Merry Christmas Movie Review: Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi’s Thrilling Festive Encounter
Movie Name: Merry Christmas
Release Date: March 8, 2024
Cast: Katrina Kaif, Vijay Sethupathi, Radhika Apte, Radhika Sarathkumar
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Producer: Jaya Taurani – Sanjay Routray
Music: Daniel B. George
Banner: Tips Films – Matchbox Pictures
Set against a mystery thriller backdrop, ‘Merry Christmas’ unfolds in the days when Mumbai was still called Bombay. The story begins on Christmas Day, amidst the festive cheer and celebrations across Bombay.
Maria (played by Katrina Kaif), along with her five-year-old daughter Yani, visits a restaurant where she encounters Albert (played by Vijay Sethupathi). A subsequent event at the restaurant reveals to Albert that Maria is not happy in her marriage.
After putting her daughter to bed, Maria sets out alone, and Albert decides to accompany her. The brief outing strengthens their bond.
Maria shares her struggles with her husband Jerome (Luke Kenny), revealing his true nature after their daughter was born and her own life running a bakery.
Albert confesses his love for a woman named Rosie (Radhika Apte) who has passed away, showing Maria the diamond ring he had bought for her.
Their night takes a dark turn when they return to Maria’s house to find her husband dead. Shocked at the sight of Jerome’s body and a gun in his hand, they are in disbelief.
Albert, revealing he is not an architect as he initially claimed but a recently released convict involved in a murder case, confesses to killing Rosie.
As the police are about to arrive, Albert insists on leaving to protect Maria from getting implicated. The story takes several twists, exploring the reasons behind Rosie’s murder, who killed Jerome, and the subsequent revelations that unravel.
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, the movie presents a unique combination of Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi, drawing interest for their collaboration across Hindi and Tamil cinema.
The film, primarily focusing on these two characters, navigates through their interaction against the festive backdrop of Christmas in Mumbai, intricately showcasing the city’s vibe during the ‘Bombay’ era.
Despite a slow first half that tests the viewer’s patience and a lack of momentum in the narrative, the second half picks up with twists that somewhat salvage the viewing experience.
The film’s climax, although interesting, may not resonate equally with all viewers.
The movie successfully recreates the era with attention to detail in setting, vehicles, theaters, posters, landline phones, and costumes. Daniel B. George’s background score,
Madhu Neelakandan’s cinematography, and Pooja’s editing contribute to the film’s ambiance, making ‘Merry Christmas’ a noteworthy attempt in blending a unique storyline with a nostalgic setting.
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