While the story is splendid, and plot is solid but some major actor (John Abraham(a model after all) slipped up in acting at many points simply reading straight from scripts at times. The story could hit you, the conspiracy might seem suspenseful but... it was all so obvious from the beginning. I feel that the director mistakes in showing that side of story that should've been hidden till the end.. and should come up hitting you straight on your face "shit john knew everything and it's just the lack of political assistance that led to the death of Sri Lankan prime minister bla bla". Back stabbers, double crosses, political corruption, the movie has it all, just not present the right way. ANd that steals the points. Nargis Fakhri as always looks beautiful, John Abraham handsome, but it's a movie and not a fashion show so no browniee points for that. OK plus 1 for Nargis. One time watch (if you can stand mediocre acting and directing)

An intense film. Very well directed and edited. It brings back memories of the terror and fear that was...Mr. John Abraham, you have excelled in your role. Your character came out as humane and everyday, an agent trying his best to do his job without any overtly patriotic fervor (read Prakash Jha's total lop-sided, misdirected, and failed Satyagraha - I hope everyone has bought India Gate basmati rice!!). The patriotism came out in the professionalism shown by the character in times of duress. Sometimes, I was almost reminded of Alec Leamas from Le-Carre's The Spy Who Came in From the Cold. John's character displays similar fortitude and perhaps an amount of duty-bound resignation after his wife is killed. He continues on the only path he knows, i.e. to finish the work at hand. Kudos to Shoojit Sircar for his excellent documentary-style film-making and superb editing. The locales and shots were perfect for the film and generated the right mood. Most importantly, the film effectively recreated the tension and horror of the civil wars and showed us Indians how precarious our position is in SE Asia with the vultures constantly circling in for the kill. Yet, in spite of it all, there are those among us who will do their duty and protect our nation. This film, I think, like Rang De Basanti and Sarfarosh has set a new landmark in movie-making and giving a message.

John Abraham produced and acted Madras Cafe had been the talk of the town much before it was released, and much of the talk arising from the sensitive and controversial theme it had.Shoojit Sircar, who previously directed the critically acclaimed Yahaan and the over-rated Vicky Donnor helms Madras Cafe. Thankfully, Sircar handles Madras Cafe with utmost care not to overdo the war or the assassination finale. It was indeed a bold move. The movie's first half packs a punch and a lot had been squeezed into it, be it the civil war or the politics that was in play behind all the events. And the same had been narrated via cut shots and collages. The pacing too was brisk leaving no time to take in breath, inducing a kind of grim feel consistently till the end. It essentially had that Hollywood vibe thanks to the brilliant cinematography by Kamaljeeth Negi.The first half of the movie was concentrated on the dreary happenings of Sri Lanka and it did have a huge impact on me as a viewer though the second half was focused more on the Rajiv Gandhi Assassination which took off some of tension that was built up in the first half. I do know that it was inevitable but much of my interests were invested on events we had not known about than a tragedy which we were familiar with.Glad to see John Abraham playing a no-frills-attached espionage agent and felt he'd done justice to the role without the usual bells and whistles of a Bollywood hero. Total thumbs down to Nargis Farkhri. All she did was pout and brung nothing to what could have been an otherwise prominent role. Special mentions include Sidhartha Basu's impeccably portrayed Robin Dutt aka RD and Prakash Belawadi's Bala. Being a Mallu it'd be iniquitous if I don't mention Dinesh Nair a multi-talented actor who played the role of Rajasekharan. Debutante Rashi Khanna makes a mark on the audience playing a charming Ruby who comes off as a bit more adept than Nargis Fakhri.A more reminiscent comparison would be Santhosh Sivan's Theeviravaathi: The Terrorist which managed to depict a very violent theme in a non- violent and subtle manner bringing in the same kinda grim feel throughout. While it was the terrorists inner conflicts that was shown there, here we have a look at the nuances of an agent stranded amidst personal tragedies and obligations towards his nation.What Madras Cafe does best is the visualization of war and makes a point where its not always guns and action. There are casualties of course but apart from that there are also the dreaded memories of events leading to and following a war which forever scars a nation, a continent and the world.

Political, tense, finally explosive, MADRAS CAFE is no picnic in the neighborhood park. Madras Cafe's true star is its story which builds up to an agonizing end. It brings to life the Lankan war which many viewers were too young to have known. It highlights India's ambiguous role, moving sensitively, taking no sides. Its second half grows more fraught and taut, conspiracies and compulsions becoming clearer. Madras Cafe deserves an extra half-star for guts, going for the gunpowder - but with a restrained hand. Wonderful film delivered by Shoojit Sircar and John Abraham after 'Vicky Donor'! Note: If you like typical Hindi movie masala, unrealistic action or melodrama, this movie is not for you.