Maharaja

 The title, "Maharaja" is only one letter different than a recent blog on "Maharaj".  What a world of difference.  They are not related.  I had said I would look forward to this film as it had a much higher rating.  I can see why it got the higher ratings--it has a clever plot, some very good acting, and in general a strong presentation.  I would like to warn everyone that this film is very violent and if that disturbs you perhaps it would be best to avoid.  

The plot is simple yet leads to complications.  Maharaja is a barber who owns his own shop, but has put another man in charge.  One night he is robbed and goes to a police station to demand they return an empty dustbin that had been stolen.  The police laugh at the idea and refuse.  Maharaja then offers a bribe and they become suspicious that there is something valuable attached to the missing item.  He does tell them of an emotional almost religious attachment, but they feel that is ridiculous.  The bribe got their attention and they proceed on the assumption that there is something much more valuable than the bribe and they decide to play along.

There are a few twists from the past and eventually the viewer will understand how everything fits together.  There is a great deal of physical violence.  It is well put together and while you may be confused you will also feel a sense of engagement. 

Below are a few of the talented people who put it together.  

Nithilan Saminathan was director and writer.  This is only his second film after previously having written and directed one other film.

B. Ajaneesh Loknath composed the music.  He started his film career with the Kannada language. He has 48 credits as a composer and another 5 with the music department including "Kantara" (2023).  

Dinesh Purushothaman was the cinematographer.  He has 5 credits for cinematography including "Love Today" (2022).   

Philomin Raj was the editor.  He has 29 editor credits including "Mehand Circus" ((2015), 'Raatchasi" (2019, "Mandela" (2021) and my top movie for 20221 "Jai Bhim" (2021).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/11/jai-bhim.html

Vijay Sethupathi played Maharaja.  He has performed in Hindi, Tamil, Telegu and Malayalam cinema and won many awards.  His film credits include "Puriyaatha Puthir" (2017), "Vikram Vedha" (2017),  "Super Deluxe" (2019), "Kadaseela Biriyani" (2021) and "Farzi" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/03/farzi-or-fakes.html

Anurag Kashyap played Selvam, a man who spent years in prison.  He has been a Bollywood powerhouse for many years. including acting, (34 credits) writing, (59 credits) directing (at least 15 credits) and  producing (65 credits)..  Some of the movies he has contributed to include "Black Friday" (2004),  "Water" (2005),  "Aamir" (2008), "The Lunchbox" (2013), "Queen" (2013) "Sacred Games" (2018) and "Super 30" (2020).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/02/super-30-puts-focus-on-education.html

Sachana Namidass played Joythi, the daughter of Maharaja.  She has 2 acting credits.

Mamta Mohandas played Aasifa, a coach and helper for Jyothi.  She has been a playback singer for several movies.  Mamta has 62 acting credits including "Jana Mana Gana" (2022).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/06/jana-gana-muna.html

It will certainly be a memorable movie.  Another Tamil language film that deserved high ratings.  You can see it on Netflix, subtitled.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if a particular film is worth following up.

Jana Gana Muna

At first the story seemed confusing, a dead body picked up, then I thought I picked out a hero, then he did something very brutal.  Mobs were yelling and screaming and being beaten.  That was in the first half.  The case went to court opened up in different directions. Then one could see the cold relevance to events elsewhere in the world.  I am reminded of the January 6th hearing and how crowds were whipped to a frenzy.  Thus is my memory of "Jana Gana Mana" (2022).

Huge twists, but more importantly were the underlying social structure and the people who wanted to gain power against the common people.  Corruptions and manipulation with some surprising resistance. 

The plot is key.  You think you know what will happen and anticipate the twists, but until near the end it seems just like another courtroom drama.  It is hard to imagine the court room procedures are normal, but they serve to make a few points.  Apparently a sequel is in the works. 

The dialogue is Malayalam and available in other regional languages, but English is prominent in the court room.  Lately I have increased my Malayalam selections as many of them are outstanding.

One of my favorite type of films.  A surprise ending (with a hint for more to come) with a message.  The message is a local one (India with its peculiar social structure), but with global implications for human nature.

Dijo Jose Antony was the director in only his second film.  He has acted and been a playback singer.

Sharis Mohammed was the writer in only his fourth film.  His first was also the first for Dijo Jose Antony

Jakes Bejoy composed the music.  Had done "Forensic" (2020).

Sudeep Elamon was the cinematographer with nine film credits beforehand.

Sreejith Sarang was the editor.  Mostly worked in Tamil cinema.

Mammootty narrated the story.  He had trained and practicised as a lawyer.  He is a very prolific award winning actor with over 400 film credits.  His films include "Bhoothakkannadi" (1997), "Kerala Varma Pazhassirajua" (2009) "Karutha Pakshikal" (2006), "Varsham" (2014) "Pathemari" (2015) and my favorite movie seen in 2020, "Peranbu" (2018)  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/03/peranbu-top-film-out-of-india.html

Prithviraj Sukumaran plays an activist lawyer.  He has been in mostly Malayalam films, but also Tamil, Telegu and Hindi.  While in his school performed in plays and debated.  He went to the University of Tasmania to study engineering, but got sidetracked with film roles.  Films include "Urumi:  the Warriors Who Wanted to Kill Vasco Da Gama" (2011) and "Koode" (2018).

Suraj Venjaramoodu played the police officer who you thought you knew, but he is more complicated than first impressions.  Has over 250 credits since 2002 including "Pulimurugan" (2016) and "Thundi Muthalum Driksakshiyum" (2017) and "Vikruthi" (2019) and "The Great Indian Kitchen" (2021)

Mamta Mohandas in flashbacks the dead teacher.  She has appeared in "Forensic" (2020).  She won a playback singer in 2006.

A film containing a lot of emotion.