KK

And oh my world! If there is one actor whose maturity and growth has been exponential and jaw-dropping, it is Katrina's Kaif. This not just might be but totally is her best Hindi film performance so far and that was a tall order, as for me, that last happened in Zero. Not only does Kaif hold her own against the stalwart that is Sethupathi but the actor is absolutely fabulous as Maria. From showcasing her vulnerability to being a protective mother, a lady making perplexing choices to being fierce - Kaif deserves all the plaudits possible.Raghavan gets the best out of his entire cast that also has delightful cameos from Radhika Apte, Vinay Pathak, and Ashwini Kalsekar. And, in classic Raghavan fashion, the man knits a tight screenplay leading the big moment in the climax that, once again, leaves you with more questions than answers. His films are designed to be open-ended and ho for discussion, which also became a factor as all of us exited the cinema hall.The VerdictMerry Christmas justifies and fulfils the usual legacy of Sriram Raghavan and his style of filmmaking just the way you expected it to be. It might not have the same gravitas and impact that his earlier films had but they still fulfill your visit to the theater knowing what you have signed up for. Be hooked, pay attention and enjoy this wild ride.