Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Katrina Kaif, Radhika Apte, Sanjay Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Tinnnu Anand, Ranjan Raj, Aditi Govitrikar
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: Albert, a man with a quiet demeanor and a mysterious side, finds solace in crafting origami swans and birds from bits of paper. He shares these creations with people he cares about or simply leaves them around. Vijay Sethupathi portrays Albert, who returns to his late mother’s home in Mumbai on Christmas Eve. While wandering through the city, taking in the festive colors and lights, Albert crosses paths with Maria (Katrina Kaif), a lovely but melancholic woman, and her daughter Annie (Pari Maheshwari Sharma). This unexpected meeting adds joy to Albert’s Christmas. The story unfolds as Maria, in her melancholy state, invites a stranger for a drink, lamenting the absence of her husband Jerome, bringing a twist to Albert’s holiday experience.
The festive mood takes a mysterious turn in the hands of director Sriram Raghavan, known for his clever plot twists. Teaming up with co-writers Pooja Ladha Surti, Arijit Biswas, and Anukriti Pandey, they draw inspiration from Frederic Dard’s French novel, “Le Monte-Charge,” setting “Merry Christmas” in 1980s Mumbai. The narrative rolls with subtle complexity, revealing characters’ lives and moments like a charming dance between Maria and Albert.
Direction
Sriram Raghavan continues to deliver surprises, a feat that was entirely anticipated following his successes with “Badlapur” and “Andhadhun.” What caught me off guard was the mastery with which he infused humor into the narrative. Having watched ‘Le Monte-Charge,’ a 1962 French film based on the same novel as this one, I can confidently assert that this is quintessentially Raghavan. While the noir element remains consistent, Raghavan’s approach in treating this as an ‘entertaining film’ rather than solely focusing on thrills sets it apart from the crowd. His ability to balance intrigue with humor adds a distinct flavor to the storytelling, showcasing his versatility as a director.
Music
Raghavan’s musical choices continue to be impeccable as this time he chose Pritam. The soul-stirring compositions, notably the haunting “Raat Akeli Thi,” add emotional depth to the film. Varun Grover’s lyrical prowess complements the narrative, creating a memorable musical backdrop. Daniel B. George’s background score intensifies the cinematic experience.
Performances
In Bollywood’s traditional playbook, actors were given a rulebook emphasizing the importance of mastering language nuances and perfecting accents. Then came Vijay Sethupathi, rewriting the rules entirely. Vijay has a special talent that makes it hard for him to make mistakes when he acts. He does it so effortlessly that it feels like he’s in a completely different league. His skill to become different characters is amazing, going beyond what most actors usually do. This makes him stand out and have his own special place in Hindi movies.
Katrina Kaif, in a surprising turn, delivers her best performance to date as Maria, showcasing a remarkable range of emotions. Sanjay Kapoor, in a special appearance, effortlessly contributes his natural presence. Radhika Apte, utilized as a lucky charm, maintains her consistently excellent performance. Vinay Pathak and Pratima Kazmi, portraying the police characters, bring their usual delightful flair to the screen. Tinnu Anand, in a decent supporting role, adds depth to the Stellar cast.
Also, not forgetting to mention, Keep an eye out for the cool movie references in “Merry Christmas”! Sriram Raghavan cleverly nods to the classics and movie legends. There’s a cinema ticket with a picture of the legendary Rajesh Khanna, a throwback to the good ol’ days of Bollywood charm. Then, there’s a cutout of Amitabh Bachchan in his fierce young man avatar, a treat for fans of the iconic actor. The background song “Jab Andhera Hota Hai Aadhi Raat Ke Baad” from the 1973 film “Raja Rani” adds a nostalgic touch to a key scene. Raghavan sprinkles these moments throughout the film, creating a vibe that’s like taking a delightful stroll down Bollywood memory lane. It’s these little details that make “Merry Christmas” an even more enjoyable watch for cinema enthusiasts.
Lastly, If you love solving puzzles and digging into a good mystery, “Merry Christmas” is a must-watch. The ending is like unwrapping a gift full of surprises and unexpected twists, ensuring you’ll leave satisfied and excited by the clever conclusion.