Maareesan Movie Review: ONE WORD: An Engaging Ride Full of Laughs, Turns, and Unexpected Bonds.
A Review by Arunjyothi R
RELEASE DATE: July 25, 2025
LANGUAGE: Tamil
DURATION: 2 Hours 34 minutes.
DIRECTOR: Sudheesh Sankar
GENRE: Comedy Thriller
•POSITIVES:
1: Direction
2: Story
3: Screenplay
4: Performance of Vadivelu & Fahadh Faasil
5: Background Score
6: Cinematography
7: Thrilling Second Half
8: Good situational comedies
•NEGATIVES:
1: Duration of the film
2: Tighter editing could’ve made the film sharper.
STORY:
Dayalan (Fahadh Faasil), a thief freshly released from the infamous Palayamkottai prison, claims that certain houses “call” him to be robbed. When he breaks into one such house, he finds Velayudham (Vadivelu), an Alzheimer’s patient, chained to his bed. Velayudham pleads for help, asking Dayalan to drop him at a bus stand so he can reach his friend in Tiruvannamalai. But things take a turn when Dayalan discovers that Velayudham has ₹25 lakh in his bank account. Seizing the opportunity, he decides to stick around—playing nice, enduring Velan’s unpredictable behavior, and trying to jog his memory for the ATM pin. What begins as a con turns into a road journey laced with humor, emotion, manipulation, and unexpected twists, where the line between genuine care and selfish intent constantly blurs.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS OF THE FILM:
Director Sudheesh Sankar delivers a well-crafted film that stands out for its tonal balance and engaging storytelling. With a steady hand, he navigates between light-hearted comedy and gripping thriller, maintaining the film’s momentum without allowing either genre to overpower the other. The screenplay by V. Krishna Moorthy is equally commendable—capturing the emotional layers of the characters while subtly building suspense throughout. Fahadh Faasil and Vadivelu shine in roles tailored to their strengths, delivering performances that are both heartfelt and impactful. Their on-screen chemistry brings warmth, humour, and emotional weight, anchoring the film with genuine human connection.
The second half of the film finds its stride as it shifts confidently into thriller territory. V. Krishna Moorthy’s writing shines here, with carefully constructed flashbacks and a compelling backstory that deepen the narrative. The twists—especially the interval block and climax—are executed with precision, avoiding predictability and keeping viewers invested. Sudheesh Sankar’s direction ensures these moments land effectively, while the cinematography beautifully captures the mood of the road journey, from sweeping landscapes to emotionally charged close-ups. The background score adds to the intensity and sentiment of the scenes, and Vadivelu’s melodic songs enhance the emotional tone of the film.
Beyond its performances and visuals, the film deserves credit for tackling its core subject with sincerity. The portrayal of crime, pain, and helplessness is handled with emotional weight, without leaning into melodrama. The thoughtful writing and sensitive direction bring authenticity to the characters’ experiences, making the themes of trust, betrayal, and empathy resonate deeply. It’s a narrative that doesn’t just entertain—it invites viewers to feel the impact of the characters’ choices and the world they inhabit.
However, the film is not without its shortcomings. The first half moves at a slower pace, spending considerable time on light comedic moments before diving into the main plot. While this stretch adds a layer of charm, it may feel slightly drawn out for some viewers. A tighter edit could have addressed this minor lag, creating a more streamlined experience. Despite this, the strong writing, powerful performances, and Sudheesh Sankar’s focused direction ensure that the film ultimately delivers a satisfying and memorable cinematic journey.
SO WHAT’S HOT:
1: The direction of the film stands out for its well-calibrated pacing that consistently holds the viewer’s attention. Skillfully navigating between lighthearted comedic moments and a gripping thriller backdrop, the filmmaker manages to strike a fine balance between the two genres without letting either lose its impact.
2: The director masterfully harnesses the unique strengths of both Vadivelu and Fahadh Faasil, turning them into the perfect driving force behind this captivating story. With sharp direction and a tightly written script, the film delivers some of the most memorable and career-defining performances from the duo.
3: The film takes a while to get into its core story, with the first half moving at a slow pace and leaning on light comedy, which might feel a bit of a lag for some. However, the momentum picks up after the interval, as the plot shifts into a gripping thriller that holds the audience’s attention more effectively.
4: The screenplay shines with its effective writing that captures the emotions of the central characters with depth and clarity. The feel-good moments between Fahadh and Vadivelu are genuinely enjoyable, while the underlying intentions of their characters are subtly crafted to build a sense of suspense throughout the narrative.
5: The second half firmly anchors itself in the thriller genre, with the narrative skillfully building suspense and sustaining a sense of intrigue about what lies ahead. The flashbacks and backstory are woven in with precision, and both the writing and execution lend a sense of authenticity that makes the character motivations and plot developments feel entirely credible.
