Ranjith's North Chennai portrait is vivid and grounded, if a stretch too long.
Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Madras is largely positive, with reviewers commending director Pa. Ranjith's realistic portrayal of North Chennai life and his skill in drawing strong performances from the cast. Several critics highlighted the film's grounded depiction of social reality and its authentic atmosphere as standout qualities. The most consistent criticism, raised by Behindwoods, was that the film runs long and drifts into predictable territory in its later sections. Overall, critics positioned it as a strong entry in Tamil realistic commercial cinema.
2 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 8 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Film review ·
Watch it for Karthi's comeback performance that'll surely have you cheering for him. Also, do watch it for exceptional performances and good music all packed in Pa. Ranjith's terrific film. This is one of the best films of this year!
Film review ·
The story and the settings are realistic. The North Chennai atmosphere can be felt instantly in the film. The action quotient is high in the film and the pre-interval segment is brilliant.
Film review ·
The film is a wholesome entertainer with some minor arguable moments, Ranjith has yet again pulled off a blockbuster in reckoning. Verdict: Walk in to get a hovering feeling of North Madras
Film review ·
Madras successfully follows the path of realistic commercial genre in Tamil cinema. Madras strongly showcases the calibre of director Pa.Ranjith and his entire team. So, if you are the kind that likes the genre of movies such as Polladhavan and Aadukalam, Madras will be the right one for you. Go check it out.
Film review ·
Madras is good cinema. Hats off to Ranjith for his detailing in script and presentation and the way he has extracted spellbinding performances from his cast. Go for this one, its worth your time and money!
Film review ·
Madras, though on the longer side and venturing into predictable territory beyond a point, stands out for the presentation, the characterizations, the performances and for the unflinching direction efforts of Ranjith.
Film review ·
For most of us it's just a wall – For some it's an identity. When the fight for identity breaks out from the confinements of individual desires, there can't be neutrals. 'Madras' is a uniquely presented tale of a neutral person who is forced to take a side, presented in a natural yet impactful style!
Film review ·
Rarely does one gets to see a Tamil film that reflects the social reality so closely and sketching a detailed account of life that the middle and the upper middle class know little about. Full marks to Pa. Ranjith for that.
Credits
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