Mayuri Movie Review
Ashwin Saravanan made debut as director with Tamil film Maya dubbed into Telugu as Mayuri. This film features Nayanthara in the lead role and had a simultaneous release in Telugu along with the Tamil version.
Story:
Mayuri (Nayanthara) is a single mom and a struggling actress. She is facing far too many financial troubles and decides to watch a horror film called Cheekati as the director throws a challenge. He says that he would pay 5 lakh rupees if anyone watches his film without showing the signs of fear. Mayuri’s life entirely changes after watching the movie.
Performances:
Nayanthara is a very fine actress and her talent is at full display in this film where she has excelled in getting into the skin of the character. Her pain, her fear and love everything can be felt in her brilliant performance. Aari is good as the male lead. Other actors are relatively new to us but everyone has done justice to their part.
Technicalities:
Ashwin Saravanan comes up with a very unique idea. An otherwise ordinary story proved to be something special with his screenplay. Direction is fantastic right from the start to end. Director never hit a wrong note in handling the film. He is a talent to watch out for. Ashwin will join the likes of talented young directors that have made significant impact on Tamil cinema.
There are hardly any songs in this film. Background music is terrific. Yohaan has done a very good job in enhancing the spookiness. Cinematography is equally brilliant. Editing is a class apart. Production design is too good. One of the best production designs you would get to see in Indian Cinema.
Thumbs Up:
Screenplay
Music
Cinematography
Direction
Horror Effect
Thumbs Down:
Confusing at times
Bit Lengthy
Analysis:
Mayuri is a genuine horror film that targets to scare you in each and every way. Even the toughest will be put to test with this film that has many spooky moments. If a horror film’s success lies in scaring the audience, Mayuri comes out in flying colors in doing so. This film is not for weak hearts. Director engages the audience by leaving some unconnected dots.
Mayuri is narrated in a non linear fashion that could be taxing on the minds of the viewers. It provides enough jump scares and terrifying moments that will leave a lasting impression on the audience. Film gets a bit confusing while the real story behind the ghost is revealed. First half is excellent and second half falls short in comparison. Despite the shortcomings and few holes in the script, Mayuri delivers more than we expect out of it.
Few scenes are unnecessarily stretched and there are few drags here and there. It would have been crisper had the runtime is cut short by ten to fifteen minutes. Nevertheless Mayuri works due to the technical finesse and a well written script. Nayanthara adds value to the film with her flawless performance. Mayuri may not appeal to each and everyone but it will be applauded by the genuine horror movie fans. For them it is a movie that shouldn’t be missed.
Verdict:
Mayuri Scares the Hell Out Of You.
