Chennai, July 25, 2025 — Director Sudheesh Sankar’s Mareesan, starring Vadivelu and Fahadh Faasil, attempts a genre-blending road film that begins with promise but falters under the weight of predictable tropes and uneven execution.
The story follows Dhayalan (Fahadh Faasil), a small-time thief recently released from prison, who stumbles upon Velayudham (Vadivelu), an elderly man claiming to suffer from Alzheimer’s and held captive by his son. Dhayalan agrees to help him escape, lured by the promise of ₹25,000—only to discover the old man possesses ₹25 lakh. What begins as a slow-burn journey from Nagercoil to Tiruvannamalai soon spirals into a crime thriller, with themes of manipulation, betrayal, and unresolved trauma.
The first half is marked by poignant moments and a refreshing dynamic between the leads. Vadivelu delivers a standout performance, shedding his comedic persona for a deeply emotional portrayal, while Fahadh brings nuance to a familiar role. Their chemistry is the film’s emotional anchor, supported by raw cinematography from Kailaiselva and a textured score by Yuvan Shankar Raja.
However, the second half veers into formulaic territory, introducing flashbacks and subplots that dilute the narrative’s emotional core. The film touches on sensitive issues like child abuse but fails to handle them with the necessary depth or sensitivity.
Supporting characters, including Kovai Sarala as a police officer, are underutilized, and the screenplay loses momentum as it leans heavily on genre clichés.
Despite its flaws, Mareesan offers moments of brilliance, particularly in its character-driven first half. The film’s ambition is evident, but its execution leaves much to be desired.
