Maharaja

It has been a long time since I have witnessed a script that utilizes the technique of "subversion" so tactfully. The initial half cleverly diverges into various paths with not just one, but three distinct plotlines running parallel to each other.

Even though Initially you might find yourself quite confused, struggling to comprehend the purpose of it all.

However, rest assured, all your confusion will be dissipated and your queries will be addressed at appropriate times, which specifically transpires in the latter portion of the second half.

And trust me, the final act will astonish you and leave you profoundly moved.

Now I will refrain from revealing anything more to avoid any inadvertent spoilers, though I will say this; if you are a seasoned viewer, well-versed in "foreign cinema", you might be able to anticipate the concluding twist from afar.

On the contrary, if you are fresh to this particular genre or lack exposure to "World Cinema," brace yourself for an unforgettable revelation!

P. S. Kashyap maybe going through tough times as a 'director', but as an 'actor' he continues to evolve with each character he commits himself to. He nailed his role here, especially in the last ten minutes, that will certainly leave a mark!

Maharaja (2024) Tamil movie Review: All I knew was that this movie is from the director of "Kurangu Bommai" that had been released in 2017, though it was a good thriller it didn't do that well. This is Nithilan Swaminathan's second movie after a gap of seven years. However, you get a feeling that this 50th movie or so of this already veteran director. Also, this one is in fact 50th movie of Vijay Sethupathi whose fan I had become after watching his initial movies starting from "Pizza". This one should be a case study of how screen play of movie should be written taking simplest of stories and how characters should be developed in the script. Any movie would be great if it doesn't allow you to guess what is going to happen next? The suspense should not only be edge of the seat, but it should have many wow moments that is beyond audience's wildest imagination. Also, it should be more than engrossing and not just that, it should take you along as the story unfolds on the screen. In such a way that you end up feeling that you are part of what is happening. Finally, it should make you think long after you return home. Maharaja does all that and becomes one of the best Tamil movies of this year and the best 50th movie for Vijay Sethupathi. Take a bow to the director Nithilan Swaminathan for creating magic with amazing screen play from a simple story. You will think it is just another simple story only when you get to decipher the complete plot of this amazing movie. And you may have to see this movie more than once to get everything that you witnessed in the first view. I am really glad that this movie just came when everyone thought Malayalam movies are doing great even with Tamil audience and everyone started asking, what had happened to Tamil movie makers as they couldn't cater to the requirement of Tamil speaking audience? So much was the impact that old movies were re-released in the theaters due to lack of any good new movies to compete with Malayalam to Tamil dubbed movies. Technically this movie is brilliant in all ways. The major technical success is the wonderful BGM by Ajaneesh Loknath of KGF fame. I always associate him with loud BGM that not only vibrates chairs of theater also makes you buy a bottle of Amurthanjan/Headache balm. However, this one is an exception and crisp editing by Philomin Raj. Coming to performances, Vijay Sethupathi stands out both playing the younger version (Whom I like most) and the older version with good make up and even mannerism. You will feel nostalgic about his character in the movie "naduvula konjam pakkatha kaanom". It is nice to see Anurag Kashyap's amazing performance though there is no lip sync at many places. That is just a minor glitch as you can't think of anyone else in that role. However, taking a comedian and make him play one of the lead bad guys speaks volumes about the director. Singampuli is just amazing, and you start hating him to the core. I can't take all the names as it would make this review still longer one. Yes, you can't forget the girl who plays Vijay Sethupathi's daughter in this movie. This one is one amazing movie of this year and perfect choice for Vijay Sethupathi's 50th movie. Very Highly recommended. Every Cinephile should watch this one.

My rating is solid 10/10.

One humble request :- Please don't reveal about the plot to anyone. Let everyone watch it and experience it themselves!

Absorbing screenplay by Director Nithilan Swaminathan ;they way screenplay written ,the way story narrating ,Unexpected twist and turns and Terrific Emotional ending ;all this make Maharaja a Must watch movie in theater !

Background score is Perfect in every moments of the movie to keep us engaged !

& for the performances ; Anurag Kashyap is Excellent and his role had great Impact in this movie ,all others did a good work !

This movie Screenplay deserves a Great Leading performance , then came Vijay Sethupathi ,in his 50'th acting role ,he delivered a compelling fascinating performance to Amaze us !

Go watch it in theater & don't be the Spoilers of the Movie!

My Rating 9 !!

A must watch movie. What an acting from Vijay Sethupathy. The story, screenplay and the overall making is just outstanding. All the characters were perfectly apt for their respective roles. Anuarag Kashyap also deserves a huge applause for his performance.

The story is well written and the screenplay was also solid. I don't share the same opinion about the climax because a similar theme have been used in movies all around the world and recently there was a movie from Mollywood which had a similar theme in the ending. I'm not saying the climax was boring, it was great, but it didn't have much impact for me. That doesn't mean it won't work for everyone. Do give it a go. Overall the move is pure class!

Nicely crafted movie with exceptional performances by Vijay Sethupathi and Anurag Kashyap. Engaging from the first scene itself. Mamta Mohandas has been underutilised. Abirami is impressive though for a short time. Casting was excellent.

I need to watch it again, as I still have one question that was unanswered. Watching in a theatre was great because of a very appropriate background score. It's cinematic brilliance at its best.

This is one movie where gore needed to be allowed to drive home a certain point (unlike animal). Strikes a very deep chord as you think hard, long after the movie is over.