Director Mari Selvaraj's latest film, Maamannan, has been generating buzz in recent days. Starring popular actors Vadivelu, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Fahadh Faasil, and Keerthy Suresh, the film aims to expose social injustice prevalent in society. While Maamannan boasts solid performances from its cast, the story itself fails to deliver the desired impact, according to our review.
Mari Selvaraj, known for his distinctive filmmaking style, has previously faced both acclaim and controversy. However, all eyes are on his latest venture, Maamannan, which brings together a talented ensemble cast. Vadivelu takes on the role of Maamannan, an MLA representing the Kasipuram constituency and a member of a political party advocating for equality and social justice. Udhayanidhi Stalin portrays his son, Adhiveeran, an Adimurai teacher with an unusual hobby of maintaining a pig farm. Meanwhile, Fahadh Faasil plays Rathnavel, an influential politician and the head of the political party to which Vadivelu's character is affiliated. Keerthy Suresh's character, Leela, operates a free coaching center and finds herself threatened by Rathnavel's brother. The ensuing conflict triggers a major clash between Maamannan and Rathnavel, forming the crux of the film's narrative.
Mari Selvaraj has garnered praise for his work in Tamil cinema, particularly with films like Pariyerum Perumal and Karnan. Naturally, expectations were high for Maamannan, a political thriller that tackles pressing issues of oppression, reservation, and social injustice.
However, Maamannan falls short when compared to the director's previous works. While the film showcases moments that highlight Mari Selvaraj's directorial prowess, these instances are not consistently dispersed throughout the narrative. The second half of the film particularly lacks substance, resulting in a dragging pace. Unfortunately, the story fails to offer enough depth and substance to engage viewers fully.
Mari Selvaraj's primary focus in Maamannan appears to be delivering a politically correct film, which he succeeds in accomplishing. From the opening frame, the movie presents numerous instances that shed light on oppression and social injustice. For instance, there are scenes where Veeran (played by Udhayanidhi Stalin) teaches his students about the importance of fighting for their rights, illustrating the distinction between cowardice and ignorance.
The film also utilizes metaphors effectively, challenging stereotypes and raising pertinent questions. A recurring metaphor throughout Maamannan involves pigs and dogs, beautifully defying conventional notions. While pigs are often considered unattractive, Mari Selvaraj uses this imagery to challenge preconceived notions. These moments of brilliance are scattered throughout the film.
One of the film's strengths lies in the impressive performances by Vadivelu and Fahadh Faasil. Vadivelu, known for his comedic roles, delivers a noteworthy portrayal of a calm and collected character in a serious role. Similarly, Fahadh Faasil played the role of an egoistic politician who takes pride in his caste, masterfully bringing his character to life. Udhayanidhi Stalin delivers a moving performance, making audiences empathize with his character, particularly since Maamannan is reportedly his final film. On the other hand, Keerthy Suresh's performance fails to match the overall greatness showcased on screen.
The show-stealer, however, is none other than AR Rahman, the renowned music composer. Rahman's Western tunes inject a fresh energy into the rural setting of the film. Additionally, the cinematography by Theni Eswar, particularly the black-and-white flashback sequences, enhances the overall mood of Maamannan.
While Maamannan successfully raises important questions about societal issues, it is ultimately let down by its weak screenplay, which fails to offer sufficient substance and impact. Despite its noteworthy performances and thought-provoking themes, the film's narrative lacks the necessary depth to captivate audiences fully.