The team behind the film Madras Matinee has attributed the film’s positive reception to its emotional resonance with audiences, with lead actor Kaali Venkat recounting instances of viewers crying and embracing him after screenings. The film, a drama centered on middle-class family life, was released on June 6.
During a gathering in Chennai to acknowledge the film’s performance, Kaali described the audience’s reaction as a new and unforgettable experience. “When I went to the theatre to gauge the audience’s response after the film’s release, some people hugged me and cried. My shirt was drenched with their tears,” he stated. Kaali noted that he accepted the role because the character reminded him of his own father and that he did not anticipate the profound impact it would have on viewers.
Director and producer Karthikeyan Mani echoed this sentiment, sharing a similar encounter. “On the second day of release, a woman coming out of a night show in Pallavaram held back her tears and told me, ‘I am a doctor, and my father is an auto driver.’ I was truly happy,” he recounted. Karthikeyan explained his motivation for making the film was to tell the story of parents as the “real heroes.” He also made a point to note Kaali’s contribution to the film’s viability, stating, “I am proud to say here as a producer that Kaali Venkat is a profitable star actor.”
Guhan, representing the distributing company Dream Warrior Pictures, provided an industry perspective on the film’s performance. He acknowledged the challenge of backing what he termed a “simple story” with a team of newcomers. “This is a story of a middle-class family. There is great courage required to make a film like this,” Guhan remarked. He credited the film’s success to an “extraordinary screenplay” that allowed audiences to connect with the narrative emotionally. “The impact on the audience after watching the film was significant,” he added.
Other cast members, including Roshini Haripriyan and Vishwa, also expressed their gratitude for the response. Roshini noted, “Though it was a small-budget film, our dream was big. There are no words to describe seeing our feelings brought to the screen and having everyone appreciate it.”
Madras Matinee, which also stars Sathyaraj and Shelly, continues its run in theatres.