The aim of this study was to investigate the performance and release behavior of drug from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) matrix tablets prepared using HPMC from three different manufacturers. Three various brands of HPMC used were Methocel, Novocoat, and Zhongbao. A protocol was followed to evaluate these three HPMC samples their physico-mechanical properties such as appearance, particle size distribution, bulk density, tapped density, angle of repose, compressibility index (CI), Hausner’s ratio, swelling and morphology. Formulations were prepared using Carbamazepine (CAR) as a drug molecule, by varying drug loading and polymer concentration to evaluate the physical and comparative performance characteristics. Various drug release kinetic models were evaluated for the best fit of the formulations in order to understand the underlying release mechanisms from the formulations. The best performance with respect to release kinetics was exhibited by Methocel,while Novocoat and Zhongbao were found to have similar performance.