Madras Review - Karthi back on track

PUBLISHED DATE : 26/Sep/2014

Madras Review - Karthi back on track

Madras Review - Karthi back on track

FDFS Review


The movie, Madras, marks a few important things. After a long series of mindless masala & comedy movies, Karthi has finally returned back to his roots and delivered what he is good at. The credit goes to director Pa. Ranjith of Attakathi fame who has a keen eye for bringing to screen the life of lower middle class community. 


Story


The wall in the middle of a housing board complex becomes the crux of the story. The feud between two warring parties on who takes control of the wall pretty much forms the one-liner. There is a lot of blood, tears, love, laughter, politics, revenge and deceit weaved into this seemingly simple and engaging story. The wall represented as an object of power and authority play a key role in the movie. 


Screenplay and Direction


Pa. Ranjith deserves a lot of kudos for his vision and maturity of story-telling. The movie has equal mix of realism and commercialism blended well to give viewers a unique North Madras experience. North Madras is a platform on which this story of a particular strata of a society is mounted. The dialogues are quick and witty. The background settings are unique and very much integral to the story line. Overall, The director shows a lot of promise and originality in his second movie.

 

Casting


The casting is perfect and the local slang of North Madras is as good a it gets. Karthi is back to form in this movie and plays the role extremely well. Karthi's timing is perfect and brings out love and emotions effortlessly. It is a relief to see Karthi not having a larger than life portrayal in the movie.

 

Catherine Tresa is an interesting casting selection. Catherine's no makeup looks in the first half of the movie is simply ravishing.  However in the second half, she appears to come with layers of make-up which diminishes her natural charm. Catherine's dubbed voice is interesting in most places and doesn't quite gel well in a few other scenes. Overall, Catherine is a welcome addition to Tamil cinema. Kalaiyarasan as Karthi's friend has done a great supporting role and brings out the right emotions. There are numerous other new faces such as Karthi's mom and grandma who look their part to the T.

 

Technicalities


After Jigarthanda, Santosh Narayanan's music elevates the movie yet again. The background music gives the right mood and feel to the movie. The hit song "Naan Nee" is picturized beautifully on big screen. Murali's cinematography has made even the peeled paints, dirt and garbage look beautiful on screen. The angles and lighting have helped bring the right experience for the audience. The art direction is meticulously and aesthetically done. Stunt sequences are gritty and raw. Editing is crisp and paced well to fit the flow of the movie.  


Final Words


Madras successfully follows the path of realistic commercial genre in Tamil cinema. Madras strongly showcases the calibre of director Pa.Ranjith and his entire team. So, if you are the kind that likes the genre of movies such a Polladhavan and Aadukalam, Madras will be the right one for you. Go check it out.

 

Rating - 3.25/5

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