Maari

Maari, a Tamil-language action-comedy film, was released on July 17, 2015. Directed by Balaji Mohan, this movie stars Dhanush in the titular role, with Kajal Aggarwal playing the female lead. The film blends humor, action, and drama, offering a unique cinematic experience. Dhanush’s portrayal of the quirky yet tough Maari, a local gangster, is the highlight of the movie. With its energetic soundtrack by Anirudh Ravichander and vibrant cinematography, Maari quickly became a favorite among fans of Tamil cinema. The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Vijay Yesudas and Robo Shankar, which adds to the overall appeal. In this review, we’ll delve into the plot, strengths, weaknesses, and box office performance of Maari.

Plot Summary

Maari follows the life of a local gangster named Maari (Dhanush), who is known for his ruthless nature and love for trouble. He rules a small area in Chennai, where he runs a petty crime syndicate. Despite his tough exterior, Maari has a quirky side that makes him an interesting character. His life takes a turn when he crosses paths with a new cop, Arjun (Vijay Yesudas), who is determined to bring him down. Meanwhile, Maari also develops a soft spot for a young woman, Shanmugapriya (Kajal Aggarwal), who plays a significant role in his life. The film explores Maari’s internal conflict between his criminal lifestyle and his growing affection for Shanmugapriya. The plot is filled with twists and turns, offering a mix of action, comedy, and romance.

What’s Good?

Dhanush’s Performance

Dhanush’s portrayal of Maari is undoubtedly the standout feature of the film. His effortless charm, combined with his tough-guy persona, makes the character both entertaining and relatable. Dhanush brings depth to Maari, a gangster who is not just about violence but also has a sense of humor and vulnerability. His comic timing is perfect, and his emotional scenes are well-executed, making him the heart of the film.

Direction and Storytelling

Balaji Mohan’s direction is another highlight of Maari. The film maintains a fast pace, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish. The screenplay is filled with witty dialogues and entertaining sequences that balance the action and comedy well. The story may not be entirely unique, but the way it is told keeps things fresh and exciting. The director does a good job of mixing action with humor, making the film accessible to a wide audience.

Music and Cinematography

Anirudh Ravichander’s music for Maari is energetic and adds a lot of flavor to the film. The songs, especially “Maari Thara Local,” became an instant hit and are still popular among fans. The music complements the high-energy action sequences and brings an added layer of excitement to the film. The background score also works well to enhance the emotional and dramatic moments.

Cinematography by Om Prakash is vibrant and colorful, capturing the essence of Chennai’s streets and local life. The action sequences are shot with intensity, and the camera work effectively portrays Maari’s larger-than-life persona. The visuals, combined with the music, create an engaging cinematic experience.

Supporting Cast

The supporting cast adds great value to the movie. Kajal Aggarwal plays the role of Shanmugapriya, a teacher who brings out the softer side of Maari. Her chemistry with Dhanush is sweet, and she plays her role with grace. Vijay Yesudas as the determined cop Arjun is convincing, while Robo Shankar’s comedic timing brings some light-hearted moments to the film.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

One of the main strengths of Maari is its unique blend of genres. The film combines action, comedy, and romance in a way that appeals to a broad audience. Dhanush’s performance is a major highlight, and his portrayal of Maari elevates the film. The music by Anirudh is another strength, adding energy to the film and making it memorable. The direction and screenplay are well-crafted, ensuring that the film remains engaging throughout.

Weaknesses

However, Maari is not without its flaws. While the film is entertaining, some of the action sequences may feel over-the-top and unrealistic. The storyline, though engaging, follows a predictable path, and certain plot points could have been more original. The character of Shanmugapriya, though well-played by Kajal Aggarwal, lacks significant depth and could have been given more screen time to develop further. The film also tends to rely heavily on its lead actor’s charm, which may not work for everyone.

Target Audience

Maari will appeal to fans of action-packed films with a touch of humor. It is perfect for viewers who enjoy Dhanush’s style of acting and the typical Tamil commercial cinema experience. The movie also caters to fans of action-comedy genres and those who enjoy a good mix of drama, romance, and light-hearted moments. While the film is not aimed at families with young children due to its action and mild violence, it is a great choice for young adults and fans of Tamil cinema looking for an entertaining and fast-paced movie.

Box Office Details

Budget and Worldwide Box Office Collection

Maari was made on a budget of approximately ₹25 crore. Despite facing competition from other big releases, the film performed well at the box office. It grossed over ₹50 crore worldwide, making it a commercial success. The film’s success can be attributed to its mass appeal, Dhanush’s star power, and the catchy music that resonated with audiences.

Day-wise Earnings (India and Overseas)

The film’s opening day earnings in India were around ₹7 crore, with the movie doing well in both metropolitan cities and smaller towns. The film’s success continued throughout the first week, with earnings steadily increasing. On the second day, Maari earned ₹6.5 crore, followed by ₹7 crore on the third day. The film performed exceptionally well overseas, particularly in countries with a significant Tamil-speaking population. By the end of the first week, Maari had grossed ₹35 crore in India and ₹15 crore from international markets, making it a well-rounded success.

Recommendation

In conclusion, Maari is a fun and entertaining film that combines action, comedy, and drama in a way that is sure to appeal to a wide audience. Dhanush’s performance, the energetic music, and the engaging direction make it a movie worth watching. If you’re a fan of Tamil cinema or enjoy action-comedy films, Maari is definitely worth a watch.

Genres:

Action

Rating:

6.2/10

Cast:

Actor	Character
Dhanush	Maari
Kajal Agarwal	Sridevi
Vijay Yesudas	Inspector Arjun Kumar
Robo Shankar	Sanikilamai
Kaali Venkat	Aarumugam
Anirudh Ravichander	Cameo
Balaji Mohan	Cameo
Mime Gopi	‘Bird’ Ravi
Shanmugarajan	Velu Anna
Sriranjini	Sridevi’s mother
Kalloori Vinoth	Adithangi
Azhagu	Anbu
Prem	Prem
Tota Roy Chowdhury	Arjun
Sampath Ram
Supergood Subramani
Baba Baskar
George Vijay Nelson
Kamalesh Kumar
R. S. G. Chelladurai

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