Nithilan Swaminathan’s Maharaja is making waves on Netflix, earning widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics. Led by the versatile Vijay Sethupathi, the film has topped the platform’s trending charts, captivating viewers with its standout performances and gripping storyline. But what exactly is behind Maharaja’s meteoric rise? Why has it become a global sensation, drawing in audiences not just from India, but from around the world?
Maharaja: A Story That Stands Out
Released on June 14, 2024, *Maharaja* is a Tamil-language action thriller co-written and directed by Nithilan Swaminathan. The film follows Maharaja, a barber whose life revolves around his daughter’s well-being. As his second directorial project, Nithilan once again delves into the idea of evil being rooted in the ordinary, creating a chilling sense of dread throughout the movie. The film’s non-linear timeline amplifies the tension and excitement, making it an edge-of-the-seat experience. With a screenplay full of dark humor and suspense, Maharaja is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Plot Overview
Vijay Sethupathi stars as Maharaja, a barber from Pallikaranai, Chennai, and a devoted father to his young daughter, Jothi. As Jothi departs for a sports camp, Maharaja heads to the local police station to report a bizarre robbery—his dustbin, named Laxmi, has been stolen by an armed gang that raided his home. Initially dismissive, the police finally agree to take on the case, but only after Maharaja promises a hefty 5 lakh bribe.
This quirky setup raises many questions. Why would someone report a stolen dustbin? What happened during the raid? And why offer such a large bribe for something seemingly trivial? As the plot unfolds, these mysteries deepen, drawing the viewer further into the film’s intriguing narrative.
Cast of Maharaja
The film features Vijay Sethupathi in the lead role as Maharaja, showcasing his ability to breathe life into complex characters. Director Anurag Kashyap also makes a notable appearance, playing Selvam, a criminal who is part of the duo behind the raid. Natarajan Subramaniam plays Inspector S. Varadharajan, while Sachana Namidass portrays Jothi, Maharaja’s energetic daughter with a passion for sports.
Maharaja Review
*Maharaja* has received widespread praise for its storytelling and the standout performance of Vijay Sethupathi. The film’s plot twists and suspenseful moments keep viewers fully engaged, while Sethupathi’s effortless charm and powerful screen presence elevate the entire experience. The cinematography brilliantly captures the unsettling world Nithilan Swaminathan has created, where evil is disturbingly commonplace. The background score further intensifies the suspense, perfectly complementing the film’s dark, twisted narrative.
Box Office and Production Details
Produced by The Route, Think Studios, and Passion Studios on a budget of Rs 20 crores, *Maharaja* has grossed an impressive Rs 107.08 crores at the box office. The film’s runtime is 141 minutes, with Dinesh Purushothaman handling the cinematography, Philomin Raj managing the editing, and B. Ajaneesg Loknath composing the music.
Critical Reception
Times Now awarded the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, describing it as “a solid revenge/investigation drama that excels thanks to its cast and exceptional stunt choreography.” Meanwhile, The Times of India gave the movie 3 out of 5 stars, noting that “Vijay Sethupathi shines in his 50th film, with a well-written role that plays to his strengths.”
One of the best movie in 2024.
