Where to Watch
Checking availability in your country…
Cast
Movie Info & Details
Release Year2013
Runtime1h 24m
LanguageTamil
CertificationU
GenresDocumentary
Votes6
DirectorKaran Bali
WritersTeesha Elizabeth Cherian
TypeFeature Film
Rating6.8 out of 10
Cast5 credited
Also Known AsAn American in Madras
About An American in Madras
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.
Directed by Karan Bali, An American in Madras leans on a strong ensemble — M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, Ellis R. Dungan, P. K. Nair — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2013.
Read More on the BlogYou Might Also Like
More like An American in Madras, picked from what people are watching
7.8Being James Bond
2021 7.8
Daniel Craig candidly reflects on his 15 year adventure as James Bond. Including never-before-seen archival footage from Casino Royale to the upcoming 25th film No Time To Die, Craig shares his personal memories in conversation with 007 producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
Being James Bond
2021
7.3Maria by Callas
2017 7.3
Told through performances, TV interviews, home movies, family photographs, private letters and unpublished memoirs, the film reveals the essence of an extraordinary woman who rose from humble beginnings in New York City to become a glamorous international superstar and one of the greatest artists of all time.
Maria by Callas
2017
6.2Naqoyqatsi
2002 6.2
A visual montage portrait of our contemporary world dominated by globalized technology and violence.
Naqoyqatsi
2002
7.5Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story
2025 7.5
The authorized documentary celebrating the film that redefined Hollywood, 50 years after its premiere. Featuring rare archival footage and interviews with acclaimed Hollywood directors alongside Steven Spielberg, top shark scientists, and conservationists, the film uncovers the behind-the-scenes chaos and how the film launched the summer blockbuster, inspired a new wave of filmmakers, and paved the way for shark conservation that continues today.
Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story
2025
7.1The Summers of It - Chapter Two: It Ends
2019 7.1
This documentary focuses on the actors and their journey over two summers to create the remake to the original IT, by Stephen King. The documentary originally released as bonus material, bundled with IT: Chapter Two.
The Summers of It - Chapter Two: It Ends
2019
7.4I Am Heath Ledger
2017 7.4
The life and career of an actor, artist, and icon. His own journey through his own camera.
I Am Heath Ledger
2017
User Reviews
6.8
Community rating
Loading reviews…
From the Blog
All Posts
News
Lanterns OTT Release Date: DC’s Green Lantern Series Hits JioHotstar Aug 17
DC’s Green Lantern series Lanterns arrives on JioHotstar in India on August 17, 2026. Here is where to watch it, who is in it, and why it is one of the year’s biggest superhero shows.
News
Michael OTT Release Date: The Michael Jackson Biopic Streams August 29
The Michael Jackson biopic arrives on JioHotstar on August 29, 2026. Here is where to watch it, what you need, and why it is one of the year’s biggest music films.
News
Jana Nayagan OTT Release Date: When Vijay’s Film Streams on ZEE5
Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan is headed to ZEE5 for its digital premiere. Here is the latest on its OTT release date and where to watch, updated as news is confirmed.