Madras

"Madras" is a 2014 Tamil political action drama written and directed by Pa. Ranjith. The film features Karthi, Catherine Tresa, Kalaiyarasan, and Charles Vinoth. The movie is based in North Chennai and revolves around a youth whose life takes a turn for the worse after he and his friend are caught up in a bloody political rivalry over a controversial wall.

Kaali (Karthi) is an IT worker from Vyasarpadi who spends his free time playing football with his best friend, Anbu (Kalaiyarasan), an aspiring politician. In their neighbourhood, two political factions fight over a wall that holds a late leader’s portrait. Anbu, aligned with Maari’s side, wants to reclaim the wall for their party, angering rival leader Kannan, whose father’s image has remained there for years. Havoc ensues as three deaths related to the wall give it a bad name. Kaali stands by Anbu, and when Kannan's henchmen abuse him, Kaali gets back at them, and there begins a chain of violence. During the melee, Kaali gets infatuated with Kalaiarasi (Catherine Tresa), the daughter of a politician, who later reciprocates his feelings.

Things become worse when Kannan's men try to assassinate Kaali and Anbu. During a fight to defend himself, Kaali murders Kannan's son, Perumal (mime Gopi). Anbu is then killed outside the court, leaving Kaali badly hurt and guilty. Later on, Kaali finds out that Maari, Anbu's own party head, was involved in secret in the killing for politics. Kaali reveals Maari to the public at an event, tarnishing his image. Kaali also kills Maari in a final meeting. Kaali and Kalaiarasi begin anew, using the controversial wall as a metaphor for the education of children, though Kannan still wishes it for political purposes.

"Madras" is a gritty, emotional, and socially conscious film. Pa. Ranjith gives a realistic account of the political environment that's prevalent in North Chennai. Karthi gives a good performance supported by a decent cast. The film meshes together friendship, treachery, and justice with reality and sentimentality.