Madras Cafe

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Now a day's one inevitable news is a movie release ban in India for the reason it might create political issues (Vishwaroopam, Thalaivaa and now Madras cafe). I watched this movie in theatre (Abu Dhabi) one day before its release in India. I was so eager after the controversy it has created and doubling my eagerness was the plot which was about Sri Lankan Tamil problem. This movie is a kind of political drama thriller though it has not got its commercial base in the entire film. The movie starts with an as usual note that all characters are in the movie are not referring to any one in personal. But which automatically assures you it's closely based on persons in real life. Basically as we get from the trailers and the news it is about the Sri Lankan Tamil Eelam, LTT, civil wars based on ethnic crisis and assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. The plot is too sensitive so the essence of cinematic elements where very less in the movie and it was more of a documentary type. The story happens in 80's and 90's. In one line it's about a Research and Analysis Wing agent (RAW) grieving for his failed mission and his wife's death. The director's perspective was too raw to be taken by a common man. The movie talks about intercepts, de-coding, code red, intelligence, Power, RAW agents, source, Foreign journalists etc., which is too much off information to be understood by common audience. Sure we have to applaud and appreciate for such a bolder attempt. Definitely casting was good.But I felt John Abraham could have given a better performance in his role. The Lead lady Nargis Fakhri fits picture perfect to her role as a journalist from London, which closely resembles to many BBC war correspondents. Verdict: Overall it is a slow reality cinema and an informative documentary. Bottom line: Not recommended for those who want to watch a cinematic glitzy action thriller like Ektha Tiger. Take it from me this will make you uneasy and test your patience. -Reviewed by Sivakumar Balachandran (bsiva84@gmail.com)