It is so rare to find a director and producer-cum-lead-actor committed to making films that are willing to deal with real-life events and say it in a manner that keeps you fairly engaged.

The most shocking thing about it is how dull it is.

Despite some of its questionable politics, Madras Café pulsates with life, a realistic feel and a sense of danger at every turn.

Director Shoojit Sircar's Madras Caf embraces the same vivid, political thriller stylings of Ben Affleck's Oscar winner Argo, albeit in the service of a fictional but no less compelling narrative.