When films are trending on social media, I usually adopt a wait-and-see approach, allowing the initial hype to subside before diving in.
This allows me to experience the film without preconceived notions. However, Maharaja was an exception. At midnight, one of my friends asked me to watch it. Then, in the morning, yet another friend asked me to check it out, saying, “Hey Jainam, this is a film you should check out for storytelling and directing,” and it was straight up addressed to me as I aspire to be a film maker someday. Then, yet another friend from the same circle praised it. And then a few other friends pinged me to watch it. And this was completely coincidental. And this kind of made me a little too excited because, even though I don’t usually go with reviews as I believe that sets a false image, this film felt different. Maybe because I’ve seen Vijay Sethupathi and Anurag Kashyap and I know the potential there could be. So, it was time to check out Maharaja.
From the outset, “Maharaja” is a perplexing enigma. Its non-linear narrative, akin to the structure of “Memento” or “Following,” initially left me questioning the film’s coherence. The disjointed timeline created an atmosphere of confusion, which I initially attributed to a misguided attempt at imitating Christopher Nolan. Yet, as the story progressed, I found myself captivated by the intricate puzzle unfolding before me.
The first half is a masterclass in suspenseful world-building. Vijay Sethupathi’s character, with his rigid demeanor, is unexpectedly humorous. The absurdity of his obsession with a dustbin is a stroke of genius, as it serves as a stark contrast to the grave themes that emerge later. Anurag Kashyap’s introduction marks a turning point, as the narrative shifts into a darker, more complex territory.
The film’s core premise—a man’s relentless pursuit of a dustbin—appears trivial at first glance. However, as the plot deepens, the significance of this seemingly mundane object becomes apparent. The police’s initial dismissive attitude toward Maharaja’s obsession is a satirical commentary on bureaucratic indifference. Yet, their subsequent actions introduce a moral dilemma. For any sane person, it’d anyways make no sense to go after a dustbin. So, they weren’t just useless plot devices. Their reactions made sense. Their decision to facilitate Maharaja’s revenge, while undoubtedly illegal, taps into a primal desire for justice. The film deftly explores the blurred lines between law and morality, leaving the audience to grapple with complex questions about vigilantism. Was it unlawful that they let Maharaja kill the rapist? Yes. Do I still support it? 100% yes.
Selvam, Anurag Kashyap’s character, is a complex and tragic figure. His love for his daughter is palpable, yet his actions are reprehensible. The revelation of his heinous crime against his own child is a gut-wrenching moment. The film’s portrayal of his downfall is both chilling and cathartic.
The final scene, with Selvam’s blood on Jothi’s footsteps imprints on the cement, is a powerful visual metaphor for the indelible mark his actions have left on her life.
The ending is bittersweet that reminds me of Denis Villeneuve’s Incendis where we are left with this pit of sadness that even though we’ve decoded every mystery, was the mental trauma for it worth it? “Maharaja” is a testament to that power of storytelling that makes us question morality in ourselves. The film’s ability to blend humor, suspense, and social commentary into a cohesive narrative is commendable. The performances are uniformly excellent, with Vijay Sethupathi and Anurag Kashyap delivering career-best performances. Natarajan Subramaniam’s portrayal of Inspector Varadharajan is a revelation, showcasing the actor’s range and depth.
The film’s technical aspects are equally impressive. The editing is sharp and precise, contributing significantly to the film’s non linear and engaging nature. The action sequences are brutal and visceral, serving to heighten the emotional impact of the story.
“Maharaja” is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. It is a cinematic experience that challenges, provokes, and ultimately satisfies. With its thought-provoking themes, exceptional performances, and masterful storytelling, “Maharaja” is a must-watch for any cinephile. I believe it really is one of the best films I’ve seen this year so far.
Rating: Five out of five stars.
Hi Buddy, you have nailed the film in your review. Class act..I have some areas which are not fully clear ..if you have the clarity pls do share
1. How does anurag released from prison when he is charged with murder and robbery
2. How does the police get to know what actually transpired from the killed group member’s phone in the factory?
3. Why does nalla sivam co-operate voluntarily in the police staged drama in the end when he could have stayed away?
Hey! Thanks for reading my review. I’m glad you liked it. You’ve raised some very good points. I’ve given it some thought and here are my best guesses:
1)He served 13 years in prison, but the maximum punishment for section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), robbery, and negligence is 10 years. Maybe he changed his behavior, escaped, or bribed the police. These are just speculations and since I’m not a lawyer, my view on it could be completely wrong.
2)They gave the phone to his cell where they could monitor his calls and contacts. Since he was previously in jail, they were keeping an eye on him. Crime Patrol 101.
3)Nalla Shiva initially agreed because he saw an opportunity to make quick money. But after realizing the situation, he tried to back out, but it was too late. It seems the police had already figured things out by the time Nalla Shiva agreed to cooperate and left to take a call. That’s probably why the inspector asked another officer to stay with him.
What a movie! 🔥
I’m quite confused, why Maharaja don’t show the dustbin to his daughter Jothi while she was on camp? During the camp, the incident has not happened yet. He only kept the dustbin (pretend it was missing) when Jothi was sent to hospital.
Thats my question too! I wonder what hes been doing that time that she is asking for the picture of the dustbin
no it’s missing already
Pls watch movie properly, dustbin was not missing. In the hospital, he kept dustbin under her bed.
She had not gone to camp when Vijay Serhupati went to police station. She was in hospital. Vijay told falsely that she’s gone to camp.
He was watching recorded videos of his daughter from the camp and reminders his daughter had sent to wash the bin and send photos etc.
As far as we can speculate, he probably did show her the bin at the time. But these are probably the few videos he has of his daughter prior to the event.
[…] क्योंकि यह बाद में उभरने वाले गंभीर विषयों के विपरीत है। अनुराग कश्यप का परिचय […]
The movie is brill8ant and my brain is still dancing salsa inside my head …
However:
Can you please put the events of the into their logical and ordinary chronological order? The movies seems scrambled to me. I dont know which events are happening in the present and which happened in the past
[…] his wife bring their baby to Selvam’s wife Kokila’s new house to return the chain. When Maharaja had gone to buy a gift for Ammu from the shop across the street, a truck rammed into Kokila’s […]
I almost gave up on the movie until I found your review, and 45 minutes were left. Partly, I have a bad habit of leaving the movie in the background for a few minutes so obviously I missed many things until I read “From the outset, “Maharaja” is a perplexing enigma. Its non-linear narrative…” I paused reading and I decided… I will finish the movie. Once done, I read this review in completion. This is excellent! Also this article is the top result on google.
Hey! Thank you!!!
– Jainam
A cinematic treat with stellar performances from Vijay Sethupathi and Anurag Kashyap! 🎬🔥😊
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