‘Merry Christmas’ Review: A slow-burning thriller led by strong performances

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.