Madras Cafe (2013)

While the story is splendid, and plot is solid but some major actor (John Abraham(a model after all) slipped up in acting at many points simply reading straight from scripts at times. The story could hit you, the conspiracy might seem suspenseful but... it was all so obvious from the beginning. I feel that the director mistakes in showing that side of story that should've been hidden till the end.. and should come up hitting you straight on your face "shit john knew everything and it's just the lack of political assistance that led to the death of Sri Lankan prime minister bla bla". Back stabbers, double crosses, political corruption, the movie has it all, just not present the right way. ANd that steals the points. Nargis Fakhri as always looks beautiful, John Abraham handsome, but it's a movie and not a fashion show so no browniee points for that. OK plus 1 for Nargis. One time watch (if you can stand mediocre acting and directing)

An intense film. Very well directed and edited. It brings back memories of the terror and fear that was...Mr. John Abraham, you have excelled in your role. Your character came out as humane and everyday, an agent trying his best to do his job without any overtly patriotic fervor (read Prakash Jha's total lop-sided, misdirected, and failed Satyagraha - I hope everyone has bought India Gate basmati rice!!). The patriotism came out in the professionalism shown by the character in times of duress. Sometimes, I was almost reminded of Alec Leamas from Le-Carre's The Spy Who Came in From the Cold. John's character displays similar fortitude and perhaps an amount of duty-bound resignation after his wife is killed. He continues on the only path he knows, i.e. to finish the work at hand. Kudos to Shoojit Sircar for his excellent documentary-style film-making and superb editing. The locales and shots were perfect for the film and generated the right mood. Most importantly, the film effectively recreated the tension and horror of the civil wars and showed us Indians how precarious our position is in SE Asia with the vultures constantly circling in for the kill. Yet, in spite of it all, there are those among us who will do their duty and protect our nation. This film, I think, like Rang De Basanti and Sarfarosh has set a new landmark in movie-making and giving a message.

This is one of the few documentaries movies made India. All the credit goes to the director and producer (john himself) for bringing out wonderful movie, we are not sure about the facts as many have criticized saying that all the views were not expressed..But lets leave those apart and try to see how the things have happened during those crunch times. John has to be credited more for choosing such a subject to produce and act in it. His career took another turn after this movie. Truly now everyone takes him seriously rather than earlier times. soorjit right from his first movie..than came Vicky donor(unconventional subject for Indian market but it worked wonders) This is the first documentary which reminded me of Green zone, hurt locker experience while watching..Nargis (super accent to start with)if she had debuted with this movie in Bollywood it would have been the best decision nevertheless awesome movie, superb performance and shot extremely well.

Madras Cafe has left me SPEECHLES,its one of best thrillers made in India.A spy thriller thats at the level with a film like Argo.Madras Cafe is based on the Rajiv Gandhi assassination the film highlights the civil war in Sri Lanka in the 90s.The film explains the Tamil conflict and why and how the ex pm was murdered. Madras Cafe is a film with supreme performances, John A gives a career best performance he is just superb in every scene. Nargis Falhri surprises and does a great job.Siddarth Basu and Dibang also stand tall and surprise because they are newcomers, amazing job by both.But the real hero of Madras Cafe is the script and dir Shoojit Scrar .He after Vicky Donor gives his career best with MC.Award worthy job!!!Another special mention to the Madras Cafe climax it leaves you in awe,one is left speechless/ in tears and one is frustrated with Indian Gov. But overall Madras Cafe is a realistic film,with no commerical trappings,no songs,etc.A gritty action thriller,with amazing acting. A perfect film for the class audience around the film, a must watch for all Indians!!!