Maheshum Maruthiyum

What could have been a great movie about the bonding between a man and his car, turned out to be a damp squib with a barely held together 'romance' towards the end. The first half of the movie is very interesting and keep us interested in the character Mahesh played by Asif Ali and his 1984 model Maruthi car which was bought by his father. In fact, Mahesh portrayed well by Asif is one character the viewers will definitely get attached to with how sentimental and unsure he is about his life and prospects. Director and writer Sethu succeeded in delivering a relatable character who could have carried the entire movie if not for how things took a turn in the second half.

What is romantic about manipulation in a relationship remains to be seen and Gauri played by Mamta Mohandas turned out to be a soul less character whose arrival forcefully changed the 'slice of life' feel and took us for a bumpy ride. While the pairing was something many were looking forward to, only dissatisfaction awaits them. The climax left a bitter taste with how an unhealthy relationship was glorified. That said, the best parts of the movie are essentially the parts where Mahesh holds the car like a treasure and is surrounded by his friends who despite everything cheer him up and the bonding scenes were never boring and didn't feel laggy either. This listless life is far more realistic and entertaining than Gauri who stands out like a sore thumb.

The narration takes us through the 80s in the beginning and even attach historical importance to the car through Indira Gandhi. The entire prelude is told connecting some historical incidents which is rather novel. The film's cinematographer is Faiz Siddik who delivers and in fact, like the music by Kedar, keeps the film afloat.