Maharaja: Vijay Sethupathi rocks in this dark entertainer

Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Mamta Mohandass, Natraj, Anurag Kashyap and Abhirami and others

Direction: Nithilan Saminathan

Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Popular Tamil star Vijay Sethupathi who was also seen in Telugu film ‘Uppena’ plays a dark role in his much-hyped 50th film ‘Maharaja’ which has few loopholes too. He deserves kudos for not playing it safe and doing a challenging role of self-petious father who sets out to avenge a heinous crime on his family member.

He showcases anger, pain, a bit of innocence and stubbornness to showcase his acting repertoire but he could have avoided a bit of overdose of violence like beheading a criminal and chopping the hands of thugs. No doubt, he was fighting for a logical and pertinent cause of crimes against women, yet it could have been a bit subtle and sober.

Kudos to director Nithilan Saminathan for etching out realistic characters including baddies and suggesting that the society is not safe for women and danger lurking over them from unsuspecting neighbourhood uncles. Interestingly, baddy Anurag Kashyap who impresses as a ruthless dacoit who loots households and leaves no evidence behind by burning up houses and victims. He looks casual and runs an electric appliances shop and also has a wife and kid whom he adores.

Even the tainted constable is a 50-plus man who can’t be suspected otherwise. Even though the plot is familiar revenge drama, the non-linear narrative keeps the audience guessing and the father-daughter bonding provides the necessary emotional tug. Anurag Kashyap proves his mettle, while police officer Nataraj has his moments in this crime drama revolving around a few dark characters.

Vijay Sethupathi takes care of his school going daughter after the death of his wife and he cooks and helps her to reach school in time. She keeps chiding him but he enjoys it. One day, he lands in a police station to complain about the loss of an ‘iron waste basket’ by robbers and he is ridiculed by cops. However, he assures them that he would pay a bribe of Rs 7 lakhs to retrieve the basket since it saved his daughter’s life while their house collapsed. Meanwhile, he is seen chasing a rogue and kills him mercilessly and also looking out for two others who attacked him. Will the police be able to nab the culprits and retrive the basket?

Vijay Sethupathi has showcased his dark shades in films like ‘Vikram Vedha’ and ‘Vikram’ but this time he showcased his dark shade playing the protagonist and truly impresses. Bollywood filmmaker and actor Anurag Kashyap breathes life into the role of a father and dreaded killer. While actresses Mamata Mohandass and Abhirami have nothing much to do in this gripping crime drama, actor Nataraj fits the bill as a cop who is honest at times.

Director Nithilan deserves a pat since he makes the girl victim stronger and determined who wants to meet scrupulous characters and question them for their heinous act face-to-face and throws up another twist in the end.