Madras

My review: Madras

Pa.Ranjith's "Madras" after his impressive debut with "Attakathi" reaffirms his potential. There has been numerous movies made with Chennai as the backdrop but rarely one can seen a story on those belonging to the oppressed caste shown with such honesty and conviction as Ranjith has managed with "Madras". The dalit geo-political demographics that is so inherent within the landscapes of the northern parts of the metro has never been so aesthetically portrayed onscreen as far I could remember. What on a superficial viewing could be dismissed as a regular political action movie that happens in Chennai has a terrific underpinning of the lifestyles, culture, mores and psyche of the dalits in general, youth in particular. 

Though Ranjith could have made the movie crisper in the first half and could have had a more plausible and less convenient ending, till "Madras" keeps you glued to the screen all-through. Dialogues are so delightfully earthy which was evident in "Attakathi" as well. Casting is perfect with each and every character after being etched out so neatly are performed excellently too. Everyone of those characters have distinct personality traits that are so very well written. For instance, the character of Johnny is so delightfully fresh, exceedingly well performed by Hari. Anbu is another character that is so real who stands up for the political emancipation of his community who is immensely courageous yet circumspect when he gets to know his life is at stake. Maari is a typical seasoned politician of a smaller party who uses his community people for his own political gain.

Karthi's Kaali is another dimension of the community's educated and well employed youth who after enjoying the fruits of the affirmative action bestowed upon them by the constitution try to dissociate themselves from the community in their endeavor of social mobility. Even their parents at multiple instances hint at him of the same. Movie's female lead Kalaiarasi, well enacted by Catherine Tresa, is a strong headed typical girl from the community who are more independent, more assertive and more courageous than their counterparts in the opposite end of the spectrum. 

Santosh Narayanan's musical score and background score are terrific pillars for the stability of the movie's narrative superstructure.  "Naan nee" is one of the best songs of the year so far, well composed and well rendered. "Aagayam theepidicha" and "Kakitha kappal" are two interestingly sounding numbers. "Madras" will be the anthem of Madras for years to come. Background score is of international standards. Such quality background score back to back after his excellent work in "Jigarthanda" bodes well for the youngster who is fast climbing up the ladder. 

G.Murali's cinematography is excellent in capturing the hitherto unexplored parts of Chennai with gay-abandon. Pa. Ranjith comes across as a writer-director who not merely a story-teller (at which he is excellent) but the one who also gives equal importance to the milieu, culture, mores, customs and lifestyles of the demographic of the settings in which his story happens. That is the most important aspect because its is only socio-cultural setting and its representation that is going to distinguish movies from different parts of the world even if the stories are the same. And if Tamil movies ought to have a distinct identity for themselves these are the ones which are going to aid in that endeavor, not your routine run-of-the-mill stylishly shot commercial potboilers. 

Bottomline: Earthy, real and honest.

4/5