Maari 2
Maari 2 is a 2018 Indian Tamil-language action comedy film written and directed by Balaji Mohan.[1][2] It serves as a spiritual sequel to the 2015 film Maari, with Dhanush reprising his lead role as the titular gangster known for his mix of arrogance and righteousness.[3] The film features Sai Pallavi as his love interest, alongside Tovino Thomas as the antagonist Beeja, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, and Krishna in prominent supporting roles.[2][4] The story centers on Maari, an established local don who returns to the fray after a hiatus, only to clash with Beeja, a hardened criminal who proclaims himself the god of death and seeks to dismantle Maari's empire.[1][5] Produced by Dhanush under his Wunderbar Films banner, the film has a runtime of 143 minutes and includes music composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, with cinematography by Om Prakash and editing by Prasanna GK.[2][6] Upon its theatrical release on December 21, 2018, Maari 2 garnered mixed reviews from critics, who commended Dhanush's charismatic performance and the energetic action sequences but faulted the uneven pacing and underdeveloped plot.[5][7] Despite the film's lukewarm reception, it achieved commercial success and became particularly notable for the song Rowdy Baby, a high-energy dance number featuring Dhanush and Sai Pallavi, choreographed by Prabhu Deva, which has amassed over 1.7 billion views on YouTube as of November 2025 and earned global recognition, including charting on Billboard's YouTube list.[8][9][10][11]Background and development
Relation to predecessor
Maari 2 serves as a spiritual sequel to the 2015 film Maari, picking up the storyline after the events of the original, where the titular character, portrayed by Dhanush, rejects a marriage proposal from Sridevi (Kajal Aggarwal) and continues his life as a single, unrepentant local rowdy involved in extortion and pigeon racing in North Chennai.[12][13] This ending leaves Maari's character arc open-ended, transitioning from a carefree, dominant gangster to a figure grappling with his criminal past in the sequel, where he attempts to reform while facing new threats following the death of his associate, the gangster Velu.[14] The narrative builds on Maari's unresolved rowdy lifestyle, introducing elements of personal growth and vulnerability that contrast with his earlier irreverent demeanor.[15] Key returning characters from the first film include Maari himself, his loyal aide Kalai (Kreshna), and gang members Sanikilamai (Robo Shankar) and Robert (Kalloori Vinoth), who reprise their roles to maintain continuity in Maari's inner circle and criminal operations.[16][17] Plot threads such as Maari's domineering relationships within his gang and his history of evading law enforcement are carried forward, but the sequel shifts focus to his evolving dynamics with a new romantic interest, Aanandi (Sai Pallavi), evolving from the unrequited tension with Sridevi in the predecessor.[18] This continuation explores Maari's past exploits as a backdrop for his attempts at stability, highlighting tensions between his reformed aspirations and lingering underworld ties.[19] Director Balaji Mohan announced his intent to develop the sequel shortly after Maari's release in November 2015, stating he had begun scripting to capitalize on the audience's affection for the lead character despite the film's mixed reception.[13][20] Mohan emphasized creating a substantive follow-up rather than a superficial one, aiming to deepen Maari's portrayal by incorporating more emotional layers and romantic elements, diverging from the original's primary action-comedy framework.[21] In terms of tone and style, Maari 2 marks a departure from the lighthearted, mass-oriented gangster comedy of the 2015 film, adopting a more introspective approach that underscores themes of reformation and family life, with Maari navigating attachments that challenge his former fearlessness.[19][15] While retaining comedic and action sequences, the sequel prioritizes emotional depth and relational conflicts, reflecting Mohan's background in romantic storytelling to humanize the protagonist beyond his rowdy archetype.[22] This evolution provides a layered narrative, focusing on Maari's journey toward personal redemption amid familial responsibilities.[23]Pre-production
Following the commercial success of the 2015 film Maari, director Balaji Mohan announced the sequel Maari 2 in November 2015, confirming his return as writer and director, with lead actor Dhanush reprising the titular role.[20]Mohan began developing the screenplay shortly after the announcement, completing around 10 percent by late 2015 before finalizing the full draft in December 2016; the story expands on the character's life following his reformation from rowdyism in the original film.[12][24][1]
