Maareesan Movie Review – Conman, a Memory, and a Journey of Twists! 

Maareesan, directed by Sundaramoorthy, is not just a heist drama, it’s an emotionally layered tale that slowly transforms from a quirky conman narrative into a poignant journey of loss, memory, and redemption. With a unique pairing of Fahadh Faasil and Vadivelu, the film blends suspense, sentiment, and light humour in equal measure, creating a road trip thriller that surprises more than it promises.

The story revolves around Dhayalan (Fahadh Faasil), a petty thief who has just been released from jail. Eager to return to his old ways, he breaks into a house, only to encounter Velayudham Pillai (Vadivelu), an elderly man suffering from Alzheimer’s. In a rare moment of clarity, Velayudham pleads with Dhayalan to take him on a journey to Thiruvannamalai, claiming he has hidden treasure to offer in return. What starts off as a calculated decision by Dhayalan soon turns into something far deeper. As the two travel together, revelations begin to unravel some personal, some tragic, and others entirely unexpected.

Sundaramoorthy’s direction shines in the way he structures the narrative. The first half carries a light-hearted tone, almost whimsical, introducing the characters and their quirks with gentle pacing. But as the film progresses, especially post-interval, it takes a sharp and deliberate turn into a mystery thriller, grounded in emotion and secrets from the past. The writing cleverly uses metaphors, particularly a Snake and Rat story that at first seems like a casual joke, but later mirrors the core conflict of the film. It’s these touches that give the screenplay unexpected weight.

Vadivelu is the heart of the film, delivering a performance that’s both humorous and heart-wrenching. This is easily one of his finest roles in recent times, showcasing his range beyond comedy. A particular monologue before the interval, delivered with raw vulnerability, is likely to be met with applause in theatres. Fahadh Faasil, meanwhile, plays Dhayalan with measured restraint—charming, unpredictable, and gradually vulnerable. The chemistry between the two leads is magnetic, carrying the film even through its slightly uneven portions.

Technically, Maareesan is a polished product. Kalaiselvan Sivaji’s cinematography captures the scenic Tamil countryside like a moving postcard, especially in the film’s first half. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s background score is a major asset, underscoring emotional moments with minimalism and flair. A nostalgic remix of Ilaiyaraaja’s “Nethu Oruthara Oruthara Paathom” stands out not just musically, but emotionally. However, the film’s runtime of 154 minutes does feel a tad stretched, particularly in the second half where a tighter edit could have made the narrative even more gripping. The characterisations of Fahadh Faasil, Vadivelu and all the other actors have been nicely crafted. Kovai Sarala’s characterisation and the encounter with Vadivelu is perfectly written.

While the climax doesn’t land with the force it builds toward coming off slightly predictable, the journey leading up to it is strong enough to leave a lasting impression. The screenplay could have benefitted from a bolder final twist or more ambiguity, but it chooses emotional closure over shock value, which may work for some and underwhelm others.

In conclusion, Maareesan is a refreshing attempt at blending genres, con drama, emotional thriller, and road movie. It offers a solid story, compelling performances, and moments that linger beyond the runtime. Despite minor flaws, it’s a film that deserves praise for its ambition and heart.