A barber seeks vengeance after his home is burglarized, cryptically telling police his "lakshmi" has been taken, leaving them uncertain if it's a person or object. His quest to recover the e... Read allA barber seeks vengeance after his home is burglarized, cryptically telling police his "lakshmi" has been taken, leaving them uncertain if it's a person or object. His quest to recover the elusive "lakshmi" unfolds.A barber seeks vengeance after his home is burglarized, cryptically telling police his "lakshmi" has been taken, leaving them uncertain if it's a person or object. His quest to recover the elusive "lakshmi" unfolds.
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- 3 nominations total
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Summary
Reviewers say 'Maharaja' is acclaimed for its gripping plot, stellar performances, and masterful direction, with Vijay Sethupathi and Anurag Kashyap receiving particular praise. The non-linear narrative and suspenseful twists are highlighted as strengths. However, some critics point out pacing issues, predictability, and excessive violence. The film's thematic depth, emotional impact, and social messages are frequently noted. Overall, 'Maharaja' is regarded as a compelling thriller with strong performances and a well-crafted story, despite its flaws.
Featured reviews
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!
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!
Despite being critical of Vijay Sethupathi's filmography in the past (including Mugizh, 2021), I can confidently say Maharaja strikes a chord of undeniable brillaince for his 50th golden jubilee offering.
There's so much to unpack in this film, I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything, but major props to Sethupathi. He deserves a standing ovation for embodying the director's vision. The complexities, the writing is a no nonsense game which gets it right with a brilliant climax that lingers long after the credits roll. The first half features familiar faces from the director's debut, with lighthearted moments woven into the theft investigation, the police station chaos, and the antics of "Kurangu Bommai," the burglar sidekick. Character introductions are swift, establishing VJS's family life, daughter, PT teacher role, the city's robbery, and the presence of Anurag Kashyap (whose dubbing might raise an eyebrow, but his performance shines in the climactic construction site sequence). For the sake of avoiding spoilers, I'll refrain from detailing his henchman's significance.
Ajanessh Loknath, a powerhouse known for his work in Kannada and Telugu cinema is the perfect musical accompaniment for this movie.
Director Nithilan Swaminathan, who stunned audiences with his debut "Kurangu Bommai," showcases his mastery of non-linear storytelling, solidifying him as a rising force in Tamil cinema. His mastery of non-linear storytelling is brilliant. He's on track to be a big name in Tamil cinema.
There's just so much to this movie, but for now, I gotta recommend it if you're looking for something deeper than just a masala popcorn flick. Sure, some might compare the climax to stuff like Oldboy or Irrata, or even Villeneuve's Incendies (2010), but don't let that stop you. Ignore the overzealous puluthis who act like they've seen it all - this is one you don't want to miss.
Bonus recommendation! Rishab Shetty has produced a movie titled Shivamma which has released today, just came out, and if you're into indie films, you should check it out. Support the indies!
There's so much to unpack in this film, I'm still trying to wrap my head around everything, but major props to Sethupathi. He deserves a standing ovation for embodying the director's vision. The complexities, the writing is a no nonsense game which gets it right with a brilliant climax that lingers long after the credits roll. The first half features familiar faces from the director's debut, with lighthearted moments woven into the theft investigation, the police station chaos, and the antics of "Kurangu Bommai," the burglar sidekick. Character introductions are swift, establishing VJS's family life, daughter, PT teacher role, the city's robbery, and the presence of Anurag Kashyap (whose dubbing might raise an eyebrow, but his performance shines in the climactic construction site sequence). For the sake of avoiding spoilers, I'll refrain from detailing his henchman's significance.
Ajanessh Loknath, a powerhouse known for his work in Kannada and Telugu cinema is the perfect musical accompaniment for this movie.
Director Nithilan Swaminathan, who stunned audiences with his debut "Kurangu Bommai," showcases his mastery of non-linear storytelling, solidifying him as a rising force in Tamil cinema. His mastery of non-linear storytelling is brilliant. He's on track to be a big name in Tamil cinema.
There's just so much to this movie, but for now, I gotta recommend it if you're looking for something deeper than just a masala popcorn flick. Sure, some might compare the climax to stuff like Oldboy or Irrata, or even Villeneuve's Incendies (2010), but don't let that stop you. Ignore the overzealous puluthis who act like they've seen it all - this is one you don't want to miss.
Bonus recommendation! Rishab Shetty has produced a movie titled Shivamma which has released today, just came out, and if you're into indie films, you should check it out. Support the indies!
"Maharaja" is a rollercoaster of a movie that keeps you guessing until the very end. The plot twists and turns are unexpected, making it impossible to predict what will happen next. The pacing is perfect, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout.