Dhanush produced the film under his banner Wunderbar Films, in association with Digibricks Entertainment, aiming to capture the comedic and action elements of the predecessor while exploring deeper character arcs.[25]
Pre-production faced delays due to Dhanush's packed schedule across multiple projects, including his Hollywood debut, pushing the start of principal photography to September 2017 after script approval.[26][27]
Casting
Dhanush reprised his lead role as the gangster Maari from the 2015 film Maari, with negotiations for the sequel finalized in early 2017 as part of his production banner Wunderbar Films.[28] Sai Pallavi was cast as Maari's love interest, marking her Tamil cinema debut, after auditions and considerations of several other actresses in mid-2017; director Balaji Mohan announced her selection in September 2017.[29] Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas joined the cast in September 2017 as the antagonist Beeja, chosen for his ability to portray intense characters and making his Tamil debut in the process.[30] The supporting cast included Varalaxmi Sarathkumar in a key role as an IAS officer and comedian Robo Shankar as a sidekick character, both announced alongside the principal cast in late 2017.[31]Filming and post-production
Principal photography
Principal photography for Maari 2 began on 22 January 2018 in Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, following the film's puja ceremony on 14 December 2017. The initial schedule was held in the rural locales of Tenkasi, where the crew captured several key scenes amid the area's natural landscapes before returning to Chennai for subsequent portions. Shooting progressed in phases, with additional locations including Binny Mills in Chennai, where sequences featuring Dhanush and Sai Pallavi were filmed in April 2018 after a brief hiatus.[32][33][21][34] Sai Pallavi joined the production on 16 May 2018, contributing to the dynamic energy of the shoot, particularly in preparation for her dance sequences alongside Dhanush. The high-energy "Rowdy Baby" track, choreographed by Prabhu Deva, was shot in Chennai, emphasizing the performers' chemistry and requiring intensive rehearsals to capture its vibrant, one-take-like flow. Cinematographer Om Prakash employed dynamic camera work, including fluid tracking shots, to enhance the film's gritty action and comedic elements during these urban sequences.[35][36][37][38] The production faced challenges, notably when lead actor Dhanush sustained injuries to his knee and left hand in June 2018 while performing a demanding climax stunt sequence. This incident necessitated a pause, with the final schedule resuming only after his recovery in July 2018, ensuring the shooting timeline could be completed without further major disruptions. Principal photography concluded on 13 August 2018, marking the end of on-location filming for the action comedy.[39][40][41]Visual effects and editing
The editing of Maari 2 was handled by Prasanna GK, who had previously debuted as an editor on the first installment of the franchise. Completed in the months leading up to the film's December 2018 release, the process resulted in a 143-minute runtime designed to maintain a brisk pace suited to the action-comedy tone, with tight cuts emphasizing comedic timing and dynamic fight sequences.[42] Visual effects for the film were provided by Digital Bricks VFX, a Kerala-based studio specializing in 2D and 3D enhancements for South Indian cinema. The work focused on minimal CGI integrations to augment action scenes, including enhancements for stunt choreography and environmental elements, executed through pre-production planning and post-production refinement to align with the narrative's gritty, street-level aesthetic.[43] Post-production also involved sound design integration, where Yuvan Shankar Raja's background score was synchronized with the edited sequences to heighten tension in key confrontations and emotional beats. Color grading emphasized a vibrant yet grounded palette, drawing on earthy tones to evoke the everyday world of the protagonist Maari, as overseen by cinematographer Om Prakash. No major reshoots or pickups were reported, though minor refinements addressed narrative flow in the romantic elements during late 2018.Music
Soundtrack
