Madras Matinee

Wonderful story telling one of the best feel good drama that made me cry, so relatable and natural, Kaali Venkat eyes reflects everything a common man feels yet subtle expression makes it more real, shelly George lived like every mother, what an artist, something has to be said for the dog brownie, a character truly lived as a local hero, Sathyaraj Sir way of storytelling is a lesson to all directors out there, detailing of events, character description what a marvelous writing by director, need more films like this, if this was released in Hollywood it would have been a classic,As a 90's kid this is like my life, Masterpiece! Should be celebrated out and out.

Relatable for the middle class audience. Great acting and execution by everyone involved in the movie. Well made! Especially Kaali Venkat, Roshni and Sathya Raj's dialogue delivery was cherry on the top. One of the best family oriented movie in 2025, in Tamil cinema industry. The perfect way of storytelling such story is that, not over glorifying any type characters. Be it parents, children and any relationship of the family. That's what perfectly done by the director. Nothing fancy nor greatful to point at. Simple and elegant making of cinema. This movie casting was on point in each & every role and they delivered it wonderfully. Overall, "Perfect for middle class audience"

Madras Matinee (Feel Good , Family)

A Feel good middle class family movie , the story revolves around each and everyone's bond (father - son,father - daughter etc ). Narration was excellent, music feels like heaven, a father oriented movie , screenplay was good but slow , some lag will be there but it won't affect the flow of story, this movie talks about struggles of the parents, some politics, problems of unmarried women, the role of a pet in your family. Every character has a unique problem and this story moves in the way that they are adapting to it but that adaptation will tell you the actual story. If your family is behind you , anything would be solved.

In our small world, we, the middle class people, have our own set of adventures, from making ends meet, educating the kids, marrying them off (say no to dowry), celebrating festivals in a way that meets some elusive societal standards, taking care of parents, repaying loans and paying premiums while saving our face and reputation. It is full of drama, romance, action, comedy, all in one.

Madras Matinee does justice in capturing this essence, it wasn't a movie; more like a documentary with Sathyaraj's commentary in the background, with several impactful narrations.

The casting was on point, with no overwhelming, dramatic music, just the monotonous lull of routine.

It was grossly interrupted by uninspiring humor, the only negative I could find in this True Story.

The father: the pain he feels when he is disrespected by his children, the fear of failing in front of them, the sense of worthlessness he carries like a cross throughout his life, admits to not have received any guidance but the only genuine constant is the responsibility he feels for the happiness of his family, his children. His joy in learning to ride a car, because it was a novelty, the first time he decided when to accelerate and when to press brake and could finally steer his own path. Probably a moment of self-discovery for a man who never knew what pleasure feels like. Painfully ignorant of the silent reputation he has earned through his simple living. "Amaidiya irundha awkward aiduvaru"

The mother: Sensible, companion and confidant to her kids, finding happiness in the myriad household chores, the backbone that supports the so-called man of the house, hiding her own sorrows and desires and drinking it up with her timely tea. Panam irundha podhuma, pasamum venum nu purinjavanga.

The elder daughter: Shouldering responsibility, accepting all turmoils with a steely determination, repressed and oppressed and fighting for a voice without probably realising she was bullied, fighting for her freedom, wanting to take flight but tentative on her tender wings, wanting to change her life's trajectory while battling her loyalty to her parents's values. Amul baby um, judgemental aunties um vendam nu oru mudivu.

The younger brother: Quick to anger, quick to judge, quick to feel and quick to let go. He needs his sibling's counsel and shoulder, exploring adolescent infatuation and declaring, "Coimbatore lam boring, Chennai dhan Mass" Ellathayum vedukkunnu seiyaradhu. He probably knows, roshathoda vaazha kaasu mukkiyam illa.

Their choicelessness, hence resolve, as they take on the next day as if nobody died (RIP Brownie) the previous night.

Some Gems: Final rites are the celebration of the life that they lived.

Na summandha en uyir ippo enna sumakkudhu Petrol (kuppai) vasanai varakudathunu kulichuttu varadhu.

Evlo panninanalum edho oru kora vachitta mathiri irukum.

Tamil ah bhagawan dhan kaapathanum

Conclusion: Definitely heavy hearted and teary eyed, with the realization that the more we notice the ones below us in the rungs of societal privileges, the more grateful we can be, yet we look at what we don't have so our next generation can access those too. (adutha thalaimurai aadhu thala thookanum).

Middle Class Makkal oda manasila irukra bayam, vidhikka pattadha, vidhaikka pattadha nu oru kelvi.

The theatre was silent throughout, except for the sniffles and sobs and cheers only in the end, remembering their childhood lost to the inevitable Ethir Neechal.

You will know the movie had you by your heartstrings if you went home and mustered the courage to have an open conversation with your family.

Kudos to director Karthikeyan Mani for crafting a film that finally gives the middle-class father the honour he truly deserves. Madras Matinee is not just a feel-good film - it's a deeply emotional, beautifully narrated slice of life that resonates with anyone who's grown up watching their dad quietly carry the weight of the world.

The characterization and casting are pitch-perfect. The narration, handled masterfully by Sathyaraj, adds a unique flavour - who would have thought to cast a fun master like him to guide a melodrama? And yet, it works so well, blending gravitas with warmth in a way only he can.

Kali Venkat is the soul of this film. His portrayal of Kannan is so honest, so grounded, that it brought back memories of my own dad - and those of my friends and schoolmates. It reminds me of what Sudha Kongara once said about him: he brings his own unique touch to every role. And here, that touch is unforgettable. You don't just watch him; you feel him.

Roshini is brilliant as the daughter who sees through her parents' quiet struggles - her performance is layered and mature. Vishva brings honesty to his role, while Archana delivers a character that's both cringe and crucial. Ramar, as the trustworthy politician, and Kannan's circle of friends add great depth and relatability.

More power to director Karthikeyan Mani - this film sets the tone for what's possible when we tell stories that matter. Can't wait to see what he brings us next.