Merry Christmas Movie Review

Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif are playing the titular characters in this unique tale of ‘Merry Christmas’, directed by Sriram Raghavan.

One Christmas eve, architect Albert (Vijay Sethupathi) returns home from Dubai after seven years.That evening, he visits a restaurant where he forms a friendship with Maria (Katrina Kaif), accompanied by her daughter Annie (Bari Sharma). Subsequent to their encounter, which unexpectedly turns into a romantic outing, the two find themselves entangled in an unforeseen predicament. Consequently, Sriram Raghavan’s ‘Merry Christmas’ unfolds the events that unfold for both individuals throughout that particular night.

Vijay Sethupathi has delivered a delightful portrayal of Albert, initially jovial but later transitioning into a more serious demeanor. While he occasionally reverts to his typical Vijay Sethupathi style in certain dialogues, he manages to entertain us with his comedic sequences, evoking laughter. Katrina Kaif has flawlessly depicted the character of Maria, showcasing various emotions such as mystery, tension, deceit, love, affection, and anger. Notably, her lip movements for Tamil verses are exceptional.

Pari Sharma, the girl who portrayed Katrina’s daughter, delivered the required performance as directed. Gavin J. Babu, Radhika, Shanmugharajan, and Rajesh showcased flawless performances. Notably, the seasoned acts of Radhika and Shanmugharajan enhanced the dark comedy’s impact. Radhika Apte’s presence in the film leaves a lasting impression.

Madhu Neelakandan, the cinematographer, has enhanced the film with his exceptional light design and camera movements, creating a captivating theatrical experience. The entire film is set at night, and Neelakandan’s work adds strength to it. On the other hand, Pooja Latha Shruti’s cinematography, although not deficient, could have provided a touch more elegance and clarity to the crucial shots that reveal the main twist.

The chemistry between music director Pritham and lyricist Yugabharathi for the track ‘Kanatha Kaadhal’ is commendable. Daniel P. George’s exceptional soundtrack has consistently delivered in creating the perfect ambiance for suspense, thriller, and romance. The symphony scores played during crucial scenes serve as the foundation of the film.

Mayur Sharma, the production designer, has breathed life into the director’s comic fantasy world. The rooms of the house, as well as the objects associated with the Christmas festival, period theaters, and taxis, exude elegance and perfection. The costume design, skillfully executed by Anaitha Shroff and Sabina Halda, along with the DI work by Nirmal Sharma, further enhance the visual appeal. Notably, the colorist’s contribution to the project is commendable.

While the general script of the movie evokes the visual style seen in Alfred Hitchcock’s films, renowned as the ‘Master of Suspense’, there is room for improvement in delving into the inner complexities of the main characters and providing a more compelling and truthful exploration of their motivations for committing crimes.