In huge financial plan activity movies and equation-ridden continuations and changes comes a Sriram Raghavan film to remind us generally that extraordinary film is in the spaces among exchanges and how eccentric pairings can do superb things on the big screen. ‘Merry Christmas’ has Vijay Sethupathi matched inverse Katrina Kaif in a tasty whodunnit that requires some investment to stew and convey a sizzling peak.
Raghavan’s procedure and execution have forever been first-rate. His movies can be examined and fastidiously separated to dole out parts on the most proficient method to approach a heavenly scene. ‘Happy holidays’ is a spine chiller yet not your normal generally ordinary sorts.
It recounts the tale of two outsiders – Albert (Vijay) and Maria (Katrina Kaif) – who unconsciously run into each other and are sucked into a vortex of lamentable occasions. You realize you are in for an exciting ride when it’s a Sriram Raghavan film and ‘Merry Christmas’ doesn’t dishearten. It keeps you as eager and anxious as can be, speculating and expecting Albert and Maria’s best course of action.
If you go in anticipating an ‘Andhadhun‘, you are in for a mistake because ‘Merry Christmas’ couldn’t measure up to the chief’s past work. The film has its reasonable part of issues – the essential one being its speed and the way that long it takes for the ball to begin rolling. The primary half is spent on lengthy stops, delightful shots of Bombay during the 80s, and the insides of a puzzling house. Raghavan is in no rush or rush to put speed to his screenplay.
What works for the film is the strong final part where you are alluringly brought into Maria and Albert’s scary three-step dance. Sethupathi is a joy, and he simply tops off each casing with his smooth jokes and that overwhelming appeal. There is a scene that drew commendation in light of his sheer articulations, no discourse is required. Katrina Kaif gives up on Raghavan’s vision and follows his signals. This is effectively a presentation that will break the shackles of any assumptions you could have about the ‘dedicated’ entertainer.
Sanjay Kapoor, in his short yet effective appearance, is great as are Vinay Pathak and Ashwini Kalsekar. Other than its two lead entertainers, the greatest supporting mainstay of the film is its camera work and foundation score. Both flawlessly work with one another to make this universe of secret and interest. The peak and the Hidden treats driving up to it is a significant feature of the film. I can say that your understanding will be very much compensated as the film rolls into its post-credit scenes.
‘Merry Christmas’ is a fantastic beginning to 2024 and a much-needed reprieve from the tailor-made film that feels redundant. Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif’s matching is the ace of spade that makes the film a definite shot victor.
