Sri Lankan war brought back to life MADRAS CAFÉ (7/10)
BACKGROUND
MADRAS Café will definitely go down as one of the most controversial movies of the year. It was produced by actor John Abraham and directed by Shoojit Sircar of Vicky Donor fame. The movie has been banned in some parts of India and the UK for fear of upheaval after Tamils claimed that it portrayed them negatively. They were also angered by how former Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination was depicted. STORY during the turbulent Sri Lankan civil war, the movie traces an operation headed by an Indian intelligence officer named Vikram (Abraham). He is caught in a world of betrayal, power, greed and a major conspiracy to assassinate a former president. Vikram investigates and tries to broker a peace deal with the aid of a war journalist, Maya (Nargis Fakhri). PERFORMANCES
GONE are the days when Abraham was only appreciated for his hunky looks and chiselled body. As a producer, he has taken a gamble with this hard-hitting movie after being daringly different with Vicky Donor. After Shootout at Wadala earlier this year, he offers another terrific performance as he challenges himself as an actor — with great results. Fakhri, who made her debut in Rockstar, is solid in her role and shows remarkable growth as an actress. The supporting cast is equally commendable. DIRECTION
MAKING a movie that reflects realistic political tensions must have been a difficult experience for Abraham and Sircar. Madras Café is a strong movie that showcases some of the harsh realities that claimed innocent civilian lives. Sircar directs the movie confidently and delivers a compelling, intense yet disturbing thriller that sometimes can be a little confusing. OVERALL
MADRAS Café is a sensitive slice of life that tries to be as neutral as possible without highlighting any winners. Despite its flaws, the movie is a brave effort that showcases some of the events that changed India’s political landscape.