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Madrasapattinam is a Tamil period drama film directed by A. L. Vijay. The movie was released on July 9, 2010. It is a love story set in the pre-independence era, blending history with fiction. The film stars Arya and Amy Jackson in the lead roles, with a strong supporting cast that adds depth to the storytelling. The film transports audiences to British-ruled India, particularly to the city of Madras (now Chennai), showcasing its beauty, culture, and struggles during that time.
With a mix of romance, drama, and historical elements, Madrasapattinam appeals to those who love emotional storytelling combined with stunning visuals. The film’s music by G. V. Prakash Kumar became a huge hit, adding to its charm. In this review, let’s dive deep into the story, performances, technical aspects, and box office details of this remarkable movie.
2. Plot Summary
The story revolves around Parithi (played by Arya), a young Indian man living in Madras during the British rule, and Amy Wilkinson (played by Amy Jackson), the daughter of the British Governor. Amy arrives in Madras with her father, but she soon finds herself drawn to the local culture and people. Despite their vast differences in background and societal status, Amy and Parithi fall in love.
However, their love story is not easy. They face numerous challenges from British authorities and Indian rebels. The movie beautifully captures their struggles, making the audience emotionally invested in their journey. The film takes us back and forth between the past and the present, as an elderly Amy returns to Chennai in search of her lost love. What happens to Parithi and Amy forms the core of this gripping tale.
3. What’s Good?
1. Acting Performances
- Arya delivers a powerful performance as Parithi. His role as a brave and kind-hearted dhobi (washerman) is heartfelt and convincing.
- Amy Jackson, in her debut role, impresses with her expressions and innocence, despite being new to Tamil cinema.
- Supporting actors like Nassar, Cochin Haneefa, and Alexx O’Nell add depth to the narrative.
2. Direction and Screenplay
- Director A. L. Vijay creates a visually rich and emotionally touching story. His storytelling makes the audience feel the depth of the characters and the period setting.
- The screenplay is well-paced, ensuring that both romance and historical elements are balanced.
3. Cinematography and Visuals
- Nirav Shah’s cinematography is stunning. The re-creation of 1940s Madras is breathtaking, making the audience feel transported back in time.
- Every frame is rich with historical accuracy, from costumes to sets.
4. Music and Background Score
- G. V. Prakash Kumar’s music is one of the strongest aspects of the film. Songs like Pookal Pookum Tharunam and Vaama Duraiyamma stay with the audience.
- The background score enhances the emotions in crucial scenes, making the film more engaging.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Brilliant storytelling: The film’s emotional depth makes it more than just a love story.
- Authentic period setting: The makers put great effort into recreating the 1940s atmosphere.
- Strong performances: Arya and Amy Jackson’s chemistry is captivating.
- Music: The soulful songs make the film even more memorable.
Weaknesses
- Pacing issues: Some portions of the film, especially in the second half, feel slightly stretched.
- Predictable storyline: While the film is emotional, the basic plot follows a familiar path seen in many romantic dramas.
- Some historical inaccuracies: A few elements in the film are dramatized for cinematic effect.
5. Target Audience
This movie will appeal to:
- Romance lovers who enjoy emotional love stories.
- History buffs interested in pre-independence India.
- Family audiences looking for a well-made film with rich storytelling.
- Music lovers who enjoy melodious and soulful songs.
6. Box Office Details
| Budget | Worldwide Box Office Collection | India Collection (First 5 Days) | Overseas Collection (First 5 Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₹15 Crore | ₹35 Crore | ₹4 Crore (Day 1) ₹3.8 Crore (Day 2) ₹3.5 Crore (Day 3) ₹3.2 Crore (Day 4) ₹3 Crore (Day 5) | ₹2.5 Crore (Day 1) ₹2.2 Crore (Day 2) ₹2 Crore (Day 3) ₹1.8 Crore (Day 4) ₹1.5 Crore (Day 5) |
- Madrasapattinam was a commercial success, earning more than double its budget.
- The film performed well both domestically and overseas, especially in areas with Tamil-speaking audiences.
- The strong word-of-mouth reviews helped the movie sustain a steady collection even after the first week.
7. Recommendation
Madrasapattinam is a well-crafted period drama that offers a blend of history, romance, and emotion. The film is visually stunning, with brilliant performances and melodious music. While it has minor flaws, the overall experience makes it a must-watch for fans of romantic dramas and historical films. If you love movies that make you feel nostalgic and emotionally connected, this film is definitely worth watching!
Genres:
Drama, History, Romance
Rating:
7/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Arya | Elam Parithi |
| Amy Jackson | Amy Wilkinson |
| Nassar | Ayyakanu |
| Cochin Haneefa | Nambi |
| Carole Trungmar | Aged Amy Wilkinson |
| Alexx O’Nell | Robert Ellis |
| M. S. Bhaskar | |
| Lisa Lazarus | Catherine (Amy’s Grand Daughter) |
| Bala Singh | Villager |
| Elango Kumaravel | |
| Omar Lateef | Kabir |
| M.R. Kishore Kumar | Telugu Renga |
| N.L. Srinivasan | Karna |
| Sathish | Pacha |
| Leema Babu | Selvi |
| Balaji Venugopal | Veerasekhara Murali |
| Lollu Sabha Jeeva | Murali’s assistant |
| Sampath Ram | Anbazhagan |
| George Mariyan | English Teacher |
| Loveday Smith | George’s wife |
| Appukutty | Kaali |
| Jayakumar | Nambi’s grandson |
| Ajayan Bala | Chennai Central Station Master |
| Mike Parish | The Reverend M. Smith |
| Neelu Nasreen | |
| T.M. Karthik | Painter (uncredited) |
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