Release date: 23 Aug 2013
E24telugu.com Rating : 4/5
Producer : John Abraham, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, Ronnie Lahiri
Director : Shoojit Sircar
Music Director : Shantanu Moitra
Starring: John Abraham, Nargis Fakhri, Rashi Khanna.
Story :
Vikram(John Abraham) is a RAW agent who is deployed by the Indian government in Sri Lanka to carry out coveted operations in bringing peace in the war struck country. His major aim is to counter the chief of LTF in Anna Bhaskaran, who is dictating terms for the rights of Tamils in Sri Lanka.
When Vikram starts his mission, to his surprise he comes to know that a huge conspiracy and third parties are included behind this sensitive civil war. What facts and truths does Vikram find out? how does it affect the Indian government and its VIP’s? and What role does Virkam play in all this forms the rest of the story.
Positive Points :
Firstly, Madras Cafe gives us a brief glimpse into the decades long civil war led by LTTE in the north east regions of Sri Lanka. The film’s true star is its story which builds up to an tragic end.
John Abraham suits the plot perfectly and this character will be his coming of age role. Troubled, angry and helpless John plays it all with intense sincerity.
Nargis Fakhri looks apt as a journalist and does her role exceptionally. Siddharth Basu is a revelation. This senior television quiz master portrays the role of a Indian Chief whip to perfection.
While first half of the movie showcases John’s thrilling mission in Sri Lanka, the second half will blow you away and take you back in time when India lost one of its most charismatic leaders.
Madras Cafe boldly captures the aspects which no Bollywood hasn’t touched before. The film does not support any cause or body but sticks to it plot and makes up for a well crafted gritty thriller.
Negative Points :
Very often you get to see a film where you do not look for entertainment and such is the case of Madras Cafe. The movie has minor flaws which can easily be overlooked. The story takes some time to grow on you and the audience who is unaware of the political scenarios during the 90′s might take some time to adjust to the flow of the film.
A better background score could have elevated the film much more. Those who are looking for regular popcorn entertainment can stay away form this one.
Technical Aspects :
Kamaljeet Negi’s cinematography is brilliant and showcases stunning visuals of violence and grief struck areas in Sri Lanka. There are no songs in the film which makes it a better and breezy watch.
Screenplay by Soojit Sircar is brilliant as it holds you on to your seats right till the end. Madras Cafe does not have any unwanted drama and sticks to whats its sought to intend.
Soojit’s storytelling is brilliant as he narrates the whole film with absolute genuineness. Editing is sleek and showcases scenes in a proper way. The so called drama and exaggeration that Bollywood films are associated with is eliminated in this film.
Final Word :
One the whole, Madras cafe is one of the best Political thrillers Bollywood has ever produced. The realistic drama, sleek narration and the last half an hour of the film will make you edge out of your seats. Very seldom does Bollywood produces such kind of films so don’t dare to miss this one.
