Zapped|Oct. 18, 2017|India|169 Min.|R
Genre: Action;Drama;South;Indian;Thriller
Description: **Mersal (2017) – Full Movie Overview**
The film *Mersal* revolves around Dr. Maaran, a doctor from Chennai celebrated for offering affordable healthcare at just ₹5. The story begins with the abduction of an ambulance driver, a broker, a hospital worker, and a surgeon at dawn. This incident leads to Maaran’s arrest and interrogation by police officer Ratnavel “Randy.”
During the questioning, Maaran explains that the abductees were responsible for the tragic death of an auto driver’s daughter and the subsequent suicide of his wife, Selvi. Their greed for money and negligence in providing proper healthcare had led to these devastating consequences. Maaran reveals he had already killed the hostages using carefully planned contraptions.
However, Maaran’s identity takes a shocking turn when he discloses that he is not Maaran but his lookalike, Vetri, a magician. Vetri was also behind the death of Dr. Arjun Zachariah, a corrupt doctor killed during a stage performance in Paris years earlier. Dr. Daniel Arokiaraj, another corrupt doctor and head of the state’s medical council, is another target. Daniel saw Maaran’s low-cost healthcare as a threat to his lucrative hospital business and plotted to eliminate him. Vetri intervened, saving Maaran by knocking him unconscious and swapping places with him.
Maaran is later rescued, while Vetri manages to evade capture by Randy. When Maaran confronts Vetri, believing him to be the source of his troubles, Vadivu, Maaran’s compounder and Vetri’s assistant, steps in. She explains that Vetri is targeting corrupt doctors, particularly Daniel and Arjun, who exploit the medical system for personal gain.
The film also delves into Maaran’s family background. He is the elder son of Vetrimaaran, a village wrestler and chieftain from the 1970s, and Aishwarya “Aishu.” Vetrimaaran, affectionately called “Thalapathy” by his villagers for his selfless nature, once organized a large-scale event to build a temple. Tragically, a fire broke out, killing two children and injuring many due to inadequate emergency response.
Motivated by this tragedy, Aishu advised Vetrimaaran to establish a hospital in their village, Manoor, in the Madurai district. Young doctors Daniel and Arjun were appointed as chief doctors, while Vetrimaaran managed the hospital.
The story highlights themes of justice, corruption, and the fight against unethical medical practices, with Vetri’s actions serving as a form of retribution against those who exploit the healthcare system for personal profit.
Cast director: Atlee
Cast actor: Vijay, Kajal Agarwal, Samantha Akkineni, Nithya Menen, S. J. Surya, Sathyaraj, Vadivelu, Sathyan Sivakumar, Kovai Sarala, Hareesh Peradi
Original name: மெர்சல்