Madras Café
Indian spy thriller on political conflicts

About Madras Café
Released: 2013
Platform: Netflix
Rating: TV-MA
Run time: 2h 8m
Cast
John Abraham, Nargis Fakhri, Raashi Khanna, Avijit Dutt, Prakash Belawadi, Ajay Ratnam, Siddartha Basu, Agnello Dias, Dibang
About Madras Café
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About
Madras Café is a 2013 Indian political espionage drama film directed by Shoojit Sircar. The film stars John Abraham, Nargis Fakhri, and Rashi Khanna in lead roles. It is set in the late 1980s and early 1990s during the Sri Lankan civil war and the Indian intervention in the conflict.
The plot follows an Indian Intelligence agent, played by John Abraham, who is sent on a covert mission to Jaffna in Sri Lanka to carry out intelligence operations against the rebel groups. As he delves deeper into the situation, he uncovers a larger conspiracy that could endanger the lives of countless people.
The film combines elements of action, thriller, and political drama to create a gripping narrative that explores themes of geopolitics, war, and espionage. It received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of events and its thought-provoking storyline.
Making / Production
Madras Café was produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures and JA Entertainment. The film was shot on location in various parts of India as well as Sri Lanka. Director Shoojit Sircar and his team meticulously researched the Sri Lankan civil war and Indian involvement to ensure the authenticity of the story.
The film's production design and cinematography were praised for their attention to detail and immersive visual style. The action sequences were choreographed by renowned action directors to enhance the realism and intensity of the film.
Actors
- John Abraham as Vikram Singh
- Nargis Fakhri as Jaya Sahni
- Rashi Khanna as Ruby Singh
John Abraham portrays the role of Vikram Singh, an Indian Intelligence agent. He delivers a captivating performance as a determined operative torn between loyalty and duty.
Nargis Fakhri plays the character of Jaya Sahni, a journalist who becomes entangled in the espionage operations. She brings vulnerability and strength to her role.
Rashi Khanna appears as Ruby Singh, the wife of Vikram Singh. She showcases the complexities of a woman married to a secretive and high-risk profession.
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- The film's title "Madras Café" refers to a fictional café in Chennai where secret intelligence meetings take place.
- Madras Café was banned in the state of Tamil Nadu due to its depiction of the civil war and the LTTE.
- The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of violence and the gritty atmosphere of war-torn Sri Lanka.
Awards
Madras Café received several nominations and awards, including the National Film Award for Best Audiography.
Quotes
- "Sometimes, to protect the nation, you have to betray it."
- "War is messy. People get killed."
- "There are no good guys or bad guys in war, only strong ones and weak ones."
Music
The music for Madras Café was composed by Shantanu Moitra. The soundtrack features a mix of soulful melodies and patriotic anthems that capture the mood and emotions of the film.
Soundtrack
- "Sun Le Re"
- "Ajnabi"
- "Khud Se"
- "Maula Sun Le Re"
- "Conspiracy"
- "Entry to Jaffna"

About Madras Café
Madras Cafe is a gripping Indian political espionage thriller, unfurling the Sri Lankan civil war and assassination of a prime minister.