Maharaja

 The title, "Maharaja" is only one letter different than a recent blog on "Maharaj".  What a world of difference.  They are not related.  I had said I would look forward to this film as it had a much higher rating.  I can see why it got the higher ratings--it has a clever plot, some very good acting, and in general a strong presentation.  I would like to warn everyone that this film is very violent and if that disturbs you perhaps it would be best to avoid.  

The plot is simple yet leads to complications.  Maharaja is a barber who owns his own shop, but has put another man in charge.  One night he is robbed and goes to a police station to demand they return an empty dustbin that had been stolen.  The police laugh at the idea and refuse.  Maharaja then offers a bribe and they become suspicious that there is something valuable attached to the missing item.  He does tell them of an emotional almost religious attachment, but they feel that is ridiculous.  The bribe got their attention and they proceed on the assumption that there is something much more valuable than the bribe and they decide to play along.

There are a few twists from the past and eventually the viewer will understand how everything fits together.  There is a great deal of physical violence.  It is well put together and while you may be confused you will also feel a sense of engagement. 

Below are a few of the talented people who put it together.  

Nithilan Saminathan was director and writer.  This is only his second film after previously having written and directed one other film.

B. Ajaneesh Loknath composed the music.  He started his film career with the Kannada language. He has 48 credits as a composer and another 5 with the music department including "Kantara" (2023).  

Dinesh Purushothaman was the cinematographer.  He has 5 credits for cinematography including "Love Today" (2022).   

Philomin Raj was the editor.  He has 29 editor credits including "Mehand Circus" ((2015), 'Raatchasi" (2019, "Mandela" (2021) and my top movie for 20221 "Jai Bhim" (2021).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/11/jai-bhim.html

Vijay Sethupathi played Maharaja.  He has performed in Hindi, Tamil, Telegu and Malayalam cinema and won many awards.  His film credits include "Puriyaatha Puthir" (2017), "Vikram Vedha" (2017),  "Super Deluxe" (2019), "Kadaseela Biriyani" (2021) and "Farzi" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/03/farzi-or-fakes.html

Anurag Kashyap played Selvam, a man who spent years in prison.  He has been a Bollywood powerhouse for many years. including acting, (34 credits) writing, (59 credits) directing (at least 15 credits) and  producing (65 credits)..  Some of the movies he has contributed to include "Black Friday" (2004),  "Water" (2005),  "Aamir" (2008), "The Lunchbox" (2013), "Queen" (2013) "Sacred Games" (2018) and "Super 30" (2020).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/02/super-30-puts-focus-on-education.html

Sachana Namidass played Joythi, the daughter of Maharaja.  She has 2 acting credits.

Mamta Mohandas played Aasifa, a coach and helper for Jyothi.  She has been a playback singer for several movies.  Mamta has 62 acting credits including "Jana Mana Gana" (2022).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/06/jana-gana-muna.html

It will certainly be a memorable movie.  Another Tamil language film that deserved high ratings.  You can see it on Netflix, subtitled.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if a particular film is worth following up.