Vijay Sethupathi packs a 'Maharaja'-sized punch in his latest action-thriller

Where to Watch: Netflix

Vijay Sethupathi-starrer Maharaja, a Tamil action thriller, is a captivating cinematic experience from start to finish. The film stands out in its genre due to its gripping storyline, unexpected twists, and powerful climax.

The movie opens in a barbershop in Chennai, where we meet the protagonist, Maharaja (played by Vijay Sethupathi). His portrayal as a father is flawless and subtle, leaving a lasting impact.

Directed and written by Nithilan Swaminathan, the film challenges viewers' preconceptions and keeps them guessing. As the narrative unfolds, we learn about two individuals -- Maharaja and Selvam (played by Anurag Kashyap), their sacrifices, and hidden secrets. Anurag Kashyap, as an actor, is as good as he is as a director, leaving a lasting impression through his expressions and expressive eyes. He perfectly fits the role of the antagonist in the film.

Maharaja's life takes a tragic turn when a truck crashes into his house, resulting in his wife's death. However, their daughter Jothi survives because a dustbin fortunately covers her. Maharaja and Jothi affectionately name the dustbin "Lakshmi" and take care of it as a member of the family. The film cleverly constructs this object for a profound journey of justice and truth.

As Maharaja investigates the theft of "Lakshmi", he uncovers layers of complexity. The film skilfully mixes timelines, introduces mind-blowing metaphors (including a snake), and surprises viewers with unexpected character revelations.

The police officers initially dismiss Maharaja's case, but as the plot unfolds, their roles become more significant. Other seemingly irrelevant characters also play crucial parts, adding depth to the narrative. The film's climax ties everything together, exposing the true significance of each element.

Without giving away spoilers, I'll share the movie's most outward metaphor: the snake represents Anurag Kashyap's character, and his actions match the film's events. To conclude, Maharaja is a beautifully crafted film that keeps viewers engaged, surprises them at every turn, and leaves a lasting impact.