What happens when a thief with no morals meets a man who’s forgotten his entire life? Maareesan, directed by Sudheesh Sankar, isn’t just a film — it’s an emotional rollercoaster, a road trip laced with memory loss, guilt, and surprising doses of humanity. And holding it all together? Two stellar performances by Vadivelu and Fahadh Faasil, in roles that break their own molds and break your heart along the way.
A Setup That Lingers… and Then Explodes
Let’s be honest — the first half of Maareesan moves like a lazy summer afternoon. Not much happens, and you may even catch yourself wondering if you’re watching a slice-of-life Malayalam film with a Tamil filter. But hang in there. What begins as a con job slowly mutates into something much deeper, darker, and disturbingly powerful.
Enter Dhayalan (played by the ever-eclectic Fahadh Faasil), a freshly freed small-time thief looking for a quick score. He breaks into a house only to find Velayudham (Vadivelu), an old man chained up and lost in the fog of Alzheimer’s. But here’s the twist — Velayudham mistakes Dhaya for his son. A jackpot? Maybe. With ₹25 lakhs hiding in a bank account, Dhaya plays along.
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But what begins as a comical con becomes something far more sinister and soulful.
Vadivelu Breaks the Mold, Fahadh Shines in Grey
This isn’t your laugh-a-minute Vadivelu. He’s unrecognizable as Velayudham, trading punchlines for pain, and perfectly capturing the haunting vulnerability of a man grappling with dementia — a man who has more secrets than memories. It’s a bold, layered performance that proves he’s far more than just comedy royalty.
And Fahadh Faasil? Oh, he’s in his element — again. Slipping between mischief and melancholy, his Dhaya is equal parts charming and conflicted. If you loved him in Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, you’ll see shades of that here too. His chemistry with Vadivelu — first seen in Maamannan — is a rare delight. Let’s hope Tamil cinema gives us more of this duo!
A Road Trip That Turns Bloody
The real dhamaka begins after the interval. Maareesan ditches its light-hearted buddy-film tone for full-blown vigilante justice. No more ATM jokes or road trip banter — this is where truths get messy. And brutal.
We learn why Velayudham is really chained, why he never forgets that one detail, and why Dhaya — thief, liar, wanderer — starts to care. The film drops a heavy bomb: forget morality debates, here justice is served cold.
Pedophiles? Executed. No questions asked. It’s uncomfortable, raw, and deliberately provocative.
Grey Morals, Great Moments
The magic of Maareesan lies in its contradictions. Neither man is a hero. One is a thief with buried empathy, the other a grieving father-turned-avenger. They lie, cheat, manipulate — but somehow, you feel for them. The film plays with these layers but never goes too deep. Still, it’s enough to make you ask: Can two wrongs ever make a right?
There are a few missteps, though. A stretched flashback. A song that feels like it never ends. And a police climax that arrives too neatly wrapped for a film soaked in moral chaos.
But it’s all forgivable, thanks to the ride we’ve been on.
Final Verdict: Worth the Ride
Maareesan may not be for every masala-loving fan. It takes its time, builds slowly, and throws you into a world where justice isn’t clean and memory is a weapon. But if you’re craving a performance-driven drama with real heart, intense emotion, and a touch of darkness — this is your pick.
Vadivelu’s transformation is the real surprise here. Fahadh’s consistency is no surprise at all. Together, they deliver a haunting, sometimes hilarious, always heartfelt film.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
One thing’s for sure — you won’t forget Maareesan anytime soon. Even if the characters do.
