Merry Christmas Review

 

Picture Courtesy: IMDb

I am yet to experience a season as resolute in its determination to usher in joy and merriment, as Christmas. Preparations for the season commences months in advance, with nature, surroundings, and the bustling marketing extravaganza all unequivocally signalling its imminent arrival—almost a quarter of the year beforehand.

It's almost like you're left with no other option but to embrace happiness, making you wonder whether it's a good thing or a bad thing.

Does it offer a chance for people who are typically downcast to find a glimmer of happiness, even if fleeting? Or does it, sadly, make those with profoundly wounded souls feel compelled to shoulder the blame for not being able to join the world's celebration during this season?

In my 33 years of navigating life's twists and turns, I've found myself on both ends of the emotional rollercoaster. As a kid, I couldn't help but wonder how families that seemed on the verge of falling apart somehow pulled themselves together during festivals. There was this one day – a magical blend of peace, smiles, and the aroma of good food – when everything felt real, only for chaos to resume the very next ordinary day. That's why Christmas held a special place in my heart. The hustle and bustle of preparations, starting almost a month before, with my grandfather at home, kept the usual chaos at bay, as much as possible.

It felt like I was stretching a thin thread of happiness, even if just for a little longer than the single day most festivals offered— an entire month dedicated to a unique sense of joy every year. The sweet anticipation built up over those weeks, culminating in a day that made all the preparation worth it. Sriram Raghavan's latest creation, "Merry Christmas," echoed these sentiments for me. Despite knowing that things might be boiling bad somewhere in the background, the spirit of the season displayed, the carefully curated settings, and the art of storytelling compels one to fully immerse oneself and soak in the merriment for those precious, fleeting moments.

Yet, when has this erratic and seemingly malevolent life ever permitted peace to endure? It's been seven years since the festive cheer of the same season began to haunt me relentlessly. From the point of being unable to step out of the house as the anticipation of the season sets in a month before, to now being able to host a pre-season party well in advance—indeed, daresay I have made modest strides in gradually liberating myself from the excruciating cage that life once confined me to.

Picture Courtesy: IMDb

So, when Maria, portrayed with poignant effectiveness by Katrina, says, "These people might think that we are happy too, right?" to Albert, played by the always remarkable, Vijay Sethupathy, while strolling through a festively bedecked Colaba, amidst the joyful clamour of "Merry Christmas," I couldn't help but feel that familiar ache. It's the one where you skillfully feign normalcy while navigating through the chaos, with a body and soul marred by traumas.

Picture Courtesy: Koimoi

The seemingly harmless acquaintances and flirtations between Maria and Albert extend beyond the surface. Their conversations, though genuine, carry notably unspoken layers. Behind the facade of easy banter many truths are fiercely guarded by both the characters— one trying to protect newfound freedom, the other desperately seeking liberation. At the core of the movie there's an earnest need for a delicate yet potent portrayal of emotions, and Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathy rise to the occasion, making their performance feel like a heartfelt conversation, resonating with the authenticity of human experience. 

Picture Courtesy: IMDb

Aanand L. Rai, with "Zero," uncovered a raw, unfiltered side of Katrina Kaif, which stood out as the sole silver lining in the latter part of that film. After a significant break, Sriram skillfully taps into that deep, human essence in Katrina through Maria, and she delivers with brilliance.

Picture Courtesy: IMDb

Vijay, renowned for his acting finesse, brings Albert to life with a delightful mix of sweetness and nuanced hesitancy, effortlessly capturing the audience's hearts. Following a succession of villainous roles, his return to the sweet, relatable, yet intricately dark character of Albert feels like a welcome breath of fresh air—a truly refreshing and heartwarming experience.

Crafted from Frédéric Dard's 'Le Monte-charge,' the film weaves a compelling and intriguing storyline, that captivates the audience, for the majority of its duration. While there are moments that may prompt questioning of the necessity of certain dull interludes, stay with those moments and later you'll find the film's allure unfold, making it a truly engaging cinematic journey. As someone who's enchanted by the old-world charm of the city, the moment the screen paused to declare 'Mumbai when it was Bombay,' I knew I was going to fall in love with the movie. The cinematography by M. Neelakandan is nothing short of brilliant, seamlessly weaving into the tapestry of Easter eggs that Sriram's narratives are known for. For cinephiles and melophiles alike, this movie is a true delight. References from classic Bollywood movies and Western classical music play roles as significant as any character in the film.

Picture Courtesy: IMDb

The carefully curated background music by Daniel B. George, heavily influenced by Western classical music, takes you on a journey through hope, romance, despair, and sheer bewilderment. Pritam's album fits into the narrative like the final piece of a puzzle, creating a harmonious blend. "Raat Akeli Thi," written by the talented Varun Grover, stands out as my favorite and has been on a loop since I watched the movie. The film, with its enchanting visuals and soulful music, is a heartfelt experience for anyone who cherishes the magic of storytelling and the magic of melodies.

"Merry Christmas" for me, encapsulates the essence of life and its seasons of joy perfectly. You yearn to be joyful, or at the very least, pretend to be, yet life's looming traumas deny the luxury of sustaining that façade indefinitely. Inevitably, reality intrudes, and if you're fortunate, you manage to gather some moments of love and hope along the way.

On the night of Albert's return to Bombay, his friendly neighbor, played by Tinnu Anand, hands him a bottle of homemade wine named "Yadhoom." He proudly claims to have invented the term, asserting that it's meant to capture the essence of that moment in life when everything falls into place, when life starts to make sense. Perhaps, with "Merry Christmas," that's precisely what one should do—take the time, savor the narrative like a fine wine, and patiently await your "Yadhoom” and just like a finely aged batch of wine, it won't disappoint you.

 

Picture Courtesy: IMDb

Try and catch the movie in a theatre near you. Remember to be safe and wear your mask.