Maari - 2015

Introduction 

The 2015 action comedy Maari, written and directed by Balaji Mohan, was co-produced by Dhanush's Wunderbar Films and Listin Stephen and Raadhika's Magic Frames. In addition to Robo Shankar, Kalloori Vinoth, Kaali Venkat, and Mime Gopi, the movie also stars Dhanush, Kajal Aggarwal, and singer Vijay Yesudas. Dhanush portrays local mobster Maari. Vijay Yesudas makes his Tamil film debut with this movie.

Table of Contents

• Details

• Plot

• Release

• Reviews

• Casting

• Crew

• Character analysis

• Songs

• Box Office Collection

• Interesting facts

Details

Plot 

The film revolves around the life of Maari, a local rowdy and gangster who becomes entangled in a series of events that challenge his authority and force him to confront his past.

The story is set in a vibrant and bustling neighborhood, where Maari, played by Dhanush, is a notorious gangster known for his charismatic personality and unorthodox methods. He is the self-proclaimed 'local don' and has the neighborhood under his control. Things take a turn when a new police officer, Arjun, played by Vijay Yesudas, is appointed to the area. Arjun is determined to clean up the neighborhood and put an end to Maari's criminal activities. He starts a mission to capture Maari and bring him to justice.

As Arjun intensifies his efforts, Maari finds himself at odds with not only the police but also a rival gang led by a powerful and influential leader named Velu. Velu is determined to take over Maari's territory and become the new ruling force in the neighborhood.

Amidst all this chaos, Maari encounters a young and spirited woman named Sridevi, played by Kajal Aggarwal. Sridevi is a strong-willed and feisty character who challenges Maari's beliefs and forces him to reconsider his lifestyle.

Release

Maari was released on July 17, 2015. Directed by Balaji Mohan and produced by Listin Stephen and Raadhika Sarathkumar, the film generated significant buzz and anticipation among Tamil cinema enthusiasts prior to its release.

Leading up to the release, the promotional campaign for 'Maari' created quite a buzz, thanks in large part to the star power of Dhanush, who played the titular character. Dhanush had already established himself as a popular actor with a dedicated fan following, adding to the film's excitement.

The film's marketing strategy included the release of teasers, trailers, and promotional posters that showcased the unique style and charisma of Dhanush's character, Maari. The catchy dialogues and energetic action sequences featured in the promotional material further heightened the audience's curiosity. When 'Maari' hit the theaters, it received a wide release across Tamil Nadu and various other regions. The film opened to a positive response from both audiences and critics, who praised its entertaining blend of action, comedy, and drama. Dhanush's performance as the lovable yet quirky gangster was widely appreciated, earning him accolades for his portrayal of Maari.

The film's soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, was also a major highlight. The songs, particularly the popular track 'Don'u Don'u Don'u,' became chartbusters and added to the film's popularity. 'Maari' went on to become a commercial success, with its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and lively performances resonating with the audience. The film's success further solidified Dhanush's status as a bankable actor and showcased Balaji Mohan's skill as a director capable of delivering a commercially successful and entertaining film.

Reviews

After its release, the movie 'Maari' received a mixed response from audiences and critics. While some praised its entertainment value and Dhanush's performance, others had reservations about certain aspects of the film.

The film's action-comedy genre appealed to many viewers who enjoyed the lighthearted and entertaining narrative. Dhanush's portrayal of Maari, the quirky and unconventional gangster, was widely appreciated for his energy and charisma. His on-screen presence and dialogue delivery added a unique flavor to the character, making him a memorable and enjoyable protagonist.

The film's catchy soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, was also well-received. Songs like 'Don'u Don'u Don'u' and 'Thappa Dhaan Theriyum' became popular and contributed to the overall appeal of the film.

However, some critics felt that the film lacked depth in its storytelling and character development. They found the plot to be formulaic and predictable, with certain clichéd elements common to the action-comedy genre. Some felt that the film could have delved deeper into the emotional aspects of the characters and their relationships. Additionally, while Dhanush's performance received praise, some critics felt that the supporting cast didn't have enough scope to shine. They believed that the film relied heavily on Dhanush's star power, potentially overshadowing other performances.

Despite these mixed reviews, 'Maari' managed to resonate with its target audience, particularly fans of Dhanush. The film's commercial success at the box office indicated that it found its audience and provided an entertaining cinematic experience for many.

