The film stars Karthi, Catherine Tresa (marking her debut in Tamil cinema) and Kalaiyarasan while Charles Vinoth, Riythvika, V. I. S. Jayapalan, Poster Nandakumar and Mime Gopi play supporting roles.

Santhosh Narayanan composed the soundtrack and score, while the cinematography and editing were handled by Murali G. and Praveen K. L. respectively.

The film received critical acclaim, praising the technical aspects, direction, screenwriting and cast performances (particularly Karthi and Kalaiyarasan).

[4][5][6][7][8] Kaali is an impulsive and short-tempered working-class man who works in an IT company and enjoys playing football during his free time.

After catching him, Kaali learns that Maari had joined hands with the opposing party to become MLA of RK Nagar and was the brain behind Anbu's assassination.

Studio Green signed up Pa. Ranjith to direct a film for their production house after they had bought and distributed the director's successful venture, Attakathi (2012).

In December 2012, Ranjith confirmed that he would shortly begin work on a project titled Sarpatta Parambarai with Karthi in the lead role, though production was subsequently delayed and did not take off as planned.

[10] In July 2013, it was announced that the pair would collaborate on a new script, with Santhosh Narayanan being signed on as composer, G Murali as cinematographer and Praveen K L as editor.

[12] In an interview with The New Indian Express, Ranijth said that the film was not based on an individual and that Karthi's role was that of an IT graduate named Kaali, further adding that no make-up was used for any of the cast members.

[14] Karthi said that he chose the script as he liked the way his character was portrayed in a realistic manner without making any commercial compromises.

[12] Rama, who is known for her role in Bharathiraja's En Uyir Thozhan (1990), and Jaya Rao were chosen to play Karthi's parents.

Karthi worked exclusively for the film in the final quarter of 2013, losing about 10 kg of weight and sporting a new look for the venture.

Karthi also worked on acquiring the typical Royapuram accent and spent time in northern Chennai trying to learn about their way of life before the shooting began.

[30] Karthi, in an interview with India Today, said that the film would be a tribute to Chennai, whilst commemorating the 375th anniversary of the city's existence.

[34] Pa. Ranjith renewed his association with Santhosh Narayanan for composing the film's soundtrack album and background score.

[48] Short video clips of two of the film's songs "Aagayam Theepidicha" and "Naan Nee" were released on YouTube on 12 September 2014.

[50] Madras received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances of the actors, as well as the technical aspects of the film.

[53] Writing for The New Indian Express, Malini Mannath said, "With an engaging screenplay, deft narration, well fleshed out characters and actors well cast, Madras captures the feel, flavour and ambiance of North Chennai with perfect precision".

[54] Sify said, "Madras works big time as writer and director Pa Ranjith has given priority to his script, which hooks the audiences straightaway.

[56] Haricharan Pudipeddi of IANS gave 4 stars out of 5 and wrote, "Very few filmmakers can turn an ordinary tale of politics, friendship and revenge into a masterpiece.

[57] S Sarawathi of Rediff gave 3.5 out of 5 and wrote, "The innovative script, well-etched characters and the commendable performances, strengthened by a brilliant technical team and perfect execution, make Madras one of the best films this year".

[58] Anupama Subramanian of the Deccan Chronicle rated the film 3.5 out of 5 and stated, "Madras has a strong storyline and a powerful cast to back this up.

[59] Indiaglitz wrote that, "The film is a wholesome entertainer with some minor arguable moments, Ranjith has yet again pulled off a blockbuster in reckoning" and gave a rating of 3.25 out of 5 stars.

[60] Behindwoods gave 3 out of 5 and wrote, "Madras, though on the longer side and venturing into predictable territory beyond a point, stands out for the presentation, the characterisations, the performances and for the unflinching direction efforts of Ranjith", before concluding that the film "definitely deserves a trip to the theatres".

[61] In contrast, Gautaman Bhaskaran of the Hindustan Times gave a rating of 1.5 out of 5 stars and stated, "In the end, Madras is but another work about gang wars and political rivalry that can only be watched if you stop disbelieving".