jasin_saj

This movie had been sitting on my watchlist for a while, and I'm so glad I finally watched it. What a beautiful piece of storytelling.

The film feels so natural - from the way it's shot to how it sounds and flows. Nothing feels forced. The scenes are simple, yet so well put together. The cinematography, sound design and editing are all very subtle and just right.

The dialogues are short but powerful. Some of the conversations really hit me emotionally. If you come from an Asian family, a lot of the dynamics will feel very familiar and relatable. The relationship between the main characters grows so beautifully, and you can really feel the emotions shift and deepen.

The actors were perfectly cast. It's hard to believe the actress who played Grandma is a newcomer. She was amazing. The actor who played M was also very natural and believable.

What I appreciated most is that the film doesn't paint anyone as a villain. Everyone has their reasons - shaped by love, struggle, greed or guilt. It's a very human story.

The ending really got to me. Especially the moment when M turns down the money and talks to Soei... and later when he tells Amah, "You're my number one." That scene stayed with me.

This one left me with a heavy but full heart. Definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys emotional, character-driven films.

Maareesan stands out primarily due to the strong performances from its lead pair, whose chemistry, quirky dialogues, and the intriguing, mysterious mood make the first half quite engaging. The way their dynamic unfolds is a treat.

However, the second half takes a more familiar and convenient route, especially during the big reveal. Some of the actions, particularly by one of the characters in the climax, feel like examples of lazy or forced writing we've seen in many other films.

Vadivelu emerges as the true star of the film. In several scenes, he even overshadows Fahadh Faasil with his nuanced performance. It's unfortunate that the Tamil industry hasn't fully tapped into Vadivelu's acting potential in the past 30 years-this film serves as a reminder of what he's capable of beyond just comedy.

Yuvan Shankar Raja's background score adds depth, and the clever use of an old Ilaiyaraaja song is another highlight and a visual treat.

Despite an okayish second half, Maareesan is worth a watch, especially for the performances and mood it manages to create in the first half.

This film is a warm slice of life pulled straight from a lower middle class household. Simple, honest, and full of soul. Madras Matinee reminds us that you don't need grandeur to entertain. The small things like the daily struggles, quiet victories, bursts of laughter and unexpected surprises come together to paint a vibrant, relatable picture of middle class life.

Kali Venkat deserves a special mention. What an actor! He doesn't perform, he lives the character. His presence anchors the film with depth and sincerity.

This isn't just a movie. It's a reflection of lives we see around us every day, brought to screen with care and heart.