Madras Matinee

A beautiful movie well crafted by the director with excellent performances by almost everyone especially Kaali Venkat, who deserves an award.

That one scene where he comes home drunk exposes his awesome talent.

The short scene between the sister and brother later in the film was very poetic.

All middle class persons would relate to this story. The typical struggle of a middle class father is very well brought out.

Very simple narrative with subtle humour and touching scenes.

Kudos to the director, cast and crew for this wonderful experience.

Movie should have got the recognition like Tourist family. Very unfortunate that it did not get it.

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.

Madras Matinee is one of the most sensible and meaningful films I've watched in recent times. It doesn't try to be flashy or loud - instead, it quietly unfolds a deeply relatable story about everyday people whose sacrifices often go unnoticed.

This isn't a film about imaginary heroes - it's about the real, unsung heroes in every family. At some point in every generation, there's a couple who silently shoulders the burden so the next generation can live a better life. Madras Matinee beautifully captures that journey - their struggles, resilience, and emotional strength - with authenticity and depth.

Yes, the pace is slow in the beginning, but that's also what gives it weight. It allows the characters and their circumstances to settle into you. The performances are honest, the storytelling is rooted, and the direction shows restraint - something rare these days.

Kudos to the director, producer, and the entire cast and crew for bringing this story to life with such sincerity. Their collective effort shines through in every frame - from the subtle acting to the emotional nuance, from the visuals to the music.

This is a film that stays with you. A must-watch for anyone who values grounded cinema that finds meaning in the seemingly mundane.

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.

Mr. Karthikeyan Mani subtly weaved the monotony of an ordinary man's life in such a way that it never felt dull, keeping us engaged for over two hours.

Apparently, this is his directorial debut. I heard he had earlier made a short film.

But after watching this movie, one can confidently say - he has clearly been in the workshop for years.

Kali Venkat delivers a career-defining performance as "Kannan", while Sathyaraj, despite limited screen time, makes a strong impact as the narrator.

Romance, economy, politics - everything is portrayed with maximum realism, without trying to sugarcoat the inherent messiness of those aspects.

That makes way for naturally humorous moments, causing the OTT viewer to smile every now and then without even realizing the passage of time or setting.

Supporting actors like George Maryan, Sunil Sukhada, and Shelly Kishore are excellent, and even the newcomers perform with surprising maturity - no false notes or ego.

There's even a dog with a performance so convincing, it feels like it got a paycheck!

Writer-director Karthikeyan smartly anticipates cringe moments and flips them on their head, even gently mocking the overuse of the term "cringe."

No unnecessary songs, no forced drama - just honest storytelling with heart.

A slight lag towards the end, but by then, the film has already earned your patience.