Lovingly crafted but somewhat underwhelming remake

Maara is a remake of the much-loved 2015 Malayalam movie Charlie, however like its director insists, it’s extra of an “adaptation” in some methods. Earlier than we go into that side of this movie, right here’s what it’s about. Parvathy/ Paru (Shraddha Srinath), a younger lady, comes throughout work of the very story that she had heard as a baby on the partitions of a multi-cultural fishing hamlet in Kerala, the place she has gone on work. Intrigued, she units out to trace down Maara (Madhavan), the mysterious artist who appears to have touched the lives of many within the place.

The very best factor about Maara is that it doesn’t come throughout as a cash-in on a beloved movie, however a lovingly crafted film that respects its supply materials but additionally desires to be its personal work. The cinematography, by Dinesh Krishnan and Karthik Muthukumar, is a wealthy palette of colors and the lighting including heat to the visuals. Ghibran’s evocative music solely enhances the joie de vivre that’s an undercurrent of this story. Shraddha Srinath is strong in her function, and the best way she conveys Paru’s emotions when she stumbles upon Maara’s work is so refined and so efficient. The supporting forged is ok, particularly Mouli and Alexander Babu being the standouts.

Dhilip Kumar is so eager on leaving his personal stamp, and tries to make this story appear contemporary even for many who might need been gained over by Charlie’s charms. Whereas Charlie tried to maintain its titular character an enigma, Maara tries to decode why the character is the best way he’s. And so, Dhilip develops what was merely a feel-good sub-plot within the unique — of an older man’s unrequited romance — into an nearly parallel observe that we’re instructed has really formed Maara.

Whereas that is an fascinating take, it takes out the thriller behind Maara, making him a much less fascinating character within the course of. As an alternative of a free-spirited gypsy, we get a person weighed down by a remorse. Maybe this was necessitated as a result of the function is performed by Madhavan, who’s older — however equally charismatic — than Dulquer Salmaan.

That stated, it additionally pushes him to the sidelines whereas resolving this angle, by making Paru play Cupid right here. Although, one does respect the best way how Dhilip throws us a touch at this growth very early within the film with Paru’s career. She is a restorer of older monuments, and this autumn romance seems like simply the correct ‘challenge’ for such an individual.

However extra importantly, it additionally takes the highlight away from the Paru-Maara romance, resulting in an ending that doesn’t depart you on a excessive that the preliminary moments promised.