New Delhi: The highly anticipated film by Sriram Raghavan finally hit theatres today, January 12, and it showed us all that unexpected combinations may produce amazing results on screen. In a delectable murder mystery that builds to a steamy finale, Merry Christmas stars Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif.
Plot
Albert and Maria, two complete strangers, stumble into one other’s paths and find themselves entangled in a tragic web of misfortune. Their paths cross on that tragic Christmas Eve. Everything goes wrong on a night of wild passion. Viewers will be glued to their screens, eagerly awaiting Albert and Maria’s next move, as the tale keeps them guessing.
Prolonged silences, stunning images of 1980s Bombay, and glimpses inside an enigmatic home fill the first half.
Review
In addition to setting the mood for Raghavan’s Merry Christmas, this passionate romance acts as a murder mystery and provides other enjoyable moments.
Similar to the promo, the film opens with a split screen and two individuals using a mixer grinder. The plot then begins with Vijay Sethupathi seeing his neighbour upon his return to his house after seven years. Vijay goes out to celebrate, meets Katrina and falls for her. After meeting, the strangers enjoy Christmas Eve at her house. Things were fine until they were involved in a crime scene.
Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi, who play the leads, have done a commendable job playing out their parts. Their portrayals will be flawless to viewers. Playing the role of an introvert well, Vijay steals the show in the film. His charming charisma and easygoing one-liners simply fill every scene. Katrina, on the other hand, has a troubled personal life and manages to captivate with her charming personality and infectious energy.
“#KatrinaKaif captures Maria’s fragility and cheerfulness with an openness…which is also buoyed up Sethupathi’s easygoing style and dexterity. The odd pairing works, and successfully carries the story’s conceit.” #merrychristmasreview https://t.co/JDJUDQCPb2
— ᵕ̈ (@memeskaif) January 12, 2024
“oh my god, has #KatrinaKaif surprised here? NewYork finally has a contender, being her best performance ever. Her Maria, goes through a range of emotions throughout, and you can see how well Kat has adapted every single one of them.” -@Koimoi https://t.co/NWmlc6Mn1c
— ᵕ̈ (@memeskaif) January 12, 2024
Not only did the main performers do an excellent job, but so did the supporting characters, particularly Vinay Pathak, Tinnu Anand, and Sanjay Kapoor.
Sriram Raghavan did his utmost to portray the ideal Christmas Eve criminal thriller in Merry Christmas, but there are a few parts that seem stretched too thin. Additionally, Sriram’s guidance in the first half came off as a little sloppy, and the first few minutes may have been dulled enough not to hook the viewers.
The film’s strongest point is its second half, when you’re enchanted by the weird waltz danced by Maria and Albert. With a plot surprise occurring about every ten minutes, the second half is likely to keep viewers engrossed.
However, the first half’s gradual buildup could appeal to some fans of murder mysteries. On the other hand, it can be a tad long for those looking for family-friendly entertainment. But the show’s satisfying ending, full of surprises, will make viewers happy as the credits roll.
#MerryChristmas Review | The movie is mind-boggling with top notch performances by the actors.
Rating: 3.5⭐
Director #SriramRaghavan once again proves no one can do a thriller better than him… Gripping plot & a nail-biting suspense keep you on edge. The perfect narration &… pic.twitter.com/y6WadBuPzs
— Aashu Mishra (@Aashu9) January 12, 2024
And the much awaited review is out!
“So freaking proud of you love” says Vicky to Katrina and calls Merry Christmas her best work till date 🥹❤️#VickyKaushal #KatrinaKaif #VijaySethupati #MerryChristmas pic.twitter.com/MxnrO6F0fX
— A 🕊️ (@scrappinthrough) January 12, 2024
Merry Christmas is a film so aware of its premise and audience that at no point does it let the grip go loose. Sriram Raghavan holds you until the very end and serves a movie that is rewarding and thought-provoking at the same time.
Review by: Shubham Kulkarni
Full review -… pic.twitter.com/SH0MWnXEPu
— OTTplay (@ottplayapp) January 12, 2024
Like puzzling a puzzle, Merry Christmas has one of the most frustrating & endless set-ups, only for it to click into place with that typical Sriram Raghavan left-of-field menace.
Some thoughts on the shaky film. https://t.co/BMNm81aRSQ
— Prathyush Parasuraman (@geekoutyush) January 12, 2024
MERRY CHRISTMAS TOMORROW
Neha dhupia review pic.twitter.com/hNdbpYp2po— #TigressZoya 🔥 (@Katysatm) January 11, 2024
