Chennai | Express

Operated by the Central Railway zone of Indian Railways, this daily superfast express covers a staggering distance of (approximately 793 miles). It connects Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai to Chennai Central (now Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station).

The story follows (Shah Rukh Khan), a 40-year-old bachelor from Mumbai who embarks on a journey to Rameswaram to immerse his late grandfather’s ashes. His plans for a secret detour to Goa are derailed when he helps Meenalochni "Meena" Azhagusundaram (Deepika Padukone) and her pursuers board the moving train. Rahul soon discovers Meena is the daughter of a powerful local don in Tamil Nadu and is fleeing an arranged marriage. The film follows their comedic and action-filled adventures as they navigate cultural differences and evade Meena's father's henchmen. Key Facts & Production Chennai Express

Action/Comedy/Romance Director: Rohit Shetty Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone Rating: U/A Operated by the Central Railway zone of Indian

For a film titled Chennai Express , very little of it is set in Chennai (mostly shot in Kerala and Mumbai). The Tamil characters speak heavily accented, often gibberish Tamil (Deepika Padukone learned her lines phonetically). The portrayal of South Indians – loud, wearing vibhuti (sacred ash), speaking in broken Hindi – relies on broad, sometimes lazy stereotypes. For many Tamil viewers, it felt like a “North Indian’s idea of South India.” Ramachandran Central Railway Station)

has left a lasting legacy in Indian cinema, and its influence can still be seen in many recent films. The film's success paved the way for more masala films, which have become a staple of Bollywood cinema. The film's director, Rohit Shetty, has gone on to direct several successful films, including the Golmaal and Singham franchises.