Last updated: 24 Apr 2026
Tamil · Action, Drama
2h 36m · 26 Sept 2014
Music: Santhosh Narayanan | DOP: G. Murali | Writer: Pa. Ranjith
Ratings
Our Rating
3.5
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
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.
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Our Rating
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| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 75% |
| Neutral | 15% |
| Negative | 10% |
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
Madras released on 26 September 2014 (2014).
Madras is declared a SUPER HIT at the box office.
Madras OTT release date not announced yet.
Madras directed by Pa. Ranjith. Produced by S. R. Prakashbabu, S. R. Prabu, K. E. Gnanavelraja.
Madras stars Karthi, Catherine Tresa, Kalaiyarasan, Riythvika, V. I. S. Jayapalan.
Tollybo rates Madras 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT.
Music for Madras composed by Santhosh Narayanan.
Madras — Genre: Action, Drama, Runtime: 156 minutes, Language: Tamil.
