Director: Sudheesh Sankar
Genre: Comedy Thriller
Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Vadivelu, Kovai Sarala, Vivek Prasanna, Sithara
Music: Yuvan Shankar Raja
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Maareesan reunites Vadivelu and Fahadh Faasil following their successful Maamannan association and serves up a film that starts like a fun road-trip and morphs halfway to a socially conscientious thriller. Kamal Haasan has already declared it “witty, inventive and emotionally deep,” producing early buzz even before opening in cinemas
Plot & Screenplay
The film witnesses Dayalan (Fahadh), a petty thief in the past, encounter Alzheimer’s patient Velayudham (Vadivelu) in the course of attempting to break into his house. Since he takes Dayalan to be his son, Velayudham hires him to assist him to track down his family for ₹25,000. When Dayalan realizes that in actuality Velayudham carries ₹25 lakh, he decides to rob him—but the experience that follows transforms the two men emotionally
The screenplay manages a switch of tone at the break—from farce to a revenge thriller that addresses questions of memory, justice, and morality. Although abrupt, the switch that takes place deepens the emotional richness that accompanies it
Performances & On-Screen Chemistry
- Fahadh Faasil brings depth to Dayalan, balancing cynicism with vulnerability as his conscience evolves through the journey.
- Vadivelu, traditionally a comedy icon, steps out of his comfort zone to deliver a restrained yet impactful performance. His portrayal of a dementia-afflicted man is surprisingly tender and thoughtfully nuanced
The dynamic between Fahadh and Vadivelu is a highlight—their chemistry feels genuine and well-earned, especially in the film’s emotional arcs
Technical Excellence: Music, Visuals & Tone
Yuvan Shankar Raja’s score bears special mention—a combination of chilling themes, muted melodies, and judicious placement of old number thickens the film’s atmosphere
The rural Indian landscapes of the road-trip are shot beautifully by cinematographer Kalaiselvan Sivaji—green roads, dusty highways, and village towns look well-worn and moody. Sreejith Sarang’s editing maintains the momentum, though the second half called for tighter editing
What Works & What Doesn’t
✅ Positives
- Outstanding lead pairing: Fahadh and Vadivelu deliver rich, transformative performances.
- Smart tonal shift: The first half engages with charm; the second delivers moral weight.
- Thought‑provoking themes: Journalistic praise emphasizes the film’s social commentary on justice, memory, and disability
❌ Weaknesses
- Abrupt tonal shift: Some viewers experience whiplash between the comedic setup and serious second half
- Simplistic plot resolution: Realistic crime and emotional stakes sometimes feel conveniently resolved
- Underwritten side characters: Supporting cast like Kovai Sarala and Vivek Prasanna add charm but lack depth
Special Praise from Kamal Haasan
Veteran legend Kamal Haasan termed Maareesan “a movie that glides with ease from wit to depth.” He highlighted the way in which the film left him in stitches, in thought, and appreciative of its social sensitivity—sealing its status as thoughtful commercial cinema
Final Verdict
Maareesan uniquely stands in Tamil cinema with its unusual road-trip narrative that morphs into a complex thriller with moral undertones. It works through its two protagonists, its risky premise, and fulfilling technicality. Despite patchily uneven pace and tone balance, the film takes the viewer through some great emotional pockets and rich character arcs.