6: Fahadh Faasil and Vadivelu deliver standout performances that form the emotional backbone of the film. Both actors bring a natural ease to their roles, making their characters feel lived-in and relatable, which allows the audience to become deeply invested in their journey. Their chemistry on screen is both engaging and heartfelt, creating a dynamic that balances humour, emotion, and tension with remarkable finesse. The emotional layers and sentiments woven into their characters are brought to life with subtlety and depth, ensuring that their performances not only command attention but also leave a lasting impact.
7: The central crimes explored in the film are handled with notable impact. The pain, suffering, and sense of helplessness experienced by the characters are portrayed with emotional depth, thanks to a well-balanced combination of thoughtful writing and sensitive direction. The film doesn’t just present the issue—it allows the audience to feel its weight, making the narrative both powerful and affecting.
8: Predictability finds no place in this film, as both the interval block and the final twist land with striking impact. The gripping performances, sharp writing, and confident direction work in perfect sync to keep the audience fully absorbed, leaving little room for second-guessing what’s to come. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the film pulls the rug from under you—delivering a climax that’s both unexpected and satisfying.
9: The musical work composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja was impressive, background score in the film deserves special mention for enhancing both the thrilling and emotionally uplifting moments with precision. It plays a crucial role in amplifying the mood and impact of each scene. The songs are equally effective, with the tracks sung by Vadivelu standing out for their melodic charm and emotional resonance.
10: The cinematography was top-notch, perfectly complementing the film’s road journey narrative. The visual composition—from the scenic wide shots to the carefully placed camera angles during the riding sequences—was a treat to watch. The close-up shots effectively captured the emotional depth of Fahadh and Vadivelu, while the final action sequences were shot with a dynamic flair that showcased a well-balanced and visually engaging use of the camera throughout the film.
SO WHAT DIDN’T WORK OUT:
1: The film’s runtime feels slightly on the longer side—not necessarily boring or overly stretched, but it might come across as a bit dragging for some viewers. A tighter edit could have easily smoothed out this minor pacing issue.
2: Up until the interval, the film moves at a steady pace on the same graph with light-hearted comedy, but the time it takes to set up the main plot might leave some viewers wondering why it’s taking so long to get to the point.
HOW ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE OF ACTORS:
The performances in the film are a major highlight, with Vadivelu, Fahadh Faasil, Sithara, Kovai Sarala, and the supporting cast all delivering commendable work. Vadivelu is exceptional as Velayudham Pillai, bringing a perfect blend of situational comedy, emotional depth, and quiet suffering to his character. His portrayal is heartfelt and layered, capable of making audiences both laugh and tear up. His scenes with Sithara are especially touching, capturing the warmth and vulnerability of a loving, dependent husband with sincerity. The dynamic between Vadivelu and Fahadh Faasil is another major strength—their chemistry is effortless and engaging, adding both humour and emotional weight that carries the film smoothly till the end.
Fahadh Faasil as Daya delivers a standout performance, effortlessly switching between charm, mischief, and emotional complexity. His comic timing is sharp, and he brings a natural ease to every scene. His expressions, dialogue delivery, and subtle shifts in tone make his character both entertaining and compelling. The climax, where his character takes a more intense turn, is executed with equal conviction.
Sithara shines in a pivotal supporting role, delivering her performance with grace and emotional authenticity. Kovai Sarala impresses as the sharp and determined police officer, adding a refreshing edge to the narrative. Vivek Prasanna also stands out with one of his finest performances to date, rounding off a cast that collectively elevates the film with their strong, genuine portrayals.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, the film emerges as a well-balanced and emotionally engaging journey, powered by Sudheesh Sankar’s confident direction and V. Krishna Moorthy’s nuanced writing. At its heart are two powerhouse performances—Vadivelu, in one of his most heartfelt roles, delivers a beautiful mix of humour, pain, and vulnerability, while Fahadh Faasil shines with his natural charisma and emotional range. Their chemistry is the soul of the film, offering moments that are both entertaining and deeply moving. The supporting cast, including Sithara, Kovai Sarala, and Vivek Prasanna, contribute meaningfully, adding weight and texture to the narrative. The background score and songs, especially those sung by Vadivelu, elevate the emotional impact. The film also deserves praise for addressing a socially relevant and sensitive issue with sincerity and restraint, making the emotional stakes feel even more impactful. While the first half moves at a slower pace and may feel slightly stretched, the second half gains strong momentum, delivering suspense, sentiment, and a satisfying twist. In the end, it’s an emotional ride that entertains, stirs your conscience, and stays with you long after the screen fades to black.
VERDICT: THRILLING AND EMOTIONAL
RATING: 4/5
A Review by Arunjyothi. R
