Fahadh Faasil’s Maareesan, despite its highly positive critical and audience reception, did not perform well during its theatrical run, ultimately emerging as a box office flop. However, its OTT premiere has been received more enthusiastically by viewers, which is why we’ve gathered some of the early reactions to Maareesan’s OTT release (now streaming on Netflix).
Early reviews have showered strong praise on Maareesan, with particular emphasis on the amazing chemistry between FaFa and Vadivelu. The latter’s performance has been especially applauded, with some even calling it one of his best ever. The overall story has been well received, although there is some criticism regarding its pacing and runtime.
The reaction to the movie’s final act has been more mixed. Some praised it, while others felt it was a letdown or had the feel of an old-school climax.
Yuvan Shankar Raja’s music, meanwhile, has been positively received by viewers.
Audiences have also commended the film’s intriguing screenplay, which features multiple twists and a powerful second half, and its skillful blend of comedy and drama, heightened by Vadivelu’s nuanced performance.
While some find the first half slow or consider the second half’s plot reveals predictable, most agree it’s a compelling and satisfying watch, elevated by the lead actors’ chemistry and the director’s skillful narration.
Maareesan revolves around a thief who takes a forgetful man on a road trip, planning to trick him into revealing the PIN to his account so he can steal his money. What the thief doesn’t know is that the seemingly harmless man is secretly a serial killer who targets and murders child kidnappers across India.
Here are some early OTT reactions to Maareesan.
#Maareesan : Great to see the Fafa – Vadivelu combo again. Hope it continues! Yuvan’s BG score Twists well placed & executed Screenplay slowly builds from nothing, journeys steadily, and concludes meaningfully.
Very Slow but engaging watch, that needs patience. pic.twitter.com/JLXJg35KqX— One Man's Review – OMR (@O_M_Review) August 22, 2025
1st half –
2nd half – #fahadhfaasil ❤️
Vadivelu –
Slow pills the movie gets it momentum in 2nd halfSuperb movie
— விikகி™ ராமச்சந்திரன் TVK (@jegavicky96) August 22, 2025
The climax was a fumble, but an otherwise decent film. A nice OTT watch. Maareesan on @letterboxd: https://t.co/VdyBXSemik
— (@Flowerlikinga) August 22, 2025
Contrast 1st and 2nd half best acting by leads #Maareesan pic.twitter.com/RLRd2iSzaS
— Ab (@kantaraAB) August 22, 2025
#Maareesan Telugu
Vadivelu, fafa baaga chesaru
Flashback scenes emotionalOne time watch overall
— Underground ⛳ (@Suryasubramany1) August 22, 2025
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