MapsofIndia.com/MyIndia.in Rating: 4/5
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Plot
The story begins on Christmas Eve in a small Bombay town, with Albert, played by Vijay Sethupathi, returning from an extended stay in Dubai, where he works as an architect. He decides to meander through the streets, battling loneliness, and eventually ends up at a neighborhood bar. An accidental encounter in the restroom inside the bar puts him face to face with a man in a white suit. He asks Albert to discreetly inform a woman at one of the tables that he needs to depart immediately for an important meeting. The recipient of this message is revealed to be Maria, played by Katrina Kaif, who is dealing with her date’s untimely departure. And the reason? Maria had brought her daughter, Annie, with her.
While Annie sleeps blissfully, Maria and Albert tell stories about their lives, diving into their jobs, family dynamics, and prior romantic entanglements. Maria, in an unexpected twist, proposes a spontaneous time-traveling expedition, and Albert and she embark on a wonderful Christmas night. When they arrive home, they are faced with a disturbing sight: someone close is dead in the drawing room. Annie, thankfully, is uninjured. The rest of Christmas Eve unfolds as an engaging tale about solving this unclear murder mystery.
Performances
The fascinating performances of the cast add to the mysterious nature of this murder mystery. Each passing moment holds the audience in anticipation, leaving them speculating what the main characters will do next. Vijay Sethupathi, in particular, dominates the show with his extraordinary narrative abilities and expressive abilities. He expertly expresses his character’s inner thoughts through his eyes alone, providing an extra depth of suspense.
Katrina Kaif gives one of the film’s strongest performances, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats as her character displays mystery. There’s a persistent fear that she’ll do something unexpected at any moment, encouraging audience to wonder the reality behind her actions. Furthermore, Vinay Pathak’s portrayal of a police officer is a welcome contrast from his customary lighthearted performances, demonstrating his flexibility in a serious and intriguing role.
Analysis
Sriram Raghavan, well known for his earlier masterwork, Andhadhun, a timeless mystery thriller, creates an outstanding film that leaves the audience awestruck. As viewers dive into the characters and their backstories, the first half unfolds with a sense of mystery. The narrative develops into a compelling thriller as the second half takes center stage, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The film’s climax is a thrilling event, with everyone awaiting the unexpected at any given moment. The cinematography is superb, and the regular use of one-shot scenes adds an extra layer of adrenaline to the story.
The use of music stands out as an important aspect in enhancing the suspense of this murder mystery. While songs like Nazar Meri Toofan and Raat Akeli Thi add to the overall atmosphere, it’s the background score that steals the show. The use of Western classical music adds a profound layer to the scenes, with Vivaldi’s L’inverno in particular creating a lasting impression, particularly in the last segment.
Final Verdict
Merry Christmas has officially joined the ranks of Christmas Watchalong Movies, establishing itself as the most intriguing and thrilling of them all. The audience is kept on their toes, much like in Sriram’s previous work, Andhadhun, unknowing of what twists await them. The film has set an extraordinarily high standard as one of the first Bollywood releases of 2024, particularly within the thriller genre. The bittersweet reality endures in the film’s conclusion, bringing a sad fate to the most cherished character, adding to the dramatic narrative culture of murder mysteries.
