Merry Christmas (2024) is an Indian mystery thriller directed by Sriram Raghavan, starring Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi. The film follows Albert Arogyasami as he returns home on Christmas Eve, only to get entangled in a web of crime and deception involving Maria and her husband. Despite positive reviews praising the performances and the film’s noirish atmosphere, it struggled at the box office. The movie’s compelling narrative and strong performances make it a unique addition to the thriller genre.
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Movie Overview
| Movie Name | Merry Christmas |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 12 January 2024 |
| Directed by | Sriram Raghavan |
| Story By | Based on Le Monte-charge by Frédéric Dard |
| Screenplay By | Sriram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, Tamojit Das, Pooja Ladha Surti, Anukriti Pandey, Pratheep Kumar S, Abdul Jabbar, Prasanna Bala Natarajan, Lata Karthikeyan |
| Dialogues By | [Not Specified] |
| Produced by | Ramesh Taurani, Jaya Taurani, Sanjay Routray, Kewal Garg, Anish Vikramaditya |
| Starring | Katrina Kaif, Vijay Sethupathi |
| Cinematography | Madhu Neelakandan |
| Edited by | Pooja Ladha Surti |
| Music by | Pritam (Songs), Daniel B. George (Score) |
| Production Companies | Tips Films, Matchbox Pictures |
| Distributed by | Pen Marudhar Entertainment, UFO Moviez |
| Running Time | 144 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi, Tamil |
| Budget | ₹60 crore |
| Box Office Collection | ₹26.02 crore |
Plot
Merry Christmas unfolds in 1980s Bombay, where Albert Arogyasami returns home on Christmas Eve after years away. He becomes entangled with Maria, a woman dealing with her own traumatic past. Their night together spirals into a tale of crime when they discover Maria’s husband dead. As Albert tries to help Maria cover up the crime, a series of twists and deceptions are revealed. The film delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of past actions, culminating in a powerful and unexpected conclusion.
Cast
- Vijay Sethupathi as Albert Arogyasami
- Katrina Kaif as Maria
- Ashwini Kalsekar as Scarlett, Ronnie’s Wife
- Luke Kenny as Jerome, Maria’s Husband
- Pari Maheshwari Sharma as Annie, Maria’s Daughter
- Sanjay Kapoor as Kavin Jay Babu (Hindi), Ronnie Fernandes (Tamil)
- Vinay Pathak as Police Inspector Paresh Kamdar (Hindi)
- Shanmugarajan as Police Inspector S. Devaraj (Tamil)
- Pratima Kazmi as Police Constable Laxmi P. (Hindi)
- Radhika Sarathkumar as Police Constable Laxmi P. (Tamil)
- Tinnu Anand as “Yadhoom” Uncle
- Radhika Apte as Rosie (Cameo)
- Gayathrie as Singer (Cameo)
- Sahil Vaid as Maria’s Date (Cameo)
Production
Merry Christmas was developed by Sriram Raghavan, who adapted the film from Frédéric Dard’s French novel Le Monte-charge. Initially, the director intended to cast Saif Ali Khan, but ultimately chose Vijay Sethupathi for the lead role, believing his presence would better suit the film’s tone. Production began in December 2021 but was delayed multiple times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges.
Filming took place across various locations in Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, and Vrindavan, with Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi leading the cast. Raghavan’s vision was to create a noirish thriller that pays homage to the suspenseful atmosphere of classic 1980s Hindi cinema. The film was shot in both Hindi and Tamil, with each version featuring slightly different supporting casts to cater to regional audiences.
The principal photography wrapped in January 2023, followed by an extensive post-production process. The film’s production design and cinematography aimed to capture the gritty, atmospheric tone of Bombay in the 1980s, contributing to the film’s overall suspenseful mood.
Despite facing delays and challenges during production, the film successfully created a dark, intense narrative that blends elements of classic noir with modern cinematic techniques. The performances of Kaif and Sethupathi were particularly praised, highlighting their chemistry and ability to convey complex emotions within the film’s tightly woven plot.
Sound & Music
The music of Merry Christmas is composed by Pritam, with the score handled by Daniel B. George. This marks Pritam’s debut in Tamil cinema, and he delivered a soundtrack that complements the film’s intense, suspenseful atmosphere. The songs are carefully interwoven into the narrative, enhancing the emotional depth of key scenes. The soundtrack was well-received, with tracks like “Nazar Teri Toofan” and “Raat Akeli Thi” standing out for their haunting melodies and impactful lyrics. The music plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the film, making it an integral part of the cinematic experience.
Box Office Collection
Merry Christmas was released in theaters on 12 January 2024, but despite receiving positive reviews, it struggled at the box office, earning ₹26.02 crore against a budget of ₹60 crore. The film’s complex narrative and slow-burn style may have contributed to its underwhelming commercial performance. However, the film has garnered a cult following for its unique blend of noir and thriller elements. Its financial success is expected to improve with its subsequent release on digital platforms, where it may find a wider audience.
Reviews
IMDb Review: The movie has received positive reviews on IMDb, with particular praise for the performances of Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi. The film’s atmospheric tone and intricate plot were highlighted as standout elements, though some viewers noted the slow pacing.
Trailer: Watch the official trailer on YouTube
Conclusion
Merry Christmas is a compelling thriller that blends elements of noir with a modern cinematic approach. The film’s strengths lie in its performances, particularly those of Kaif and Sethupathi, and its ability to maintain suspense throughout its runtime. While it may not have achieved significant commercial success, its artistic merits and unique narrative structure make it a standout film in its genre. The movie is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and those who appreciate complex, character-driven stories.