Maareesan review
By Joel Humphries · Watched 07.29.25
★★★★ 4 / 5
Spoiler-free review
Maareesan feels like two satisfying movies sharing the same ticket. It begins as a funny, unexpectedly tender road story about a young criminal attempting to exploit an older man with Alzheimer’s, building a relationship messy enough to make both men worth rooting for. Then it changes gears into a much darker revenge tale driven by quiet, methodical justice. The tonal break will challenge some viewers, but each half works on its own terms and the contrast gave me more rather than less. Heart, humor and ruthless payback make an unlikely but effective combination.
Full review — contains spoilers
Really enjoyed this movie—it’s like getting two solid films for the price of one. The first half hooked me as a buddy travel story, with a young criminal trying to pull one over on an old man with Alzheimer’s. Their dynamic is engaging, with just the right mix of humor and heart as they bumble along together. You can’t help but root for them, even when it’s messy. Then the second half shifts gears into a classic revenge tale, where the protagonist turns into a quiet, calculated force, picking off the scum involved in a child sex trafficking ring. It’s dark, intense, and satisfying in that gritty, justice-served way. Both parts work surprisingly well, even if they feel like totally different vibes. The switch might not click for everyone, but I was all in for both the heartfelt road trip and the ruthless payback. Worth a watch!