Wunderbar Films’ Maari 2 (dubbed from the Tamil film of the same name; UA) is a sequel to Maari. It is a good-versus-evil action fare with plenty of twists and turns.
Basically, Maari (Dhanush) is a fun-loving gangster who has a heart of gold. Araathu Aanandi (Sai Pallavi) loves him but Maari doesn’t fancy her. One reason for Aanandi loving Maari is that the latter had avenged an attempt by a lawyer (Vincent Asokan) to molest her sister. The deceased lawyer’s brother, Beeja (Tovino Thomas), escapes from jail and swears revenge.
Fights ensue. Maari and Aanandi settle down in matrimony. A son is born to them but a paralysed Aanandi dies soon after childbirth. Maari raises the boy, Kaali (master Raghavan). Kaali, like his father, loves to pick up fights.
What happens to Maari and Beeja’s enmity?
Balaji Mohan’s story and screenplay are hackneyed. Nothing about the drama is even remotely fresh. Consequently, the proceedings unfold without truly involving the audience.
Dhanush acts well as Maari. Tovino Thomas is quite nice as Beeja. Sai Pallavi performs ably as Araathu Aanandi. Krishna Kulasekaran (as Kalai) lends good support. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar (as Vijaya Chamundeswari) is adequate. Master Raghavan leaves a mark as Kaali. Vidya Pradeep is natural in the role of Kalai’s wife. Others do as desired.
Balaji Mohan’s direction is not very nice. Like his script, even his narration is extremely commonplace. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music is routine. Om Prakash’s camerawork is of a good standard. Prasanna GK’s editing leaves something to be desired. Dubbing is okay.
On the whole, Maari 2 is too ordinary to do anything substantial at the ticket windows.
Released on 28-6-’19 at Gem (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Dimension Pictures. Publicity & opening: weak.