Madras (2014) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 24 Apr 2026
Madras (2014) Review
A review of Madras (2014) (Tamil action, drama), directed by Pa. Ranjith. Starring Karthi, Catherine Tresa, Kalaiyarasan. A portrayal of the lives of the people living in North Madras, focusing on the politics inside the slums and how their plight remains the same, despite the political class luring them constantly during elections. Our Rating: 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT. Released: 26 Sept 2014. Runtime: 2h 36m.
Madras(2014)
Tamil · Action, Drama
2h 36m · 26 Sept 2014
Music: Santhosh Narayanan | DOP: G. Murali | Writer: Pa. Ranjith
Ratings
Our Rating
3.5
📖 Story
Madras is a gritty political drama set in the backdrop of North Chennai, revolving around the life of Kaali, a young man deeply attached to his locality and its communal identity. The story explores the tensions between two political factions vying for control over a wall in their neighborhood, which becomes a symbol of power and pride. As Kaali gets entangled in the escalating conflict, the film delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and the socio-political landscape of urban Tamil Nadu.
Madras stands out for its authentic portrayal of North Chennai's socio-political environment, blending raw storytelling with a strong emotional core. The screenplay by Pa. Ranjith is tightly woven, capturing the nuances of local politics and personal relationships without losing momentum. The pacing is deliberate, with the first half establishing characters and setting the tone, while the second half intensifies the conflict, leading to a gripping climax.
The film's music by Santhosh Narayanan complements the narrative effectively, with songs that resonate with the film's mood and a background score that heightens the tension during key moments. Cinematography by G. Murali adds to the immersive experience by capturing the gritty textures of the locale. Overall, Madras balances its political themes with human drama, making it a compelling watch.
Karthi: Delivering one of his career-best performances, Karthi embodies Kaali with intensity and vulnerability, perfectly capturing the character's emotional depth.
Catherine Tresa: Provides a subtle and grounded performance as the female lead, complementing the film's realistic tone.
Kalaiyarasan: Stands out with a powerful portrayal of a politically charged antagonist, adding layers to the conflict.
Riythvika: Offers a strong supporting role, bringing authenticity to the narrative.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Authentic depiction of North Chennai's socio-political milieu
- ✓Strong performances, especially by Karthi and Kalaiyarasan
- ✓Tight and engaging screenplay
- ✓Effective use of music and background score to enhance mood
- ✓Realistic cinematography capturing the rawness of the locale
Weaknesses
- ✕Some viewers may find the pacing slow in the first half
- ✕Limited commercial elements which might affect mass appeal
🎬 Direction & Writing
Pa. Ranjith's direction is assured and nuanced, successfully blending political commentary with personal drama. His writing is sharp and rooted in realism, avoiding clichés and delivering a fresh narrative perspective on urban politics.
📰 Ratings Sources
No rating sources available.
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 75% |
| Neutral | 15% |
| Negative | 10% |
Critics
Critics widely praised Madras for its authentic storytelling, strong performances, and technical finesse. The film was noted for its bold narrative and realistic portrayal of political conflicts in Chennai. It received acclaim for its screenplay and direction, with particular appreciation for Karthi's performance and Santhosh Narayanan's music.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Madras release in theatres?▾
Madras released on 26 September 2014 (2014).
Is Madras a hit or flop?▾
Madras is declared a SUPER HIT at the box office.
Where to watch Madras online? OTT release date?▾
Madras OTT release date not announced yet.
Who directed Madras?▾
Madras directed by Pa. Ranjith. Produced by S. R. Prakashbabu, S. R. Prabu, K. E. Gnanavelraja.
Who are the main cast members of Madras?▾
Madras stars Karthi, Catherine Tresa, Kalaiyarasan, Riythvika, V. I. S. Jayapalan.
What is the Tollybo rating for Madras?▾
Tollybo rates Madras 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT.
Who composed the music for Madras?▾
Music for Madras composed by Santhosh Narayanan.
What is the genre and runtime of Madras?▾
Madras — Genre: Action, Drama, Runtime: 156 minutes, Language: Tamil.