"Madras Matinee," a drama film starring Kaali Venkat, is set to begin streaming on SUN NXT on July 4, 2025. Prior to its OTT release, the movie had a theatrical release on June 6, 2025.
Directed by Karthikeyan Mani, "Madras Matinee" explores the lives of everyday heroes, offering an honest view of the working class without idealizing their struggles. The film stars Sathyaraj as Jyothi Ramaya, an aging writer who narrates the story of Kannan, an auto driver and garbage collector, played by Kaali Venkat. The film also stars Roshini Haripriya, Shelly Kishore, Vishva, George Maryan, and Sunil Sukhada.
The film received mixed reviews upon its theatrical release. Despite the lukewarm reception at the box office, "Madras Matinee" is described as a heartfelt drama that pays tribute to unsung heroes. SUN NXT announced the film's release with a message on social media, calling it "a tribute to the unsung heroes around us — fathers who sacrifice, families who hold on, and dreams that rise from everyday lives".
The movie showcases a satirical view of the mundane lives of the working class. The story centers around Kannan and his wife Shelly, who work hard to create a happy life for their family. Their hopes for their children’s future are central to the storyline, highlighting the struggles and small victories of Kannan’s family.
According to Koimoi, "Madras Matinee" had a slow start at the box office, earning 12 lakhs on its opening day. Coolie director Lokesh Kanagaraj praised the film, stating that he "really liked it so much" and that "everyone has performed well". He also expressed his appreciation for Kaali Venkat's films and his excitement about working with him on Coolie.
"Madras Matinee" is produced by Madras Motion Pictures. The music is composed by K C Balasarangan, with cinematography by Anand GK and editing by Satheesh Kumar Samuski.
