Madras Cafe – Movie Review

by Padmaja Iyengar-Paddy



To the uninformed younger generation of today, Unaware of what beneath the Sri Lankan Tamil issue lay, Madras Cafe provides an unbiased yet limited view Of Sri Lanka’s handling of its Tamils’ ethnic issue, Of (perhaps) India’s first political involvement beyond its shores, When to Sri Lanka, it sent the Indian Peace Keeping Force. For India, it proved to be a costly offshore political assignation, That resulted in LTTE plotting an Indian ex-PM’s assassination Through a successful first ever human bomb Triggered by the carrier with great aplomb! Madras Cafe tells a fictional political spy thriller story, That’s presented to the viewer without visuals too gory About a R & AW Agent Vikram’s covert operation In Sri Lanka to destabilize LTF’s power equation. Vikram’s Sri Lanka covert mission and brief go for a toss, As a bigger plot unfolds before him that goes on to cause Huge casualties, mayhem and also his own personal loss - A sinister plot that reveals the involvement of the local boss! John Abraham as Major Vikram Singh has essayed a subdued role, That required his acting to be infused with great maturity and soul. Nargis Fakhri shines as the helpful British War correspondent, As her role has been etched out with subtle nuances excellent. Siddharth Basu as the committed R & AW Chief, Has efficiently executed director Sircar’s brief. Prakash Belawadi as the Indian R & AW’s Sri Lanka head, Debutante Rashi Khanna as Vikram’s wife who’s soon dead, And the characters of militants, bureaucrats and agents Are all played out with restraint and histrionic brilliance. Director Shoojit Sircar’s risky tight rope walk To stay true to recent geopolitical history Served as a fictional thriller and spy story, Has succeeded as he has deftly walked the talk! The film’s writers Shubendu Bhattacharya and Somnath Dey Have come up with a fictional yet realistic account all the way, Of what might have caused an Indian political leader’s elimination Through a sensational and secret first ever human bomb mission! Madras Cafe presents a sensitive slice of politico-social history, Of an ethnic strife and civil war in which none can claim victory. The film, from the beginning till the end Remains focussed and does not depend On songs, item dance or any other digression; A taut script ensures its cinematic progression. Madras Cafe is a must-watch for the serious movie buff, As it stamps the director’s superiority on a terrain tough. Here is a movie without any frills; Yet it offers the viewers all the thrills.

26-Aug-2013

More By : Padmaja Iyengar-Paddy

Views: 1608 Comments: 7

Comments on this Poem

Barfi and Vishwarupam I have read. But I didn't like those films. Perhaps, I am too old for Ranbir and too young for our aging Kamal. I could only appreciate your poetry. You seem to be founding a new genre a review writing - review in poetry. And, WOW, you already have the glittering stars of Mumbai and Chennai smiling at you. Cheers! Keep it up please. Your mail hasn't reached me. Kindly check if you spelt my id right - madathil@gmail.com Thanks.

madathilnair
05-Sep-2013 08:13 AM

Thanks you Nairji for liking this poem. Yes, the movie is very well made. Elsewhere on this forum I've also posted reviews of Barfi, Talaash, Vishwaroopam - my style. Have sent you a mail.

padmajanomics
05-Sep-2013 06:30 AM

Namaste Padmaja-ji.

I haven't seen the movie yet. But, your poetry is superb, particularly your penchant for rhyme. I subscribed to your page on boloji in order that I get instant news of all your postings there but it seems to have not worked. I, therefore, missed this poem and knew about it only when you commented on a Kingshuk four-liner. Would you mind sharing your e-mail id with me? Please send it to madathil@gmail.com. Thanks and regards.

Madathil Rajendran Nair

madathilnair
05-Sep-2013 03:27 AM

Thanks Kingshuk. Yes, the movie is a must watch. In fact this review was retweeted by the Director Shoojit Sircar. Also received mails from John Abraham and Siddhartha Basu commending and appreciating this movie review poem :-))

Padmaja Iyengar
04-Sep-2013 00:46 AM

Very nice, Padmaja...............Heard about this movie and now after reading your review, felt I must watch.

kingshuk
03-Sep-2013 23:07 PM

Thanks Travel & Escapes :-)

Padmaja Iyengar
30-Aug-2013 07:28 AM

Simply superb...

Travel & Escapes
27-Aug-2013 08:36 AM