- By Swati Singh
- Fri, 12 Jan 2024 09:00 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Movie Review
| Name | Merry Christmas |
|---|---|
| Ratings : | |
| Genre : | Indian-Thriller |
| Cast : | Vijay Sethupathi, Katrina Kaif |
| Director : | Sriram Raghavan |
| Producer : | Ramesh Taurani, Jaya Taurani, Sanjay Routray, Kewal Garg |
| Writer : | Sriram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, Pooja Ladha, Surti Anukriti Pandey |
| Release Date : | 12 Jan 2024 |
| Platform : | Theatres |
| Language : | Hindi |
Merry Christmas Movie Review: Among the great moviemakers, Sriram Raghavan is renowned for his ability to craft narratives that defy expectations, a trait exemplified in the riveting Ayushmann Khurrana and Tabu-starrer, ‘Andhadhun’. However, like any highly skilled artist, there's a careful balance to maintain, but it appears that in the new movie ‘Merry Christmas’ starring Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi, this balance might have been accidentally messed up.
Merry Christmas | Plot
Two strangers meet on a fateful Christmas Eve. A night of delirious romance turns into a nightmare.Revealing anything more would be a crime.
Merry Christmas | Cast
Katrina Kaif as Maria
Vijay Sethupathi as Albert
Ashwini Kalsekar as Inspector
Radhika Apte
Merry Christmas | What Works?
Raghavan's Signature Style and Bold Creative Risks
Should one choose to remove the final and arguably the most important part, a perceptive observer will undoubtedly notice Sriram Raghavan's skill in introducing intriguing mysteries all throughout the movie. Despite the narrative detour, which might disappoint some viewers, the director's unique style is unmistakable in the details and richness he adds to the story. Within the extensive body of Raghavan's work, ‘Merry Christmas’ serves as evidence of the bold creative risks that come with pushing artistic limits. It features moments of brilliance amidst the challenges of maintaining a smooth cinematic experience.
Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif Stand Out
Every member of the star-studded cast, with a special mention to the outstanding performances by Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi, truly excels in their roles. I find the on-screen chemistry between these two stars particularly delightful. A standout moment that shouldn't be overlooked is the scene where the duo shares a dance during their date night – a truly memorable highlight. Vijay Sethupathi's frequent punchlines in ‘Merry Christmas’ elicit hearty laughter from the audience in the theatre.
The backdrop music, intricately woven into the fabric of this suspenseful and mysterious crime thriller, seamlessly complements the overall cinematic experience. It adds an extra layer of intensity, enhancing the suspense and drama unfolding on the screen.
Merry Christmas Review: What Doesn’t Work?
Creative Stumbles and Unanswered Questions
Unfortunately, there are times when having too much creative skill can result in a stumble, like we see in the movie's slow start, followed by an interesting high point, only to be spoiled by a confusing ending. This mix of elements makes the movie, in my view, a bit hard to sit through. Yet, it's crucial to recognize that even with these ups and downs, Sriram Raghavan hasn't forgotten his talent for adding intriguing mysteries to the story.
During the investigation scenes, a puzzling thought crosses my mind – why aren't the cops taking the case seriously? Based on what I know, murder investigations are typically treated with the utmost gravity, yet in the movie, it feels as if the police involvement is somewhat forced. The role of law enforcement appears less diligent than one might expect in a real-life situation where a serious crime like murder is being probed.
The Loose Ends
The scenes that are left unfinished leave me pondering about the direction of the movie. Mysteries in a story are usually meant to be solved, but in this case, the major parts remain unsolved. This aspect makes me question the choices made by the director, as the incomplete scenes leave a sense of curiosity and a desire for resolution hanging in the air. It feels like there are missing pieces to the puzzle, leaving the audience in a state of uncertainty about the ultimate answers to the enigmas presented in the film.
Merry Christmas: Final Verdict
The process of crafting a movie involves a gradual beginning, building up to a captivating climax, and concluding with a resolution. ‘Merry Christmas’ follows this pattern as it kicks off at a leisurely pace, escalates to a noteworthy high point, yet wraps up with an ending that leaves some questions unanswered. This mysterious thriller is an engaging cinematic experience that, in my opinion, is worth watching in the theatre, especially with family. The film's mix of suspense and enigma provides an opportunity for shared moments of excitement and discussion after the credits roll.