MAHARAJA MOVIE REVIEW
Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Anurag Kashyap, Abhirami, Mamta Mohandas, Natty (Natraj)
Director: Nithilan Swaminathan
Maharaja, a crime thriller marking Vijay Sethupathi’s 50th film, centers on an unassuming barber with a peculiar obsession and mannerism. Maharaja (Vijay Sethupathi) leads a simple life, his days revolving around his work and his daughter, Jothi. Someone steals their beloved dustbin, affectionately named Lakshmi, disrupting their world. Maharaja, driven by a sense of attachment to the dustbin, wants to recover it, leading him to the Pallikaranai police station, where he encounters a wall of indifference and ridicule from the cops. What’s the riddle behind this dustbin? Why endure disproportionate abuse to find it? That’s kinda the tale of Maharaja.
Vijay Sethupathi delivers a mesmerizing performance as Maharaja, a man of few words but unwavering resolve. He embodies the character’s quiet intensity and focus, making even the most mundane actions feel significant. The supporting cast, including Anurag Kashyap, Natty, Mamta Mohandas, and Abhirami, adds to the film’s overall intrigue, though their characters are not always fully developed.
The film’s narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, weaving together seemingly disparate events and characters. While this approach initially creates a sense of mystery and anticipation, it eventually becomes a source of frustration. The film relies heavily on contrived twists and convenient plot devices, sacrificing coherence for the sake of manufactured suspense. Some of the dark humour works, while others are a pass.
While Maharaja may not fully achieve the heights of director Nithilan Swaminathan’s previous work, it remains an engaging thriller. Vijay Sethupathi’s performance anchors the film, drawing the audience into Maharaja’s unconventional quest and leaving a lasting impression.