Almost five years after the huge success of Andhadhun (2018), celebrated filmmaker Sriram Raghavan returns to keep the audience on the edge of their seats with his latest directorial Merry Christmas. The film, which faced several delays before finally finding its way to cinemas, stars Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi in lead roles. In addition to the unusual lead pairing, there is a lot more in the film that will keep you hooked to the screen.
Merry Christmas takes place over a fateful night of Christmas in Bombay (now Mumbai). Albert (Vijay Sethupathi) returns to his apartment in the city where his mother passed away while he was away. To relieve his unutterable boredom, he goes to a nearby restaurant where he happens to meet stranger Maria (Katrina Kaif), who has been ditched by her date because she brought her daughter along. After the restaurant, their path crosses again at a movie theatre. Later, Maria invites Albert to her old-fashioned apartment nearby. Albert had no idea that he would soon find himself caught up in a crime scene. What happens next forms the crux of the story.
A slow-burning thriller is what Merry Christmas can best be described as. The strength of the film lies in its gripping screenplay and power-packed performances from Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi. While Sethupathi has several exceptional performances to his credit, Kaif delivers her career’s best act as Maria, showcasing a range of emotions from cunningness to vulnerability.
The cinematography of the film by Madhu Neelakandan captures the dark and ominous atmosphere well. The use of low-lighting techniques enhances the mysterious ambiance. The background score, composed by Daniel B. George, complements the tension.
Merry Christmas is an adaptation of popular French writer Frederic Dard’s novel Bird In A Cage, but director Sriram Raghavan and his team of writers add a series of unexpected twists and turns, keeping the audience guessing what will happen until the very end.
While the film is successful in building suspense and maintaining a sense of intrigue, some viewers might find the pacing a bit slow. However, the deliberate pacing allows for a more thorough exploration of the characters' motives.
In conclusion, Merry Christmas is a well-crafted thriller that keeps audiences hooked from start to finish. With strong performances, atmospheric cinematography, and a plot filled with unexpected twists, the film stands out as a compelling addition to the genre. Sriram Raghavan’s deft direction, coupled with the standout performances of the cast, makes the film a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Stay tuned to this space for more reviews.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.