Casting 

• Dhanush as Maariyappan 'Maari'

• Kajal Aggarwal as Sridevi

• Vijay Yesudas as Inspector Arjun Kumar

• Robo Shankar as Sanikilamai

• Kalloori Vinoth as RobertKaali Venkat as Aarumugam, a constable

• Shanmugarajan as Velu Anna

• Mime Gopi as 'Bird' Ravi, a local gangster

• Supergood Subramani as TV Shop Owner

• Sriranjini as Sridevi's mother

Crew

• Directed by Balaji Mohan

• Produced by Listin Stephen, Raadhika, R. Sarath Kumar and Dhanush

• Cinematography by Om Prakash

• Edited by Prasanna GK

• Music by Anirudh Ravichander

• Written by Balaji Mohan

Character Analysis

• Maari (played by Dhanush): Maari is the titular character and the central focus of the film. He is a local rowdy and gangster known for his charismatic personality and unique style. Maari is portrayed as a lovable rogue with a mischievous demeanor. He has a strong sense of authority and control over his neighborhood. Despite his criminal activities, he possesses a certain charm that endears him to the audience. Throughout the film, we see Maari's transformation from a carefree gangster to a more introspective individual as he confronts his past and challenges his own beliefs.

• Sridevi (played by Kajal Aggarwal): Sridevi is a spirited and independent young woman who becomes entangled in Maari's world. She is shown as someone who is unafraid to stand up for herself and challenges Maari's machismo. Sridevi's strong-willed nature and determination make her a compelling character. She serves as a catalyst for Maari's growth and brings a sense of balance to his life.

• Arjun (played by Vijay Yesudas): Arjun is a police officer assigned to the neighborhood where Maari operates. He is determined to clean up the area and capture Maari. Arjun is portrayed as a no-nonsense officer with a strict sense of duty. He provides the film with an opposing force to Maari's character, leading to clashes and confrontations between the two. Arjun's unwavering pursuit of justice adds tension and drama to the narrative.

• Velu (played by Robo Shankar): Velu is a member of a rival gang and serves as a key antagonist in the film. He seeks to take over Maari's territory and become the dominant force in the neighborhood. Velu's character brings a layer of menace and conflict to the story, creating obstacles for Maari to overcome. He adds a sense of urgency and danger to the narrative, escalating the stakes for Maari and his associates.

Songs

Box Office Collection

The box office collection of the movie 'Maari' was quite impressive. Released on July 17, 2015, the film performed well commercially, gaining a significant response from the audience.

In its opening weekend, 'Maari' had a strong start at the box office, collecting a substantial amount. The film continued to perform well in the subsequent weeks, maintaining a steady stream of ticket sales. The charismatic presence of Dhanush, combined with the film's action-comedy genre, appealed to a wide range of viewers, resulting in a positive word-of-mouth. The movie's success can be attributed to its engaging storyline, entertaining performances, and catchy music. Dhanush's portrayal of the lovable gangster Maari received praise, and his star power drew audiences to theaters. The film's unique blend of action, comedy, and drama resonated with viewers, contributing to its sustained box office performance.

'Maari' not only performed well domestically in Tamil Nadu but also garnered attention in other regions. It enjoyed a successful run in various international markets, particularly among the Tamil diaspora.

Interesting Facts

• Lead actor Dhanush not only starred in the film but also co-produced it under his production company, Wunderbar Films.

• 'Maari' marked the second collaboration between Dhanush and director Balaji Mohan, following their successful film 'Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Yeppadi' (2012).

• The film's soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, was a major hit, with songs like 'Maari Thara Local' and 'Don'u Don'u Don'u' becoming chartbusters.

• The movie features a cameo appearance by Kajal Aggarwal, who plays a pivotal role as Sridevi, adding an element of romance and conflict to the story.

• The character of Maari became immensely popular, and Dhanush's portrayal of the lovable rowdy earned him praise and a dedicated fan following.

• 'Maari' showcased the vibrant and energetic side of Chennai, with the film's setting and visuals capturing the essence of the city's streets and local culture.

• The film features entertaining action sequences choreographed by Silva, known for his expertise in creating dynamic and engaging fight scenes.

• 'Maari' was dubbed and released in Telugu as 'Maas' to cater to a wider audience and capitalize on Dhanush's popularity in the Telugu film industry.

• The film's dialogues, written by Balaji Mohan and Dhanush, had a distinct style and were filled with witty one-liners that became popular among audiences.

• Due to the film's success and popularity, a sequel titled 'Maari 2' was released in 2018, with Dhanush reprising his role as Maari and Sai Pallavi joining the cast as the female lead.

In conclusion, the movie 'Maari' is an action-packed, entertaining film that revolves around the life of the charismatic gangster Maari. The film takes us on a journey through the vibrant streets of Chennai, where Maari's authority and control over the neighborhood are challenged by a determined police officer and rival gangsters.

Throughout the narrative, we witness Maari's transformation as he confronts his past, challenges his own beliefs, and evolves as a character. The film showcases the power of love, friendship, and personal growth, as Maari finds himself faced with unexpected circumstances and must navigate through them.

'Maari' captivates audiences with its blend of action, comedy, and drama. Dhanush's portrayal of Maari is a standout, capturing the essence of the lovable rowdy with his energy and charisma. The film's catchy soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, adds to the overall appeal, with memorable songs becoming chart-toppers.