I happened to watch Madras cafe a day after watching Chennai Express. Both the movies are as different as chalk and cheese.
Madras cafe sure goes to show the coming of age of bollywood. Right at the beginning the movie reminded me of "hotel Rwanda" but it was not as gruesome. Guns and violence was handled with care.
Madras cafe is a fast paced, no nonsense political thriller depicting Srilakan ethnic strife and Indian Governments inglorious entanglement in the same. Though the movie has the disclaimer of " a work of fiction" it is a no brainier to figure out that the back drop of the movie is all about the Srilankan LTTE issue leading to the assassination of the then Indian Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi.
The movie begins with Bikram Singh ( played by co-producer John Abraham) a special officer from Army deputed to RAW to support the covert operation in Jaffna after the Indian peace keeping forces are forced to withdraw.
Bikram runs into Jaya ( Nargis Fakhri) a passionate journalist trying her best to get to the truth behind the civil war. There are significant exchange of information that takes place which helps Vikram in his mission. Bikram works relentlessly to break into the LTE network.He keeps his pursuit on amidst conspiracy, unassuming enemy and personal tragedy.
If you have watched Sarcar's rom com Vicky Donor, you already have a taste of his narration abilities. Madras Cafe also has a solid script which holds on to the characters beautifully. Absence of song & dance was a refreshing change. ( especially after Chennai express )
John Abraham, though a bit wooden, fitted the role quite well. He didn't have to do much in the acting department but just look his Macho self and handle the guns. Which he did full justice to. Nargis Fakhri did her bit. Absence of a romantic loop between the two helps is keeping the movie focused to its theme.
Cinematography is very good and will keep you captivated.
Verdict :- 8/10. One of the best Bollywood political thrillers so far. Do not bother watching this movie if you expect the typical Bollywood melodrama and masala.
