Vijay Sethupathi's portrayal of Albert, an architect returning home after seven years, sets the stage for Sriram Raghavan's 'Merry Christmas.' The film unfolds on a Christmas eve in the vintage Bombay, where Albert encounters Maria (Katrina Kaif) and her daughter Annie (Pari Sharma). What begins as an ordinary meeting turns into an unexpected twist, weaving a suspenseful tale in a single night.
Sethupathi delivers a versatile performance, oscillating between light-hearted moments and intense sequences. Despite occasional echoes of his signature style, he navigates comedy and suspense effortlessly. Katrina Kaif skillfully portrays Maria, adding layers of mystery, tension, deceit, love, affection, and anger. Her seamless lip synchronization with Tamil dialogues enhances her compelling performance.
The supporting cast, including Pari Sharma, Kavin J Babu, Radhika, Shanmugarajan, and Rajesh, delivers commendable performances. Radhika Apte's cameo adds depth to the dark comedy. Cinematographer Madhu Neelakandan elevates the film's ambiance with striking light design and theatrical camera moves, creating a visually captivating experience.
The soundtrack, especially the soothing 'Kadhaana Kadhal,' composed by Pritam with lyrics by Yugabharathi, complements the film. Daniel P. George's background score, particularly during suspenseful, thrilling, and romantic moments, stands out as a brilliant addition, becoming the backbone of the narrative.
Production designer Mayur Sharma brings Sriram Raghavan's fictional world to life with meticulous detail. The film's aesthetic, capturing the essence of Christmas celebrations in vintage Bombay, showcases elegance and perfection. Costume design by Anita Shroff and Sabeena Halda, along with Nirmal Sharma's color grading, contribute significantly to the visual appeal.
While the director successfully maintains interest with enjoyable dialogues and screenplay in the first half, song durations could have been curtailed for a smoother pace. The second half excels in dark humor and engaging dialogues, seamlessly blending with the plot. Raghavan's signature style shines in the thrilling climax, enhancing the 'edge-of-the-seat' experience.
However, the film faces challenges in the credibility of its main twist, particularly concerning the characters' actions in the apartment. The screenplay lacks clarity, leaving viewers with unanswered questions and logic loopholes. The cast's performances attempt to compensate for these gaps, but a more robust exploration of character motivations would have elevated the film.
Despite these drawbacks, 'Merry Christmas' delivers an otherwise captivating experience, reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock's suspenseful visual style. The film, however, falls short of becoming a profound creation, settling for being an intriguing yet satisfying watch.
