller, filled with red herrings and intricate sub-plots that maintain audience engagement. Despite their smaller roles, the female characters play significant parts in the narrative. At its core, Maharaja explores a deep father-daughter relationship that resonates emotionally with the audience and may prompt reflection on their own connections with their daughters.
In terms of performances, Vijay Sethupathi’s talent unquestionably shines through in his portrayal of Maharaja. His depiction is highly authentic, evoking a strong emotional connection from the audience. The subtle character development throughout the film is expertly conveyed by Vijay Sethupathi, highlighting the commendable direction of the filmmaker. An unexpected standout in the movie was Anurag Kashyap, who impressively portrayed a multifaceted common man, a departure from his usual cop roles. Natty, Mamta Mohandas, and Abhirami also delivered solid performances.
The film Maharaja deviates from the usual tropes of a film, such as the absence of songs, dances, and romance, and presents a refreshing take on an investigative thriller. Describing the film without revealing too much is challenging due to the interconnected pieces that are crucial to the plot. Director Nithilan Swaminathan and Vijay Sethupathi have created a movie that is truly worth watching.
Vijay Sethupathi plays Maharaja, a salon owner who resides with his daughter, Jyothi. He alerts the police about the theft of his treasured possession, Laxmi, by three thieves who also assaulted him. Initially puzzled by Laxmi’s mysterious identity, the police launch an investigation. Who is Laxmi, and why does Maharaja harbor such deep concern for her? Will they uncover the truth as the search progresses? Delve into the heart of the story to unravel the enigma surrounding Laxmi and Maharaja’s resolute quest to retrieve her. In “Maharaja’s Story,” Laxmi is not an inanimate object but Maharaja’s beloved pet elephant, signifying his profound emotional attachment and connection to his late wife. The thieves’ actions were more than just a robbery; they violated Maharaja’s most significant link to his past. Through the investigation, Maharaja’s strength and affection for Laxmi come to light, presenting a poignant narrative of loyalty and perseverance in challenging circumstances.
Vijay Sethupathi gives a remarkable performance in his 50th film, portraying a character who evolves from a gentle father figure to a determined individual in search of his beloved Laxmi. Anurag Kashyap leaves a lasting impression despite his brief role, and the movie’s non-linear storytelling keeps the audience engaged with its emotional highs and a surprising twist that highlights Sethupathi’s acting skills. However, the complex storyline, although fascinating, might be perplexing for viewers accustomed to similar themes. The focus on Sethupathi’s character results in limited development for the supporting cast, which could potentially alienate some audience members, particularly those unfamiliar with the actors.
The dark humor in the first part of the movie may not appeal to everyone, and the use of flashbacks can make it difficult to follow the timeline for some viewers. However, Sethupathi’s strong performance and the director’s adept storytelling guarantee an engaging movie experience, despite its complex storyline and occasional pacing problems.
Overall, Maharaja is a gradual narrative focusing on emotions and revenge. Vijay Sethupathi’s outstanding acting and the screenplay captivate the audience. The emotional conclusion with a surprising twist and the impactful break are the key features. Nevertheless, the leisurely pace and insufficiently fleshed-out characters might not resonate with all viewers. If you appreciate deliberate storytelling with solid performances, Maharaja is a recommended watch for this weekend.