Renowned for his mastery in crafting dark thrillers, Director Sriram Raghavan takes a nuanced departure from the pulsating narrative of “Andhadhun” with his latest offering, “Merry Christmas.” Striking a delicate balance between the contemplative and the urgent, the philosophical and the provocative, and the sophisticated and the lively, Raghavan delivers a quietly perplexing film that maintains an unwavering grip on the audience.
Unlike the brisk pace of his previous work, “Merry Christmas” presents a dual-version storyline featuring Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi in an unusual screen pairing. Drawing inspiration from French crime fiction writer Frederic Dard’s book, “Le Monte-charge,” the film weaves a loose adaptation of the original narrative, titled “Bird in a Cage” in English. The plot unfolds within the Christian community of 1980s Bombay, utilizing both a freight elevator and a trapped bird as poignant metaphors.
The film’s even-keeled demeanour, combined with its hypnotic languor, plays a pivotal role in building anticipation and foreboding. Every element, from camera angles to blocking, is meticulously designed to enhance the sense of mystery without giving away the upcoming twists.
Opening with a split screen featuring two mixer grinders concealing dark secrets, the film gradually reveals facets of obsessive love gone awry. The central narrative revolves around a Christmas eve romance between an unhappily married mother, portrayed by Katrina Kaif, and a mysterious loner, played by Vijay Sethupathi. The film skillfully navigates Hitchcockian twists and Rohmerian moral inquiries into love, loyalty, and betrayal.
The screenplay, penned by Raghavan along with Arijit Biswas, Pooja Ladha Surti, and Anukriti Pandey, scatters clues throughout, gradually gaining significance as the plot unfolds around a woman’s home situated above a family bakery.
Even in moments of dialogue exchange, silent glances, or awkward silences between the protagonists, the film captivates the audience with its rich tapestry. Director of photography Madhu Neelakandan infuses the frames with a touch of magic, creating a festive yet enigmatic atmosphere.
Katrina Kaif delivers one of her most convincing performances, portraying confusion and vulnerability with occasional flashes of steely determination. Vijay Sethupathi, relying on expressive eyes and facial cues, complements her performance, capturing the storm within his character.
“Merry Christmas” offers a delightful cinematic experience, employing a 1980s Hindi cinema soundscape and evocative color palette to evoke bewilderment. As Maria and Albert, the protagonists, embark on a quest for deliverance, the film poses questions about violence versus sacrifice, self-inflicted wounds versus seeking closure, and the transformative power of a brief encounter.
The film remains firmly focused on its lead characters, yet secondary characters are imbued with significance. Even those with minimal screen time contribute to the narrative’s turning points, showcasing Raghavan’s directorial finesse.
Intriguing, stimulating, gripping, and gently challenging, “Merry Christmas” succeeds in captivating its audience, bewitching them even as it baffles. The ensemble cast, including Tinnu Anand, Radhika Apte, Sanjay Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Pratima Kannan, Ashwini Kalsekar, and Makkal Selvan, collectively adds depth to the narrative.
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, “Merry Christmas” is a compelling exploration of human emotions, wrapped in a mysterious and visually captivating package.
