Madras Matinee

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.

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.

Must watch movie I couldn't stop myself from crying.

Relatable to all middle class people. Sacrifices of dad and mom only to make kids happy and future safe was well narrated.

"Kadasiya ellarum senthu Enna saptom by enaku neyabaga ill" touched me hard.

I felt bad for not remembering my last meal with my family.

No big starts, no songs, no action fights yet a masterpiece

Detailing in movie is perfect .

Must watch movie I couldn't stop myself from crying.

Relatable to all middle class people. Sacrifices of dad and mom only to make kids happy and future safe was well narrated.

"Kadasiya ellarum senthu Enna saptom by enaku neyabaga ill" touched me hard.

I felt bad for not remembering my last meal with my family.

No big starts, no songs, no action fights yet a masterpiece

Detailing in movie is perfect .

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.

Right from the first couple of frames and minutes, it was clear that the makers of Madras Marnie are knowledgeable and confident about their craft. The narrative idea is unique, and utilising Sathyaraj was a fantastic choice that added immense value, gravitas, and cinematic appeal to the film.

The movie stays true to its realistic storyline and presents it practically and positively without unnecessary cinematic exaggeration. The direction, characterisation, and performances were commendable. Even the junior artists have delivered their parts sincerely, making the movie rooted and authentic.

Special kudos to Kali Venkat and his son for their heartwarming performances.

Overall, Madras Marnie is a highly recommended watch for its meaningful storytelling, brilliant casting choices, and grounded execution.