Dhanush returns to play the lovable gangster, Maari, with a knack of powerful punches and hilarious punch-lines. Maari 2 is the sequel to the 2015 film, that was a big hit at the box office. Like the Munnabhai series, Maari 2 retains the lead and his sidekicks while offering them a different adventure and a foe to tackle and a different girl for Dhanush to romance. Maari 2 is directed by Balaji Mohan, and also stars Kalloori Vinoth and Robo Shankar. Premam fame Sai Pallavi is playing the female lead, while Malayalam star Tovino Thomas is the antagonist. Maari 2 Trailer: Dhanush As Rowdy Baba Clashes With A Psychotic Tovino Thomas In This Comedy Entertainer - Watch Video.

Maari 2 has released on December 21, with four other Tamil biggies. Thanks to being a sequel to a hit movie and Dhanush's star-power, Maari 2 has managed to attract the masses. However, the critics haven't been very kind to the film, with criticism drawn towards the paper-thin script. However, Dhanush gets high praise from the critics. Dhanush Announces a Collaboration With Prabhudeva for Maari 2 and We Can’t Keep Calm.

Check out what major publications are saying about the film -

Times of India says, "The film loses its way in the second half. We get situations, taking place eight years later, where a don who is naughty becomes nice. And that is exactly the problem. The reason we love Maari is because of his playfulness, not because he is like the caring husband from Thangamagan. Even Beeja undergoes a marked transformation – something so out of character. The film never recovers from these developments. We get a couple of nods to the previous film’s high points and a well-timed punch dialogue, but that’s that. And the less said about the climax the better."

Behindwoods says, "The screenplay could have been constructed better without the predictable elements. However, there are quite a few pleasant surprises in the second half that showcase a different dimension of Maari. These portions could work for the larger audience. There's a friendship angle that again could come off as formulaic. The emotional additions are fresh for the franchise, but they could bring about a lag in some parts of the second half."

Indian Express says, "If you are a Dhanush fan, you would clap, scream and mouth dialogues like, “Senjiruven”, “If you are bad, I’m your dad!” along with him. Otherwise, you would simply want to say “thank you very much” and sit through the entire film munching a tub of popcorn."

Watch the trailer of Maari 2 here- 

Have you seen Maari 2? Do you agree with the opinions that critics have shared above? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 21, 2018 07:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).