Maareesan Movie Review: A Gripping Ride of Memory, Money & Masterful Performances

Maareesan Movie Review: A Gripping Ride of Memory, Money & Masterful Performances

 Super Good Films' latest offering, Maareesan, produced by R.B. Choudary and directed by Sudheesh Sankar, is a gripping drama with a fresh narrative, set for worldwide release on July 25, 2025. The film opens with Dhayalan (Fahadh Faasil), who is released from Palayamkottai prison and immediately finds himself entangled in another dubious mission. He attempts a theft at a house where Velayudham Pillai (Vadivelu) is under house arrest, with his hand chained to restrict movement. Dhayalan discovers that Velayudham possesses ₹25 lakhs in his account, prompting him to accompany the unsuspecting man in hopes of gaining access to the funds. Velayudham’s short-term memory loss becomes an advantage for Dhayalan, but what unfolds forms the crux of a suspense-laced journey.

Vadivelu, post his performance in Maamannan, continues his second innings with a strong, script-driven role. His portrayal of Velayudham Pillai is subtle and emotional, steering clear of exaggeration while delivering a grounded and compelling act. Fahadh Faasil, known for embracing intense characters, once again proves his range with a composed and layered performance as Dhayalan. The on-screen chemistry between Vadivelu and Fahadh carries the first half, keeping the audience engaged through their unique dynamic.

The film’s screenplay, penned by V. Krishna Moorthy, who also serves as story, dialogue, and creative director, features interesting twists and well-planted emotional arcs. While the first half steadily builds the narrative, the second half takes off with more pace, though some moments become predictable. Nevertheless, the strength of the screenplay lies in how it balances both drama and suspense, offering audience-friendly storytelling with occasional surprises. The twist in the climax stands out and deserves to be experienced in theatres.

Technically, Maareesan shines in several departments. Kalaiselvan Sivaji’s cinematography adds depth to the visual storytelling, while Sreejith Sarang’s editing ensures a crisp runtime. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s background score and songs support the emotional beats without overpowering the scenes. The production design and shot compositions align well with the director’s grounded tone, enhancing the authenticity of the story’s rural and confined settings.

The supporting cast, including Kovai Sarala, Sithara, Vivek Prasanna, Renuka, Livingston, and others, make meaningful contributions to the narrative. It’s particularly refreshing to see 90s actress Sithara (as Meenakshi) back on screen; her presence brings nostalgic charm. The film is distributed in Tamil Nadu by Diya Movies, with worldwide rights held by AP International. Backed by executive producers from E4 Experiments, Mukesh R. Mehta and C.V. Sarathi, the team has delivered a content-driven film that blends veteran talent with new-age sensibilities. Maareesan is a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate character-centric storytelling layered with emotional weight and unexpected turns.