Vijay Sethupathi, the versatile actor known for his impactful performances, has struck gold with his 50th film, Maharaja. Directed by Nithilan Saminathan, this action-packed thriller has been making waves both critically and commercially. Since its release on June 14, Maharaja has been on a winning streak. Not only has it received critical acclaim, but it’s also rewriting box office history. The film grossed a whopping 1 million Malaysian Ringgits, solidifying its position as a blockbuster in the Southeast Asian nation. Maharaja continued its success overseas, raking in $1 million in the UAE. The film has become the number one grosser in the United States, a remarkable achievement for an Indian film.
Maharaja, a middle-aged barber living in Pallikaranai, Chennai, lost his wife in an accident. His daughter, Jyothi, survived the accident thanks to a metal dustbin that protected her. Maharaja and Jyothi affectionately anthropomorphize the dustbin, naming it “Lakshmi.” When masked intruders raid Maharaja’s house and steal Lakshmi, he reports the incident to the police. However, they mock him and doubt the authenticity of his loss. As Maharaja seeks vengeance, he cryptically refers to Lakshmi, leaving everyone uncertain whether it’s a person or a precious item.
The film revolves around the lives of two fathers. One is portrayed by Vijay Sethupathi, who lost his wife while his daughter Jyothi was still a toddler. The other father is played by Anurag Kashyap. The film starts in a salon with a game of antakshari—a chain of songs where one takes off from another. This seemingly innocent game sets the stage for a chain of disturbing events in the movie.
Maharaja boasts an ensemble cast, including Vijay Sethupathi, Anurag Kashyap, Mamta Mohandas, Natty Natraj, Singam Puli and ‘Boys’ Manikandan. Sudhan Sundaram’s Passion Studios and Jagadish Palanisamy’s The Route have collaborated to bring Maharaja to life. Dinesh Purushothaman’s visuals capture the intensity and grandeur of the story. Ajaneesh Loknath’s score elevates the film’s emotional moments. Philomin Raj ensures a tight and engaging narrative.
Vijay Sethupathi delivers a stellar performance in Maharaja. His portrayal of the titular character, Maharaja, is both realistic and emotionally resonant. The nuanced changes his character undergoes throughout the film are well brought out by Vijay Sethupathi, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Nithilan Saminathan, the director of Maharaja, shared insights about his filmmaking process. While creating this crime drama, he faced relatively larger production scale compared to his debut film, Kurangu Bommai. However, he doesn’t perceive filmmaking as pressure. His approach focuses on presenting films authentically, without artificially inserting commercial elements. Interestingly, Nithilan enjoys both comedy films and intense dramas, which partly influence his directorial choices. His films often revolve around inanimate objects, adding a unique touch to the storytelling.
Maharaja is more than just a film; it’s a cinematic experience that leaves a lasting impression. As it marches towards the monumental 100 Crore gross, audiences eagerly await what Vijay Sethupathi has in store next.