Director and Writer : Leo John Paul
Starring:Vijay Antony, Ajay Dhishan,P. Samuthirakani, Brigida Saga, Vinodh Sagar, Mahanathi Shankar, Prithika, Deepshikha, Archana, Kanimozhi, Anthagaram Natarajan among others
Producers: Meera Vijay Antony and Vijay Antony Film Corporation
Music Composer : Vijay Antony
Cinematographer :Yuva S
Editor : Leo John Paul
Art Director :Raja A
Release Date: June 27,2025Â Â Â
Maargan: Engaging Thriller (3.25/5)
Music composer turned actor Vijay Antony is back with a supernatural thriller titled, Maargan. Directed by debutant named Leo John Paul, the film has hit the screens on June 27,2025. Let’s Review it.
Synopsis:
Set in Mumbai, Maargan revolves around a mysterious series of deaths in the slum area of Dharavi, where several victims are found dead with completely blackened skin. The bizarre nature of the deaths leads to public panic and confusion. A series of brutal murders in Hyderabad shakes the city, prompting Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Dhruva (played by Vijay Antony) to take charge of the investigation. As he digs deeper into the case, his suspicions fall on a young man named Aravind (Ajay Dhishan), whom he believes might be the killer. During the course of interrogating Aravind, Dhruva uncovers several shocking truths. Are the statements made by Aravind actually true? Or are they part of a larger deception? As the investigation progresses, Dhruva is drawn into his own past, revealing a personal flashback that holds crucial significance.Who are the real culprits behind these serial killings? What is their true motive? And how does Dhruva ultimately expose them? These questions form the core of the gripping, mystery-filled narrative.
Performances:
Vijay Antony anchors the film well, blending his acting with a tense score, though the story lacks a truly magnetic character and the final reveal isn’t that impactful. Ajay Dhishan makes an impressive debut but he needs to improve a lot in terms of his facial expressions and body language.
Vijay Antony, as the investigation officer, delivers a very settled and composed performance. His look in the film is intriguing and holds the audience’s attention. The mystery around his appearance is well maintained throughout the first half, which adds to the suspense.
Analysis:
The film keeps them hooked with its intriguing premise, though some found the ending slightly underwhelming. On the flip side, it feels the pre-climax gets bogged down by rushed messaging on colorism and unnecessary subplots.
Although Vijay Antony performs in a subtle and composed manner, his role could have been designed with more strength. Especially in the flashback episodes, his character feels underutilized. His performance in emotional scenes is passable, but not very impactful.
Samuthirakani’s character too is completely wasted. Even though Ajay Dhiashan’s role had strong potential, it feels underused, particularly in the second half. The love track in the first half feels boring and drags the pace. Similarly, a few lag scenes in the second half test the patience of the audience.
Though the climax twist is decent, the way the film ends feels dull. The villain’s motive could have been written in a more compelling way. Adding some entertainment elements could have helped the overall serious tone of the film. “Maargan” brings a refreshing core concept to the crime mystery thriller genre. The unique presentation of this core idea stands out. The way Ajay Dhiashan’s character is designed appeals strongly to the audience. The variations in his role serve as a major strength for the film.
Emotionally, the scenes involving the father-daughter and brother-sister relationships strike a chord with the viewers. The interval twist builds good curiosity for the second half. The screenplay in the latter half is gripping and plays a vital role. The twists revealed in the climax are also engaging.
Technical Department:
Director Leo John Paul comes up with a new story, but his treatment feels routine. While the uniqueness of Ajay Dhiashan’s character is well-handled in parts, the normal and predictable ending lets it down. Since he also handled editing, some scenes in the first half could have been trimmed for better pace.
Vijay Antony’s music works well. Cinematography is impressive, and the VFX work gets good marks. Production values are decent.
Verdict:
All in all, Maargan is a visually polished, concept-driven crime thriller that delivers in the early and middle stretches. Vijay Antony’s dual role as star and composer enhances the immersive vibe. However, its impact diminishes in the final act with a somewhat perfunctory climax and abrupt thematic shifts. If you’re in the mood for a stylish mystery with supernatural flair, it’s worth a watch just go in with tempered expectations regarding its depth.