The characters are complex and well-developed, each with their own motivations and secrets. The acting is superb, with each actor bringing their character to life with passion and intensity.
The cinematography is visually stunning, capturing the grandeur of the royal setting while also highlighting the raw emotions of the characters. The music is perfectly matched to the tone of the movie, adding to the overall suspense and excitement.
Overall, "Maharaja" is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good thriller. It's a captivating story with twists, turns, and outstanding performances. Don't miss it!
The characters are complex and well-developed, each with their own motivations and secrets. The acting is superb, with each actor bringing their character to life with passion and intensity.
The cinematography is visually stunning, capturing the grandeur of the royal setting while also highlighting the raw emotions of the characters. The music is perfectly matched to the tone of the movie, adding to the overall suspense and excitement.
Overall, "Maharaja" is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good thriller. It's a captivating story with twists, turns, and outstanding performances. Don't miss it!
Isaignani Ilaiyaraja avargal, after this movie:
Naan sivanenu dhaane poiki'irundhen....
yaar vambu thumbkkaachu ponaena?
Gouravam gouravam nu yen gouravathiye narradichteengle da!
Daaai! Nee yendha JILLA'vla irundhalum seri.
On usuru yen kaila dhaan-di'yei! Yen kaila dhaan.
About the movie: Screenplay Masterclass. I have NOT seen anything written like this in Tamil cinema before.
Any details about the plot may potentially reveal spoilers so I'll refrain from doing so. Vijay Sethupathi and Anurag Kashyap were GREAT (minus the lip-sync) along with the secondary characters. Any actor could have played these roles, from the Nassers to the SJ Suryas; but the screen presence that these two have elevates the scenes and the brand of the movie that will make people buy the tickets; and rightfully so - because a film like this deserves to be seen by many.
But to put the actors ABOVE the script and the screenplay would be blasphemous. VJS will likely get over-credited for this movie and that's fine as long the writing gets the most props for this film. It would be an injustice otherwise.
Is everything a 100% perfect? No. But the brilliance that the writing has demonstrated overshadows that things that didn't work for me along with a couple of the casting choices didn't have any impact on the plot. Could have been anybody, and folks who were chosen didn't add to the screen presence either. However this is not the movie to nitpick on.
Go in blank, sit back and watch things unfold. You have not seen anything like this before. If you're a cinema lover, you're in for a special treat with the screenplay.
Gouravam gouravam nu yen gouravathiye narradichteengle da!
Daaai! Nee yendha JILLA'vla irundhalum seri.
On usuru yen kaila dhaan-di'yei! Yen kaila dhaan.
About the movie: Screenplay Masterclass. I have NOT seen anything written like this in Tamil cinema before.
Any details about the plot may potentially reveal spoilers so I'll refrain from doing so. Vijay Sethupathi and Anurag Kashyap were GREAT (minus the lip-sync) along with the secondary characters. Any actor could have played these roles, from the Nassers to the SJ Suryas; but the screen presence that these two have elevates the scenes and the brand of the movie that will make people buy the tickets; and rightfully so - because a film like this deserves to be seen by many.
But to put the actors ABOVE the script and the screenplay would be blasphemous. VJS will likely get over-credited for this movie and that's fine as long the writing gets the most props for this film. It would be an injustice otherwise.
Is everything a 100% perfect? No. But the brilliance that the writing has demonstrated overshadows that things that didn't work for me along with a couple of the casting choices didn't have any impact on the plot. Could have been anybody, and folks who were chosen didn't add to the screen presence either. However this is not the movie to nitpick on.
Go in blank, sit back and watch things unfold. You have not seen anything like this before. If you're a cinema lover, you're in for a special treat with the screenplay.
Maharaja is one of the finest films of recent times! After a long time such good cinema is made in India. We can consider this one of the cult classics of Indian Cinema! The performances are good the direction is good and the script is just mind blowing! You are hooked to the film throughout! The non linear story telling also makes this a superb watch! Vijay Sethupathi as always has not failed to impress the audience. The most surprising performance is of Mr. Anurag Kashyap, he was very good in the role. There is a point in the film where you feel you have lost hope but then again some twist comes and you are back to normal. Full marks to the director Nithilan Swaminathan for making such good film!!
Did you know
- TriviaVijay Sethupati's 50th film as a lead actor.
- GoofsWhen Maharaja (Vijay Sethupathi) is held with a large spanner under his neck, you can notice that the spanner bends.
- Alternate versionsFor theatrical release, the makers had to remove 26 seconds of violence, mute 5 cuss words and display anti-smoking disclaimers in order to achieve a U/A classification.
- ConnectionsReferences Paarvai Ondre Pothume (2001)
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Махараджа
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- ₹200,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross worldwide
- $975,543
- Runtime2 hours 21 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
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