Merry Christmas (2024) Review

Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif as the lead couple in a simultaneously shot bilingual (Hindi and Tamil) film, by arguably India's finest proponent of neo-noir/thriller cinema in Sriram Raghavan? Consider our interest piqued!

Sriram Raghavan is no stranger to thrillers, with every one of his films belonging to the noir genre. Right from his debut film, Ek Hasina Thi, he has delivered multiple hits from the genre in Johhny Gaddaar and Badlapur. But the movie that Merry Christmas is styled after, which also happens to Raghavan's most successful film, is Andhadhun.

Merry Christmas begins with a chance encounter between a Dubai-returned architect Albert (Vijay Sethupathi) and a woman (Katrina Kaif) whose date turns tail after he sees that she brought her daughter with her on said date. Ever the hopeful gentleman, Albert gets himself invited over to her house for a drink - and everything comes tumbling down.

Secrets get revealed, a crime is noticed, and the police are notified. Albert manages to sneak out, day saved, everything good? Not quite so, because there's a part two, the déjà vu - and things start unfolding at breakneck pace once again.

Think of Merry Christmas as a more leisurely-paced, a more localised and a lower staked version of Andhadhun - this is a movie to be savoured and indulged in, and it has none of the frenetic energy that consumes Andhadhun. Even the comedy in Merry Christmas exists as a humorous undertone that makes it difficult to class it as a black comedy, even if there are a few moments where the sheer shock value makes you laugh.

Everything is pieced together with utmost care, just like the woman in the movie carefully has her living room done. The script, the sets, the score and the soundtrack, the cinematography, the editing - all these elements have been meticulously overseen to keep the overall tone of the movie consistent. Raghavan succeeds in transporting you to a time "before Bombay was called Mumbai" - its depiction of the old world Bombay middle class shines through with its cinema halls full of ceiling fans, through kitschy knick knacks and forgotten photo prints, or through money hidden in an old Bible. It is this leisurely worldbuilding that works in its favour, as we feel like we have time travelled to the past.

Katrina Kaif is in fine form, apart from in some of the emotional scenes. Her love for her daughter or her professed love for her husband despite their problems both feel a bit off sometimes, especially in the second half. That being said, she is absolutely fantastic in the first half as she semi-reluctantly reels in her self-invited guest. For all the criticism thrown at her, she proves that she is no slouch when given a meaty role for her to sink her teeth into.

Vijay Sethupathi can currently do no wrong, and "Makkal Selvan" (translating to People's Treasure) brings an easy earnestness to his Albert. Sethupathi channels both comfort and trepidation with equal ease, and is a joy to watch. There is a fantastic supporting cast, but this movie is all about the lead pair. An impromptu, one-shot dance sequence between the duo - who have just met and are pretty much strangers - sets the tone for a highly unusual chemistry. It has its highs and lows, but somehow this rather unusual pairing just... works?

Cinematographer Madhu Neelakandan unleashes a tapestry of picture-perfect frames that capture both the environment and personnel at their most intimate. There are plenty of close-up shots, and most of the camerawork is quite particular about focusing on the characters. The visuals are ably complimented by composer Daniel B George and songwriter / music director Pritam's audiowork.

Merry Christmas is an atmosphere-laden, dialogue-heavy film that demands your undivided attention. Look away at your own peril because there are just so many overarching plots. Don't go expecting over-the-top scenarios, because everything in the movie feels like it could happen to you or someone you know (save the crime bit).

A fantastic start to 2024, and an easy recommendation, Merry Christmas ticks all boxes from an entertainment perspective. Go to the theatre, preferably with friends, and enjoy taking home a talking point alongside the experience of a very fun movie.