Madras Matinee Movie Review

The movie is described online as “A sci-fi writer tries to write the story of a common man.” Normally, such framing devices feel like filler, but here it turns out to be one of the highlights — thanks to the clever writing and Satyaraj’s performance. Satyaraj serves as the narrator of the core story, chiming in with humorous and insightful commentary that both entertains and supports the narrative, much like a witty Morgan Freeman. These dialogues become a major strength of the film.

At its core, the movie is a feel-good family drama that thoughtfully explores the perspectives of different family members. Refreshingly, it doesn’t lean heavily into romantic subplots, which often feel forced in similar films. Instead, it offers a grounded and believable alternative, maintaining the story’s focus.

The soundtrack is simple but well-crafted. Visually, the film boasts aesthetic shots with no apparent compromises in quality. The mostly new cast performs admirably, with each supporting character contributing meaningfully to the fun. The first half is particularly engaging, leaving viewers curious about how the second half will unfold. While the second half starts a bit slow, it ultimately delivers.

One standout moment involves an injustice done to a dog. A typically timid character responds with genuine grief and repeated apologies — not for their own mistake, but on behalf of human negligence. It’s a beautiful and touching scene.

The same character later begins delivering food to support the family and casually mentions, “I also started learning programming.” This line lands especially well in the context of real-world debates about whether young people should pursue vocational work or higher education — a subtle nod to current social commentary.

Interestingly, the movie’s meta-logline also mirrors reality, as the director is himself a tech CEO. The film even tips its hat to the phrase, “There’s an app for that.”

Overall, it’s a well-made, enjoyable film that’s worth watching in theaters.