The soundtrack for Maari 2 was composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, marking his first collaboration with lead actor and producer Dhanush in a decade. The album consists of three tracks, blending folk, romantic, and upbeat elements to complement the film's action-comedy tone. It was released digitally on 12 December 2018 through Divo, the music arm of Wunderbar Studios, just ahead of the film's theatrical debut.[44][45] The lead single, "Rowdy Baby", features vocals by Dhanush and Dhee, with lyrics penned by Dhanush under his pseudonym Poetu Dhanush. Picturized as a high-energy duet between Dhanush and Sai Pallavi, the track's choreography by Prabhu Deva contributed to its widespread appeal, becoming a viral sensation on social media platforms. As of November 2025, the official music video has amassed over 1.7 billion views on YouTube, establishing it as one of the most-watched Tamil songs.[11][11] "Maari Gethu" follows as a lively folk-inspired number, sung by Yuvan Shankar Raja, Dhanush, V. M. Mahalingam, and Chinnaponnu, with lyrics written by Yuvan Shankar Raja. The song incorporates rustic rhythms and celebratory vibes, reflecting the protagonist's rowdy persona. The third track, "Maari's Aanandhi", is a melodic duet rendered by Ilaiyaraaja and M. M. Manasi, featuring lyrics by Dhanush that evoke romance and longing. Its Telugu-dubbed version, titled "Ninnu Chudagane", adapts the same composition for broader regional appeal. For "Maari's Aanandhi", Yuvan Shankar Raja employed a small orchestra to achieve its intimate, orchestral texture.[46][47] Post-release, the soundtrack dominated Tamil music charts, with "Rowdy Baby" holding the top spot for several weeks and securing the number-one position on YouTube's most-viewed videos in India for 2019. It also charted at No. 4 on the global Billboard YouTube songs list in early 2019.[48][49]Background score
The background score for Maari 2 was composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja and recorded alongside the soundtrack in 2018.[50] It blended electronic elements with traditional Tamil instruments, creating a dynamic soundscape that complemented the film's energetic tone.[51] Key motifs in the score featured upbeat percussion to heighten the intensity of action sequences and melodic strings to evoke the romantic undertones. The score was seamlessly integrated to underscore the protagonist Maari's emotional journey.[50] Unlike the soundtrack, the background score was not issued as a separate album, though snippets appeared in the film's end credits. It received praise for effectively elevating the comedy timing and overall narrative flow.[52] Technically, the score was mixed in 5.1 surround sound for the theatrical release, enhancing the immersive experience.[53] The score also briefly ties into soundtrack elements, such as underscoring the viral track "Rowdy Baby" during key scenes.[50]Release
Theatrical release
Maari 2 was released theatrically worldwide on 21 December 2018, strategically timed to coincide with the Christmas weekend for maximum audience turnout.[54] The film was distributed in Tamil Nadu by Golden Cinema, ensuring wide coverage across key theaters in the region.[55] Prior to release, the film received a U/A certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on 27 November 2018, following minor modifications totaling 15 seconds, primarily addressing scenes of violence to make it suitable for viewers above 12 years with parental guidance.[56][57] Marketing efforts included the unveiling of character first looks on social media starting 2 November 2018, with posters highlighting Dhanush's portrayal of the charismatic gangster Maari.[58] The official trailer was launched on 5 December 2018, generating buzz through digital platforms and emphasizing the film's action-comedy elements.[4] The movie was shot and released simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu versions, broadening its reach in South India.[42] A Hindi dubbed version, titled Maari, was made available post-theatrical release, premiering on Sony Max on 13 July 2019 and later on YouTube.[59]Home media and streaming
The satellite rights for Maari 2 were acquired by Vijay TV prior to its theatrical release, leading to its world television premiere on the channel on March 31, 2019, at 9 a.m., which helped extend the film's reach to television audiences in Tamil Nadu.[60][61] Following its theatrical run, Maari 2 became available for digital purchase and rental on platforms including iTunes and Google Play Movies starting in 2019, allowing viewers to access the full film and select songs in high definition.[62][63] For streaming, the film secured distribution on Amazon Prime Video, where it has been available for rent or purchase in regions such as the United States and internationally since early 2019, with options in Tamil, Telugu, and dubbed versions.[6] In India, streaming rights were initially held by Disney+ Hotstar (formerly Hotstar), and following its 2025 merger with JioCinema, the platform was rebranded as JioHotstar, making it accessible to subscribers since February 2019.[64] As of November 2025, Maari 2 continues to stream on these platforms without changes to its digital rights, though no 4K remastered edition has been released or announced.[63] The film's theatrical performance contributed to favorable negotiations for these post-theatrical distribution deals, broadening its audience beyond cinemas.[61]Reception
