Is An American in Madras Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2013)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of An American in Madras (2013), audiences are invited back into the world of Documentary. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Director Karan Bali's insight into a largely unknown slice of Tamil film history. American citizen Ellis R Dungan travelled to India in the 1930s. He intended to stay for six months, but he ended up living in Madras for 15 years, where he directed many key films of the era. This documentary explores Dungan's life and the profound impact he had upon the fledgling Tamil film industry."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is An American in Madras worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, An American in Madras is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 84 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.