The metropolis of Mumbai, once known as Bombay, serves as the backdrop for a captivating story that unfolds over the expansive canvas of a single tumultuous evening. Sriram Raghavan, a maestro of the crime genre having catapulted into the limelight with “Ek Hasina Thi” two decades ago, crafts another intriguing crime narrative in “Merry Christmas,” a film that promises to be an engrossing watch for cinephiles with a taste for suspense and subtle complexity.
The movie weaves the tale of an encounter between a mysteriously charming woman and a stranger on the wintry night of Christmas Eve. The woman, now a mother, meets the stranger while accompanied by her child and an oversized teddy bear. The father’s absence is striking, and behind her alluring exterior, she conceals secrets of her own. This woman, Maria played by Katrina Kaif, captures the curiosity and eventual affection of Albert, portrayed by the versatile Vijay Sethupathi.
Albert, returning to Bombay after many years and grappling with the sorrow of his mother’s passing, happens upon Maria in a restaurant. Despite an instinctive suspicion, he finds himself drawn to her, embarking on a journey that will lead him into a web of mystery and intrigue reminiscent of the classic film noirs. His decision to follow Maria into her world on the pretense of Christmas merriment plunges him deeper into a narrative cage from which there is no straightforward escape.
Raghavan’s directorial approach echoes the storytelling mastery of Alfred Hitchcock, revealing copious details to viewers while leaving them second-guessing the unfolding events. It’s this clever dissemination of information that gives Raghavan’s films lasting appeal, tempting audiences to revisit earlier scenes in search of overlooked clues.
The narrative is enriched by a tapestry of literary and film allusions. From the strategic placement of Raymond Chandler’s “Playback” to nods towards “The Adventures of Pinocchio” (1986), “The Merry Widow” (1952), and “Kati Patang” (1971), the screenplay is deeply rooted in its admiration for stories that echo its motifs of deception and rebirth. These references pepper the narrative, offering a depth that transcends the conventional crime drama and aligns with the emotional cadence of Asha Bhosle’s number from “Raja Rani” (1973), which celebrates the inherent duplicity within us all.
Dialogues in “Merry Christmas” cut deep without imparting moralistic lectures, and the production design faithfully revives the era in which the story is set while maintaining a pulp-fiction aesthetic that heightens the film’s appeal. The editing delivers unexpected twists and turns, the sound design layers the mystery, and Pritam’s score never overshadows the narrative’s thoughtful progression.
Within this intricate tapestry, Katrina Kaif delivers perhaps her most nuanced performance, embodying the beauty and intelligence of Maria with a presence that captivates. Her interaction with Vijay Sethupathi’s Albert is convincing and layered, as Sethupathi himself anchors the film with a portrayal that is both heartfelt and poignant.
However, as is often the case with adaptations, “Merry Christmas” struggles at times to bridge the gap between the written page and the visual spectacle. Not all aspects of the novel “Bird In A Cage” by Frederic Dard translate seamlessly to the screen. While some moments shine with cinematic brilliance, others falter by comparison. Despite this, Raghavan’s reputation buys him leeway from the audience, who may be more forgiving of the theatricality of the climax—an addendum that might not resonate as strongly as the preceding tension.
Advising viewers to watch “Merry Christmas” for the buildup rather than the resolution is akin to echoing Hitchcock’s sentiments about crime and suspense; it’s the anticipation that thrills, not necessarily the act itself. And in that respect, “Merry Christmas” delivers a dazzling spectacle of emotion and anticipation, urging audiences to look beyond the exterior of the crime to its heart.
Currently playing in theaters, “Merry Christmas” beckons cinema enthusiasts to delve into a saga of unrequited love and unresolved complexities that is both reflective and resonant, emblematic of the best the crime genre has to offer. The film is a profound exploration of the human condition, set against the gritty, nostalgic backdrop of a city brimming with stories.
