Madras Matinee tells a heartfelt story rooted in the everyday struggles of a middle-class Chennai family. When science fiction writer Jyoti Ramayya (Sathyaraj) is challenged to write about real people, he narrates the story of Kannan (Kaali Venkat), an auto driver striving to support his family, including his ambitious daughter Deepika (Roshni Haripriyan).

Directed by Karthikeyan Mani, the film showcases a diverse set of characters—from politicians to quirky salesmen—all chasing better lives. Though the screenplay occasionally stumbles and undercuts emotional moments with misplaced humour, strong performances, vibrant visuals, and creative production design give the film charm.

While the writing lacks consistency, Madras Matinee still manages to be a visually rich, light-hearted watch with relatable characters, ideal for a laid-back afternoon.