"Sriram Raghavan's 'Merry Christmas' Review: A Delectable Crime Thriller Elevated by Vijay Sethupathi's Stellar Performance"

Sriram Raghavan's recent cinematic endeavor, "Merry Christmas," astounds audiences by pairing the unexpected duo of Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi as the leads. Renowned for his adept storytelling in crime, passion, and mystery, Raghavan introduces us to a compelling, deliberate Neo-noir that unfolds against the backdrop of Bombay's lively Christmas celebration.

The core of the narrative revolves around Albert and Maria, brought to life by Sethupathi and Kaif, respectively. These two solitary individuals chance upon each other in a restaurant on Christmas night, and their connection deepens as they traverse the illuminated streets of Bombay. Layers of discontent in Maria's marriage and a veil of mystery surrounding Albert's past unravel, yet the newfound bond takes a sinister turn when a lifeless body is discovered in Maria's apartment, injecting confusion and suspicion.

Crafted by Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, Pooja Ladha Surti, and Anukriti Pandey, the screenplay deviates from Raghavan's usual modus operandi in the first half. Rather than relying on the anticipated twists and turns, the film unfolds as a nuanced conversation between two strangers, akin to the Before Sunrise series. The initial focus is on Kaif and Sethupathi's characters engaging in dialogues and leisurely strolls through Bombay. Despite the absence of immediate suspense, the story unfolds organically, mirroring the pacing of a well-crafted novel.

Adapted from Frédéric Dard's "Bird In A Cage," the film skillfully tailors the source material to Indian sensibilities. The screenplay gradually unveils the hidden truths of the characters, keeping the audience invested without resorting to constant suspense. The outcome is a captivating film that doesn't demand a perpetual edge-of-the-seat experience but successfully immerses viewers in the lives of the characters.

The screenplay is enriched with easter eggs and pop culture references, a hallmark of Raghavan's films. Early pulp fictions, nods to classics, and retro music seamlessly integrate into the narrative. The second half introduces the anticipated twist, elevating the pace and intensifying the audience's engagement with the unfolding story.

Undoubtedly, the casting emerges as one of the film's strongest assets. Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi deliver stellar performances as Maria and Albert, respectively. Sethupathi, renowned for his acting prowess, embodies Albert as a do-gooder ensnared in an unforeseen murky situation. His interaction with Anne, portrayed by child actor Pari Sharma, stands out, showcasing the actor's ability to forge organic chemistry with young co-stars.

Kaif's evolution as a performer is palpable, with "Merry Christmas" arguably marking her best performance to date. From her early days as a model to becoming a prominent figure in action blockbusters, Kaif seamlessly embraces the role of Maria – elusive, tragic, mysterious, and hauntingly beautiful. Together, Kaif and Sethupathi create on-screen magic that surpasses expectations.

The supporting cast, featuring Sanjay Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Radhika Apte, Tinu Anand, Pratima Kazmi, and Ashwini Kalsekar, injects the right amount of quirkiness, characteristic of Raghavan's noir style.

Madhu Neelakandan's cinematography beautifully frames the narrative, capturing the essence of Bombay's festive streets. Daniel B George's background score enhances the storytelling, with Raghavan opting for music over dialogues in the climax. Notably, the Hindi version's climax reportedly differs from the Tamil version.

While the film has moments where characters easily believe strangers, Raghavan's storytelling style encourages indulgence in the narrative. "Merry Christmas" may not possess the sharp edges of Raghavan's previous works, but it offers a story that lingers, leaving a lasting impact even after the credits roll.

In essence, "Merry Christmas" represents Raghavan's most sentimental film to date, and that's not a drawback. It may lack the sharp edges of his previous outings, but it's a narrative to savor – a cinematic experience akin to enjoying a good glass of mulled wine slowly, savoring the flavors that linger well beyond the last sip.