Sriram Raghavan’s latest film, Merry Christmas, is like a Rubik’s cube of a movie. You spend the first hour twisting and turning, baffled by the confusing pieces, wondering if it’ll ever make sense. And then, click!, everything falls into place, forming a satisfying, albeit slightly frustrating, picture.
The film stars Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi as Maria and Albert, two strangers whose paths cross on Christmas Eve in Mumbai. Maria is a struggling single mother, while Albert is a recently released ex-convict with a mysterious past. As their stories unfold, we’re treated to a series of long, winding conversations that feel more like interrogations than casual chats.
Here we have all the information related to the Merry Christmas review, release date, cast, plot, platform, and other details.
Merry Christmas Movie Review
Table of Contents
Merry Christmas: A Puzzling Puzzle Worth Putting Together?
All the basic information related to Merry Christmas movie like Director, Producer, Writer, Star Cast, Production Company, IMDb Ratings, Time Durations, etc. are mentioned in this table, which is as follows:-
| Directed by | Sriram Raghavan |
| Written by | Sriram Raghavan Arijit Biswas Pooja Ladha Surti Anukriti Pandey |
| Genres | Black comedy Crime Thriller |
| Starring | Katrina Kaif Vijay Sethupathi |
| Cinematography | Siddhartha Nuni |
| Producer | Ramesh Taurani Jaya Taurani Sanjay Routray Kewal Garg |
| Production companies | Tips Films Matchbox Pictures |
| Music by | Songs: Pritam Score: Daniel B. George |
| Release Date | Friday, 12 January 2024 |
| Running time | 145 minutes |
| Budget | ₹30 crore |
| IMDb Ratings |  7.7/10(789) |
The Frustrating First Act:
Imagine this: the film opens with two shots of grinders whirring away. One’s grinding pills, the other’s making chutney. Meet Maria (Katrina Kaif), a stressed-out mom with a teddy bear-toting daughter and a cheating husband. Then there’s Albert (Vijay Sethupathi), a guy just released from jail for murdering his lover, who conveniently lands at the same train station as Maria. They bump into each other, their lives unraveling in long, exhausting conversations that explain their pasts like overcooked spinach.
Maria(Katrina Kaif) and Albert (Vijay Sethupathi) in still from the film
The first half feels like wading through a swamp of backstory. Every detail is over-explained, like Raghavan’s scared we won’t get it unless he shouts it in our ears. Albert keeps saying he’s from Dubai, then hops off a train? Why the disconnect? Are they lying? It’s all so vague, like watching a poker game where everyone keeps their cards hidden under the table.
Performances: Poker Faces and Alabaster Skins:
Speaking of poker faces, Sethupathi’s got one that could win championships. His expressionless stares are supposed to be mysterious, but after a while, it just feels like he’s forgotten how to emote. Kaif, on the other hand, comes across as a carefully calibrated robot. Her intensity feels artificial, like she’s putting on a show instead of living the character. It’s like watching a beautiful statue trying to act human.
Albert (Vijay Sethupathi) in still from the film
But Wait, There’s More!
Just when you’re about to drown in the dialogue soup, the second half hits you like a spicy vindaloo. All those confusing bits, the weird lies, the unnecessary details? They snap into place like magic, forming a wickedly clever plot twist that’s so juicy and ridiculous, you almost forgive the slog it took to get there.
Sanjay Kapoor in still from the film
Raghavan’s love for cinema shines through like Christmas lights. He revels in long shots of the pre-1996 Bombay (Mumbai back then, remember?), with its quirky architecture and middle-class hoarding tendencies. Even the camera feels like it’s savoring the details, lingering on Albert folding paper swans or that rickety old lift, both of which become crucial later, of course.
Merry Christmas: Cast and Characters
| Actor | Character |
| Katrina Kaif | Maria |
| Vijay Sethupathi | Albert |
| Tinnu Anand | Yadhoom Uncle |
| Vinay Pathak | Police Inspector |
| Sanjay Kapoor | Ronnie |
| Radhika Apte | Cameo |
| Kavin Jay Babu | Inspector |
| Christina Bali | Guest |
Other Images from Movie
Katrina Kaif as Maria
Still from Movie
Maria(Katrina Kaif) and Albert (Vijay Sethupathi) in still from the film
Release date of Merry Christmas
The release date of Merry Christmas is Friday, January 12, 2024. This movie will be released in theaters.
Merry Christmas Rating
| IMDb | 7.7/10(789) |
| Times of India | 3.3/5 |
| Gadgets 360 | 4.3/5 |
| NDTV | 3.5/5 |
| India Times | 3.5/5 |
| Google users | 94% liked this film |
| Overall Rating | 3.71/5 |
Here the Merry Christmas trailer
The Merry Christmas trailer, which is released on Tips Films YouTube channel, is as follows:-
So, Should You Watch Merry Christmas?
It’s a tough call. The first half is a slog, testing your patience like a long queue at the bank. But if you stick with it, the payoff is worth it. The twist is a doozy, the world-building is meticulous, and Raghavan’s love for film is infectious. Just think of it like solving a Rubik’s cube: frustrating at first, but incredibly satisfying when you finally crack it.
Bonus Tip: If you’re still not convinced, imagine Tabu from Andhadhun playing Maria. Now that’s a performance that would have spiced things up!
Have you seen Merry Christmas? What did you think of the pacing, the performances, and the twist? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
(Views expressed here are personal.)
FAQs
Is Merry Christmas a slow burn?
Buckle up for a slow, deliberate pace! Merry Christmas takes its time building the story and characters, offering cryptic clues like breadcrumbs along the way. But stick with it, the payoff is a satisfying snap, like cracking a delicious, intricate Christmas cracker.
Are the performances worth the wait?
Absolutely! Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi deliver masterclasses in ambiguity. Kaif portrays a vulnerable woman cloaked in ice, while Sethupathi mesmerizes with haunted eyes hinting at past secrets. They’ll keep you guessing and invested.
What’s the deal with Mumbai in the film?
Merry Christmas isn’t just a character study, it’s a love letter to Mumbai. Raghavan captures the city’s bustling streets, hidden alleys, and old-world charm like a beloved pen pal. Get ready for a cinematic tour of this vibrant metropolis.
Is there a twist? (No spoilers, please!)
Let’s just say, buckle up again! The second half takes a sharp turn into unexpected territory, offering twists and turns that will leave you guessing ’til the final scene. Just don’t peek ahead, the surprise is part of the magic.
Any hidden details to watch out for?
Keep your eyes peeled for subtle clues in the dialogue, set design, and even character mannerisms. Raghavan loves his Easter eggs, and finding them adds another layer of fun to the cinematic treasure hunt.
Remember, the beauty of Merry Christmas lies in the journey of discovery. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to unravel the film’s mysteries, one intriguing scene at a time