Critical response
Maari 2 received mixed reviews from critics, with an average rating of around 3 out of 5 on major aggregators. The Times of India awarded it 2.5/5, praising the film's commercial elements but noting it loses momentum in the second half.[65] The Indian Express gave it 2/5, criticizing the narrative as unconvincing and overly stretched at 150 minutes.[7] Critics frequently praised Dhanush's charismatic performance as the gangster Maari, highlighting his ability to blend humor, action, and emotional depth effectively.[5] Sai Pallavi as the auto driver Selli was lauded for bringing energy and dignity to her role, marking a strong entry into the industry.[66] The choreography of the song "Rowdy Baby," featuring Dhanush and Sai Pallavi, was widely acclaimed for its infectious energy and viral appeal, contributing to the film's lighter moments.[1] Reviewers also appreciated the humor and action sequences, which provided entertaining distractions amid the plot's flaws.[67] On the downside, many pointed to a weak plot that felt repetitive compared to its predecessor, lacking fresh stakes for the characters.[68] The antagonist, played by Tovino Thomas, was seen as underdeveloped, failing to pose a credible threat and undermining the central conflict.[7] Baradwaj Rangan of Film Companion described it as formulaic, with an unengaging storyline that kept the focus on stylistic tropes rather than substantive development.[69] International reception from overseas Tamil press was more positive, particularly for the film's portrayal of cultural elements like local slang and community dynamics, which resonated with diaspora audiences.[38] Audience scores were higher, averaging 4/5 on BookMyShow, suggesting greater fan appreciation for the star power and entertainment value over critical concerns.[70] This positive word-of-mouth helped sustain its theatrical run despite the mixed critical verdict.[71]Box office performance
Maari 2 earned approximately ₹15.5 crore gross in India during its opening weekend.[72] The film maintained momentum in its first week, driven by Dhanush's dedicated fan base, but experienced a noticeable drop in collections during the second week due to competition from other major releases.[73] The movie classified as an average grosser despite benefiting from a prime holiday release slot. The mixed critical response further limited its theatrical longevity.[73]Legacy
Accolades
At the 66th Filmfare Awards South held in 2019, Maari 2 secured a win for Best Choreography for Prabhu Deva and Jani Master's work on the song "Rowdy Baby," recognized for its energetic and viral dance sequences.[74][75] The film also earned a nomination in this ceremony for Best Actress – Tamil (Sai Pallavi).[76] Further recognition came at the 12th Edison Awards in 2019, where "Rowdy Baby" secured a win for Best Playback Singer – Female (Dhee).[77] Additional wins included Best Actor for Dhanush at the Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards.[78] Overall, Maari 2 accumulated 5 wins and 1 nomination across various regional ceremonies between 2019 and 2020, with accolades centered on its music and choreography rather than broader narrative elements.[78] The film received no major national awards from bodies like the National Film Awards, consistent with its mixed critical reception that praised technical aspects but critiqued the storyline.[79] The cultural popularity of songs like "Rowdy Baby," which amassed billions of views online, influenced several of these music-related honors.[48]| Award Ceremony | Category | Recipient | Result | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66th Filmfare Awards South | Best Choreography | Prabhu Deva & Jani Master ("Rowdy Baby") | Won | 2019 |
| 66th Filmfare Awards South | Best Actress – Tamil | Sai Pallavi | Nominated | 2019 |
| 12th Edison Awards | Best Playback Singer – Female | Dhee ("Rowdy Baby") | Won | 2019 |
| Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards | Best Actor | Dhanush | Won | 2019 |