Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)
Let me tell you about Maareesan – a movie that caught me completely off guard. Going in, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but boy, did this film deliver something special.
The story is about Dhaya, a thief played by Fahadh Faasil, who plans to rob Velayudham Pillai, an elderly man with Alzheimer’s played by Vadivelu. What starts as a simple con job turns into an unexpected journey that changes both their lives. Sounds like your typical odd-couple story, right? But trust me, it’s so much more than that.
Fahadh Faasil is absolutely brilliant as Dhaya. He brings this perfect mix of cunning and vulnerability that makes you both frustrated with his choices and sympathetic to his situation. You can see him slowly changing throughout the film, and Fahadh sells every moment of that transformation beautifully.
But the real surprise here is Vadivelu as Velayudham Pillai. Known mostly for his comedy roles, he delivers something completely different here. His portrayal of a man dealing with Alzheimer’s is both heartbreaking and genuine. He doesn’t overdo it or make it feel like a caricature – it’s just honest and real. The chemistry between these two unlikely companions is what makes the whole movie work.
What really gets to you is how the movie handles the relationship between these two characters. Dhaya starts off seeing Velayudham as just an easy target, but as they spend time together, something beautiful happens. The old man’s condition becomes less of a plot device and more of a window into human connection. It’s touching without being manipulative.
The way they show Alzheimer’s is respectful and realistic. They don’t use it for cheap laughs or overly dramatic moments. Instead, they show how it affects both the person who has it and the people around them. Some scenes will definitely hit you right in the feels.
The cinematography deserves a special mention. They’ve captured the local flavor beautifully without going overboard. The locations feel authentic, and the camera work never distracts from the story – it just enhances it.
What impressed me most was the pacing. In a world where movies either drag on forever or rush through everything, Maareesan finds that sweet spot. It gives you time to connect with the characters but never overstays its welcome.
Sure, it’s not perfect. There are a couple of scenes that could’ve been tighter, and one subplot feels a bit unnecessary. But these are minor complaints in what’s otherwise a well-crafted film.
The music fits perfectly with the mood. It’s not the kind of soundtrack you’ll be humming all day, but it serves the story well and never feels forced.
Here’s what I really appreciate – this movie takes what could have been a simple con-man story and turns it into something much deeper. It’s about second chances, unlikely friendships, and finding humanity in the most unexpected places. The journey these two characters go on isn’t just physical – it’s emotional and transformative for both of them.
If you’re looking for non-stop action or slapstick comedy, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you enjoy stories about human connections and characters who grow on you, definitely give this one a watch. It’s the kind of movie that shows you how sometimes the people we least expect can change our lives completely.
Bottom line: Maareesan is a pleasant surprise that reminds you why good storytelling never goes out of style. It’s worth your time.