Madrasapattinam

I have watched it 4 times in the last week, and I still feel to watch it again. I don't know why! Lovely Amy, Bold acting of Arya, talented direction of Vijay, amazing background sounds, all the well-played supporting roles- which is the main point to mention in particular?!

A great Love tragedy, 1945! If a person having a bit of love in his heart, he must feel how tragic the full love story is! Love, fight for love, fight, fight, fight, and then finally a bold sacrifice for the sake of love! It's always meant to be ended with some tears in your eyes, may be a burst if you are alone!

However, Amy Jackson did exceptionally well throughout the movie. I am amazed not only with her beauty but also with her acting. But, to be honest, I must say, what a pretty Lady she is!

Arya as the lead actor played so well that you will easily realize it. All the supporting casts did very very well I bet. In short, this is a superb movie based on a touchy love story. I loved it.

Period films have been sporadic in Tamil cinema for the past two decades and not many directors are daring enough to give a fling at such genres. But the young director Vijay breaks the mould and comes up with an artistic portrayal of pre-independence Madras. In fact, he succeeds in his attempt with utmost ease.

The plot of "Madarasapattanam" is quite simple. It deals with the romance between a brawny Madarasi wrestler and an aristocratic English belle at a time when the Freedom Movement was at its pinnacle. Arya, as the young wrestler (Parithi) is impeccable. His penchant for offbeat roles is evident from his choice of movies. Amy Jackson, as the royal damsel (Amy) allures you with her innocent and snowy charm. The way she has acclimatized to the Indian pattern of film making is quite amazing. Kochi Haneefa, who plays Amy's interpreter, manages to tickle you in his typical style. All the actors including Nasser (Parithi's father), M.S.Bhaskar, RJ Balaji (tourist guide), Jeeva (of Lollu Sabha fame), Kumaravel (taxi-driver) and the actors who play Parithi's friends make their presence felt.

The narration smoothly swaps between the modern day Chennai and the 1940's Madras. Thanks to some crisp editing by Antony. Cinematographer Nirav Shah guides us through a virtual tour through the streets of vintage Madras. It is fascinating to see the Madras of the yore adorned by trams, bullock-carts, the crystal-clear Cooum, the dhobi ghats of Washermanpet, and a busy Buckingham Canal! Art Director Selva has to be commended for recreating the yesteryear Spencer's and the Central Station. But at times the back-drops seem to be like wallpapers, which could have been avoided. G.V.Prakash Kumar seems to have inherited a lot from his uncle (A.R.Rahman) which is very much evident in his "Pookal Pookum" number. And his background score blends well with the period flavour of the movie. Vijay's dialogues are note-worthy.

Traces of "Lagaan" and "Titanic" can be felt here and there. Especially, the wrestling match between Parithi and the Englishman, and the aged Amy searching her love with the necklace ('thaali') reminds you of the yesteryear classics. Nevertheless, Vijay manages to trigger the spirit of Madras by showcasing the rich cultural and historical heritage of our city in this poignant love story. He leaves us yearning for the glorious Madras of the past.

A must-watch for all Chennaiites. Come, and cherish the vintage Madras.- Deepak Kumaar Manoharan.

I went to this movie with absolutely no expectations, Arya isn't that big an actor,The director hasn't made any exceptional movies, and so on.

But the movie was really good.It showed a great deal of teamwork and effort, and more importantly it was all well used and portrayed.

Chennai portrayed to the best as in the year 1947. The heroine - Amy Jackson is beautiful and has done a really wonderful job.Her eyes show lots of experience, for a girl of her age.

The story line is similar to that of Lagaan, and many scenes remind you of both lagaan and Rang de basanti, yet the movie has its own originality and inspiration.

Arya isn't portrayed as a hero who fights for freedom,he is portrayed as one who fights for Love.

Editing was awesome, Direction was good. The only negative point of the movie is the songs and BGM. songs don't get in sync with the movie too well. BGM isn't much original and doesn't give the full effect at various scenes.

Still overall the movie is watchable. The reason i rated it 8 was because of the good acting, direction,screenplay,no unwanted comedy or action or songs, and mainly because there was some originality/reality in showing a historic adventure.( something that Ayirathil oruvan lacked ).

The movie may seem a bit lengthy, but don't worry cause it wont bore you out.

Overall - Good movie( don't miss it)

This movie has everything to be enjoyed, especially wen i saw the movie for first time i was surprised to see that even Tamil cinema has the talent to make movies like this. The background scenes of old madras and costumes designing and many more things are outstanding in this movie. Its a great family entertainment and a movie which has to be really appreciated. This movie is just a new milestone in Tamil cinema. Amy Jackson steals the show with great performance of Arya. The movie has everything, patriotism, Romance, Comedy and of course Action- the wrestling. It gives you an essence of old madras and present Chennai in a very beautiful way. Well, this movie is something which will always have its impact for the movie lovers in Tamil cinema. Watch this movie without missing a single scene and this will be the best movie of the season.

To me, it's definitely one of the best romantic period flicks in Tamil that I have seen till now. Acting of Arya, Emy Jackson, MS Baskar & Nasser was a highlight and it caught the attention. Moreover it's definitely the best movie that AL Vijay has got to direct till now! Some of the romantic scenes were too good and it made me cry in multiple scenes. Background Music and Songs from GV Prakash were also very good. I really enjoyed watching this movie and it will be in my heart for a very long time.