Movie review 'Maari': Strictly for the enthusiastic fans of Dhanush

Cast: Dhanush, Kajal Agarwal, Robo Shankar

Direction: Balaji Mohan

Rating: Two and a half  stars

After giving two urbane movies Kadhalil Sodhapuvadhu Eppadi and Vaayai Moodi Pesavum, Balaji Mohan known for thoughtful filmmaking is out to prove (!) that he can also make ‘thara local’  film like Maari. To put it in his words that he scripted the ‘Dhanush Fan centric role’ Maari keeping only the national award winner in mind. Having said that he has travelled in tried and tested done to death formula of a mass masala commercial films.  Strictly with the agenda of satisfying B and C centers, the film has enough punch lines uttered by Dhanush including Senjiruven (I will finish you), the recurring slow motion heroic walks replete with flipping  cigarettes in the air and gravity defying stunts.

Maari (Dhanush) is an orphan and a local don from Chennai who breeds and nurtures pigeons for racing. He along with his friends Sanikizhamai (Robo Shankar) and Adithangi  (Vinod) make their livelihood by demanding ‘maamool’ from local shopkeepers and helping the Red sandalwood smuggler (Shanmugham).  Maari has a grimy past where it is said that he murdered yet another influential thug in that area and thus christened himself as the local don. However, when Arjun Kumar (Vijay Yesudas) the scheming police officer gets transferred there, he is after Maari. His main aim is to bring to light the murder committed by Maari and put him behind the bars.

Meanwhile Sridevi (Kajal Agarwal) a fashion designer from nowhere lands up at ‘Maari’s lowly land’ and sets up her boutique there. Maari harasses her with the mamool ‘protection money’ and even demands a share in her profit. Though they seem to be at loggerheads initially like any other Tamil cinema they are attracted to each other later. In the meantime, Arjun hatches a plan with the help of Sridevi and collects enough evidence against Maari. When Maari returns from jail after a gap, he realizes that Arjun along with his rival Bird Ravi (Mime Gopi) has taken control of the entire area.  How Maari regains his lost glory of an antisocial element forms the rest.

It is Dhanush all the way in Maari. We have seen Dhanush in similar roles in Pudhupettai and Aadukalam. He creates a similar magic and blends with the character Maari with his effortless ease. With his voice modulation and distinct dialogue delivery he scores big time. Robot Shankar brings the roof down with his witty one-liners and keeps the momentum intact whenever there’s a drag in the screenplay. Kajal Agarwal in a poorly etched role has limited scope. Vijay Yesudas looks too polished to fit into the character of a powerful antagonist. Anirudh’s background score is good while the songs are just average. The scene where he appears on screen is hilarious. The movie is strictly for the enthusiastic fans of Dhanush.