Maha Maha

Plot

Hero Vijay played by Mathivanan relocates to Australia as a result of his job transfer. There he meets an Australian girl, Emily played by Melissa and falls in love. Meanwhile, Australian Police are in search of Emily who is claimed to be missing for the past 10 days. Meantime, Police find Emily’s dead body who was killed and buried in Vijay’s garden and hence he is arrested. Emily’s postmortem report says that she was murdered and was buried. Further it shocks the police as they find that Vijay had actually arrived at Australia, a day after Emily’s murder. As a result, Vijay is released by the police. Following which, Vijay is all set himself to find about Emily, that who was she actually, who would have murdered her and what would have been the reason behind it, how is it possible for a dead girl to meet and speak wit him.. Finally, all these investigations result to unfold many interesting and shocking informations.

Release

The film released on 6 March 2015 in Tamil Nadu, Australia and England. The film was released along with 10 other films and it was reported that 6 March 2015 was the first weekend with so many films in 2015. The trailer was released on 11 February 2015 by AP International Films.

Production

The film is produced by Sakthi Screens and it was written and directed by Mathivanan Sakthivel. Mathivanan did a short course in film making at the Australian Film Base in Sydney before production of this film. The film was predominately filmed in Australia in a small country town Taralga.

Music

The film has three tracks composed by Pavalar Shiva, who is Isaighani Ilayaraja's brother Pavalar Varadarajan’son.

The audio was released by Isaighani Ilayaraja. Isaighani Ilayaraja commented that the songs are good and he liked the title of the film "Maha Maha".

Sulekha who reviewed the music said that the title track ‘Maha Maha’ is the top pick. Cinesnacks said that the words in the songs, sound perfectly ‘clear cut’ in his tones.

The Hindu reported that there are only three tracks in the album, all of which are pleasing to the ears. ‘Ennamo Pannuthe’ is sung by Prasanna and Prashanthini, while ‘Agaramodu Lagaram’ is sung by Prashanthini, Priya and Vallavan. Pavalar Siva’s rendition of the title number ‘Maha Maha’ is good.

Critical reception

Sulekha in their review stated that Mathivanan Sakthivel impresses the audience, as a director and also as a male lead. He has succeeded in creating the right emotions for both the romance scenes and the ones that involve mystery. His performance is simple and elegant. Melissa looks pretty and has made a decent début through ‘Maha Maha’.

Sulekha review of the film also said that The film is overall a good attempt by Mathivanan Sakthivel. He has given the Kollywood audience something refreshing, as Maha Maha happens to be the first Tamil film to be independently shot in and around Sydney. NRIs in Australia can learn a lot about Tamil culture through this romantic thriller flick. Unique concept and clever twists add verve to the simple and loveable story. Although the film culminates in a rather sad end, it keeps the audience riveted from start to finish and offers what it promised in the trailer – a thriller!

Cinesnacks review of the film said that Director Mathivanan Sakthivel has cleverly woven a horror movie as a Romantic story in an interesting and impressing style. Mathivanan has appealingly drafted a fascinating screenplay within a short duration of time and thus have successfully delivered his thoughts in a very clear and elegant manner. He has not clearly portrayed the approach with which the Actress was murdered and the reason behind it. Rather he had finished the movie with a note of ‘to be continued’ and it ultimately makes the audience to give him a huge applause for his unique presentation.

iflicks review reported that Hero Mathivanan has acted casually without much hype. Melisa has done the given job well. Anusri looks beautiful and tries to impress audience with her acting. Nizhalgal Ravi has performed well in his own style.

Vannathirai Magazine review said that the movie does not have much commercial element, however the director has done a fast pace screenplay for which he needs to be congratulated.

J Sukumar from Chennai Online said that the Director Mathivanan has done this thriller subject in a romantic and interesting way and that he has told the story elegantly. The movie even though was short, is filled with good screenplay.

Namma Tamil Cinema review said that the director has explained the connection between the Australian aboriginal and Indian customs very well and should receive applause for this.

Gtamil Cinema said that while we would expect that a movie made in Australia will be highly technical and lavish, Maha Maha stands out from this thinking as the movie revolves around a country side in Australia which is very different. The story and dialogues by Mathivanan is ok, however if he enhances his natural acting skills further, he is sure to be a good actor in the industry. The lyrics by Thenmozhli Das for the song "agaramodu lagaram" is a praise to the Tamil language.

Maalai Malar review reported that Mathivanan has done what is required for his role and Melissa has fulfilled the job that is given to her. The review also praised the director for using the Australian actors properly. The review highlighted that the screen play is bit slow for a crime thriller.

NETTV4U gave 3.1 out of 5 for the movie and reported that Mathivanan Sakthivel has performed well as a protogonist, has mixed emotions well and does not look like a new comer. NETTV4U also reviewed that "Maha Maha" title song is excellent and ended the review as Mathivanan's classy debut.

Awards

Maha Maha won its first Award, the "Award of Recognition" from "The IndieFEST Film Awards" based in California, USA in July 2015. The award was judged based on the quality and creativity of each piece and winning means the craft and skill exhibited by the entry is outstanding and stands above other productions.

Maha Maha also won the "Award of Recognition" from "Accolade Global Film Competition" based in California, USA in August 2015.