Arun Menon

This was a movie that could have punched at a much higher level than it actually does. The movie is a slow starter as it muddles along in its effort to establish the back-stories of the main characters, picking up pace as it approaches the interval (probably the best part of the film). However, from then on it is a slow slide down to the finish with predictable turns and set-pieces, instead of what could have been a taut psychological cat-and-mouse between the 2-3 main characters. Performances: Good to see Vadivelu take on the title role with a measured ease only a veteran can; he held the film together. Fahadh Faazil puts in his best as always, but personally - he needs to give these 'little-crazy, but hey, I have a heart' roles a miss now; there's a template visible in his mannerisms, look, etc. Udhayanidhi was a miscast; just couldn't get into the character. Keerthy Suresh is in the film, too. ARR's music was helpful in many parts especially the BGM, but in the second-half, there were one too many songs/musical interludes extending the film's length, when you wanted the film to just conclude. A special mention of the uncalled for cruelty to animals shown in the film - not cool, Mari! Overall, Maamannan could have been a crisp psychological thriller wrapped in the caste milieu told in less than 120 minutes, but what we get is a 150+ minutes wannabe socio-political commentary populated by twisted characters going through set-pieces seen in many a movie before.