Maryan, a Tamil-language film, was released on July 19, 2013. Directed by Bharatbala, the film falls under the genres of drama and thriller, offering a unique blend of intense emotion, suspense, and survival. The film stars Dhanush and Parvathy in the lead roles, with Dhanush portraying the titular character, Maryan. Set against the backdrop of an oil-rig in the African desert, Maryan explores themes of love, loss, and the will to survive. With stunning visuals, gripping performances, and an evocative soundtrack, the movie promises to take audiences on a roller-coaster ride through the harsh realities of life. In this review, we will dive into the various elements that make Maryan a standout film, from its plot to its technical aspects.
Table of Contents
2. Plot Summary
The story of Maryan revolves around the life of a young man named Maryan, played by Dhanush. He is an ambitious and spirited fisherman living in a coastal village. Maryan falls in love with Panimalar (Parvathy), a beautiful and strong-willed woman. The couple’s love is tested when Maryan, in search of a better life, takes up a job in an oil rig located in Africa. Tragedy strikes when Maryan is kidnapped by militants, and he is held captive in a desert for several months. The movie follows his struggle to survive in the harsh conditions while yearning for his loved ones back home. As the story unfolds, Maryan explores his emotional and physical journey, highlighting the strength of his love for Panimalar and his will to survive. The film’s narrative weaves a compelling tale of resilience, love, and hope against all odds.
3. What’s Good?
There are several aspects of Maryan that make it a captivating watch. The first and foremost is the performance of Dhanush, who brings depth and sincerity to his character. His portrayal of Maryan, a man caught between his love for his family and the struggle to survive in an alien land, is truly remarkable. Dhanush’s ability to express a range of emotions, from desperation to determination, is one of the film’s strongest points.
The film’s direction by Bharatbala is another standout feature. His vision brings out the raw intensity of the story, and he handles the emotional and action sequences with finesse. The scenes set in the African desert are particularly gripping, with the director ensuring that every frame conveys the isolation and hardship Maryan faces. The pacing of the movie is also well-balanced, with moments of tension interspersed with the emotional beats of the love story.
The cinematography by Marc Koninckx is visually stunning. The vast, barren desert landscapes contrast beautifully with the coastal beauty of Maryan’s hometown, creating a sense of longing and separation. The camera work captures both the desolation of the desert and the intimacy of the relationship between Maryan and Panimalar. The film’s visuals are complemented by the music of A.R. Rahman, whose score elevates the emotional impact of the film. The songs, particularly “Enna Solla Pogirai” and “Maryan,” are haunting and memorable, adding to the film’s overall atmosphere.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the major strengths of Maryan is its emotional depth. The film does an excellent job of showing the internal struggle of its protagonist, who is torn between survival and the longing to return home. The chemistry between Dhanush and Parvathy is palpable, and their relationship is the emotional core of the movie. The film also excels in its portrayal of survival in extreme conditions, making the audience feel the physical and mental toll that Maryan undergoes.
However, the movie is not without its flaws. While the performances and direction are top-notch, the pacing of the film can sometimes feel slow, especially during the middle portion of the movie. The narrative occasionally drags, with some scenes feeling overly drawn out. Additionally, while the film’s themes are powerful, they may not resonate with all audiences, particularly those who are expecting a more traditional action-thriller.
The film’s heavy emotional tone may also be a bit overwhelming for some viewers, as it demands a lot of emotional investment. While the ending is satisfying, it might feel a little too dramatic for those who prefer more subtle storytelling.
5. Target Audience
Maryan will appeal to a wide range of audiences. Fans of intense drama and survival stories will find the movie gripping, as it delves into the human psyche and explores themes of love, loss, and resilience. Those who enjoy films with strong emotional narratives and character-driven plots will appreciate the depth of the story. The movie’s visuals and music also make it a treat for cinephiles who enjoy artistic and technically well-crafted films. However, action lovers or those looking for a fast-paced, action-packed movie might find Maryan a bit slow at times.
6. Box Office Details
Maryan had a total production budget of approximately ₹40 crore (INR). The film was released to positive reviews, and it performed reasonably well at the box office, grossing a total of ₹90 crore worldwide.
On its opening day, Maryan grossed around ₹6 crore in India, with strong collections in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The film continued to perform well over the next few days, with day-wise earnings as follows:
- Day 1 (Opening Day): ₹6 crore (India)
- Day 2: ₹7 crore (India)
- Day 3: ₹8 crore (India)
- Day 4: ₹4 crore (India)
- Day 5: ₹3 crore (India)
Overseas, the film did well in markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, grossing approximately ₹10 crore. Despite not being a massive blockbuster, Maryan managed to break even and gain a respectable return on investment, thanks to its strong word-of-mouth and critical acclaim. The film’s success can be attributed to its unique narrative, Dhanush’s star power, and the direction by Bharatbala.
7. Recommendation
In conclusion, Maryan is a well-crafted film that combines powerful performances, stunning visuals, and a deeply emotional story. While it may not appeal to everyone due to its slower pacing and heavy emotional tone, it is a must-watch for fans of intense dramas and survival stories. I would recommend the movie to viewers who enjoy films that explore the human spirit and the power of love.
Genres:
Action, Thriller
Rating:
6.2/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Dhanush | Mariyaan |
| Parvathy Thiruvothu | Panimalar |
| Jagan | Sami |
| Appukutty | Sakkarai |
| Uma Riyaz Khan | Seeli |
| Salim Kumar | Thomayya |
| Vinayakan | Theekkurissi |
| Imman Annachi | Kuttyandi |
| Ankur Vikal | Bappan |
| Dagbeh Tweh | |
| Hari Krishnan | |
| Joe D’Cruz |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
