Merry Christmas Review and Story line
In the bustling city of Bombay, on a warm Christmas Eve, two strangers find themselves drawn together in Sriram Raghavan‘s Merry Christmas. This film delivers on its promise of nostalgia, romance, intrigue, and suspense, making it a solid start to the new year. Raghavan’s ability to authentically recreate the past with deep affection sets him apart as a filmmaker.
As a true film aficionado, Raghavan pays homage to various cinematic references throughout Merry Christmas. From the 1962 French film ‘Le Monte-charge’ that the movie is based on, to the pulsating song ‘jab andhera hota hai’ from the 1973 Bollywood potboiler ‘Raja Rani’, and the iconic LP covers of ‘McKenna’s Gold’, the film exudes a vintage wine vibe that is both fiery and silky.
It transports us to a time when the festive spirit was unbridled, with streets filled with merry-makers, shimmering bulbs adorning housing compounds, and dimly-lit restaurants serving red spaghetti, all accompanied by the potent homemade wine of elderly uncles. Even a famous South Bombay movie hall welcomes patrons into its dark interiors, setting the stage for unexpected events.
The protagonists, Albert (Vijay Sethupati) and Maria (Katrina Kaif), do not meet in the typical “meet cute” fashion. Instead, their encounters are more lived-in and mature, as they repeatedly bump into each other, creating a series of delightful moments. Watching Albert, who has returned to Bombay after seven years, observe Maria struggling with her sleepy daughter and oversized teddy bear, and persistently showing up until she invites him into her home, is undeniably dreamy and magical.
However, the revelry comes to a halt when a dead body is discovered in an armchair. The introduction of additional characters, such as Sanjay Kapoor as a stranger hoping for a chance with Maria, Vinay Pathak as a policeman, and Pratima Kazmi as his suspicious colleague, momentarily slows down the pace. This slight lull is characteristic of Raghavan’s style, but a well-judged climactic twist brings back the tension, leaving us on the edge of our seats, wondering what will happen next.
Despite a brief post-interval slump, the film quickly recovers as Albert and Maria embark on a journey together, strolling through the streets, exchanging meaningful glances, and building a connection. Their unlikely pairing is made believable through the compelling performances of Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupati. Kaif, shedding her glamorous image, portrays Maria with a seductive innocence, while Sethupati’s portrayal of Albert is both yearning and caring, captivating us with his dance-like movements and heartfelt expressions.
In conclusion, Sriram Raghavan’s Merry Christmas is a nostalgic and romantic tale that transports us to a bygone era. With its authentic portrayal of the past, captivating performances, and unexpected twists, this film is a delightful experience that will leave viewers longing for more.
With our Merry Christmas review, the movie rating is 3 stars.
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