Manmadhan

Let's take a deeper look at why Manmadhan is a problematic and nonsensical film.

1. Problematic Themes and Messaging

One of the biggest issues with Manmadhan is its glorification of toxic masculinity and problematic ideas about love and revenge. The film presents the protagonist, who murders women he deems "morally corrupt," as a misunderstood anti-hero rather than a deeply disturbed individual. This reinforces harmful stereotypes about women and relationships, promoting the idea that women who do not conform to traditional values deserve punishment. The justification given for the protagonist's actions is flimsy and deeply troubling, reducing complex moral and social issues to a simplistic and regressive narrative.

Moreover, the film tries to evoke sympathy for a character who engages in violent and psychopathic behavior, which sends the wrong message-especially to younger audiences. Instead of offering a nuanced take on trauma and obsession, it romanticizes revenge and paints the killer as a tragic figure.

2. Contradictory and Illogical Plot Points

The storyline is riddled with inconsistencies and illogical twists. The protagonist is shown leading a dual life, effortlessly balancing a college student persona with his serial killer alter ego, without raising suspicion. The way the film handles investigations, police work, and even basic character interactions feels detached from reality. Key plot points rely heavily on coincidence and forced suspense rather than genuine storytelling.

For instance, the "twist" involving the twin brother feels like a last-minute addition to justify the protagonist's actions and provide an escape from moral accountability. It's a lazy way to tie up loose ends rather than an intelligent revelation. The lack of proper foreshadowing makes the twist feel cheap and undeserved.

3. Weak Female Characters and Misogyny

Women in Manmadhan exist purely to serve the male protagonist's narrative, either as objects of desire or as cautionary examples of "bad behavior." They have no agency, depth, or meaningful arcs. The film consistently portrays women who are sexually liberated or independent in a negative light, reinforcing outdated gender norms.

Even the so-called "good" female characters are reduced to stereotypes-damsels in distress who exist only to be saved or mourned. The lack of meaningful female perspectives makes the film one-sided and shallow in its treatment of relationships and morality.

4. Over-the-Top Performances and Cringe-Worthy Dialogue

Silambarasan's performance is often exaggerated, making it difficult to take the character seriously. His attempts at brooding intensity come off as forced, and the heavy reliance on slow-motion shots and dramatic pauses makes the film unintentionally comical at times. The dialogue is filled with clichéd lines about love, betrayal, and revenge, often bordering on cringe-worthy melodrama rather than compelling storytelling.

Supporting characters, instead of adding depth, serve as mere fillers to move the plot forward. Many scenes feel dragged out and unnecessary, with repetitive sequences that test the viewer's patience.

5. Overuse of Songs and Unnecessary Romance

Instead of focusing on tightening the narrative, the film frequently shifts to unrelated song sequences that break the already weak pacing. While a few tracks became popular, their placement in the story feels forced and disrupts the flow. The romantic subplot feels unnecessary and poorly developed, with little chemistry between the leads.

Conclusion

At its core, Manmadhan is a film that attempts to blend psychological thriller elements with commercial entertainment but fails to do justice to either. Its problematic themes, nonsensical twists, weak female representation, and illogical writing make it a deeply flawed movie that doesn't stand up to scrutiny. Rather than being a gripping thriller, it comes across as a poorly executed fantasy that sends the wrong messages about relationships, revenge, and morality.

If you're looking for a well-crafted psychological thriller, Manmadhan isn't it.

This movie was definitely of a different genre compared to the other Tamil movies released around the same time. Silambarasan's acting was also quite good. Add to it the fact that he acts like Rajnikanth, who is revered by the Tamils. I believe it was these three factors that made everyone applaud Manmadhan.

However, one had to only see Kamal Haasan's Sigappu Rojakkal to see how Silamabarasan used the same theme (hatred of women) and story but tweaked the story line to create a mystery. If you have never seen Sigappu Rojakkal, you will enjoy Manmadhan. But since I had seen Kamal's movie first, I was not very impressed by Manmadhan. The events leading up to the main character's hatred for women sound more logical in Sigappu Rojakkal. Furthermore, I cannot understand why Jyothika looked so old in this movie - she seemed to be wearing no makeup. Add to this the real age difference between Silambarasan and Jyothika! But I have to credit Silamabarasan with the way he introduced some novel concept (the usage of a twin brother) to make the movie a mystery while Sigappu Rojakkal seemed to be pure horror.

This is Simbu's take after newly emerging heroes donning psychotic roles. However, Simbu is the first to have penned the story on himself! A very disturbing show that you cannot stop thinking about for at least weeks after watching it! This is because of the storyline of a serial killing casanova with a haunting past that makes him go pychotic till he falls for the lead heroine. CD is also worth every cent of your money with great songs, few sung by Simbu himself. Despite the fact that heroine jyothika is older than Simbu, they make a lovable pair. A great show worth your money and the CD is guaranteed to blow your mind. There might be a sequel to this show too, titled "Vallavan" that is coming out in theatres this year.

one of the best movies i seen. a different angle of love and and the effects of lack of trust and not being honest are portrayed very well. Simbhu is at his best in this movie.

Wonderful music, all melodies, modern and folk are really good.

i read few comments above which sounded like written by Simbhu haters. but i believe this movie is definitely watchable and worth spending money or time on it. after all, it is a Hit and most of the Tamil people like it.

this movie made Simbhu really famous. He proved that he got skills. very nice direction. proper utilization of characters. no extras like unnecessary fights or unnecessary songs.

Good movie . Everybody acted very good in the movie.songs and bgm in the movie were excellent.the movie was so interesting and thirring . The movie lagged and bored a bit at 1st half .the 2nd half in the movie was interesting and thirring . Good movie.