Madras

"Madras" is a film written and directed by Pa. Ranjith.

The spirit of the film is the intensity of the deep friendly relationship between the characters Kali (Karthi) and Anp (Kalaiyarasan).

The director manages to overcome all the pitfalls of presenting friendship, love, politics and hatred in the same thread through deep character creation.

The movie mainly tells the story of the problems and betrayals faced by the common man who emotionally embraces party politics without even understanding the main agenda of the political parties to exploit the social system of democracy in the most convenient way for their own convenience.

The film begins with a series of political struggles in which two factions have to be martyred in an ongoing dispute over a seemingly insignificant wall. Those who walk shoulder to shoulder for trivial things wield each other's swords.

The dispute over that wall does not end with the passing of generations. Even the image of a political leader painted on the wall is gaining relevance later in the film. As some of the stories spread around it, the wall becomes an integral part of the story.

It is impossible not to appreciate the director's excellence in adapting some of these things in the story that seem trivial and irrelevant at first glance in a serious and relevant way in the film's forward journey.

By reducing the number of close-up shots, the cameraman is able to draw the audience's attention to various parts of the scene through wide and long shot scenes.

A film that excelled from the beginning to the end of the film in terms of presentation style and performance of the actors.

Engaging from start to end. Very realistic and has some great acting. The wall itself feels like a character in the movie and that's a big win.

The film encompasses elements like politics, drama, friendship, romance, betrayal, revenge and pride, and is a gripping affair all the way, with just a few minor breathers in the second half when the fare becomes predictable. The first half sets the benchmark pretty high with the tense, action-packed interval segment being among the best this year. Editor Praveen deserves credit for making the first half as taut as it is. Karthi has to be appreciated for accepting this script where he is just a part and not the pivot. This is easily one of his best and his noted caliber as a versatile performer comes to the fore again. In the raw fist cuffs and brawls, Karthi's intensity, punches and slaps appear truly real. Credit to the stunt choreographers too. Madras is definitely high on action!

This North Madras movie is a delight to hear and all the actors and others artists who have contributed to this effect, deserve a pat.

Madras, though on the longer side and venturing into predictable territory beyond a point, stands out for the presentation, the characterizations, the performances and for the unflinching direction efforts of Ranjith.

The movie does tries to preach, but thankfully doesn't stray too much. A film of such genre, with a rag-tag cast usually falls in the hands of a new comer or a struggling actor. So, though it's surprising to see actors like him do it, it feels good to know that they aren't afraid to experiment.

Madras is the right blend of raw action and commercial entertainment with a screenplay that will keep you hooked. Santhosh's soulful music and Karthi's brilliant performance, are other reasons this movie is a must watch.

Watched 'Madras' movie recently. You can see the teamwork on each and every frame. They have shown the life of the people as it is in the real life and not making compromises for the cinematic elements. Karthi should be really appreciated for giving scope to the other character 'Anbu' which was the main role in the first half of the movie. And the characterization of the other actors in the movie was perfect. The guy who did the Johnny character was simply superb. Heroine did her part well, except in some parts she did not blend well into the people shown in that area. That's mainly because of her makeup in some sequences.The background score by Santhosh Narayanan was simply superb.He always stays away from the limelight but his music speaks a lot in the movie.

Overall this movie is a very good entertainer and thoroughly gripping.You name it whether it is cinematography, background score, casting, fight sequence , they did very well in all the departments.

Go for it. Don't miss this one!!!