Mangalavaaram

I went in to this movie not knowing much about it and i was pleasantly surprised by the story with which we can easily connect, the presentation and times it is based on, and also the set and cinematography.. acting is spot on for the most part and the twists towards the end are unpredictable and very well placed the pace of the movie could have been a little better and they could have cut it short by about 20 minutes.

Rest everything is great about this brilliantly made movie.

REPEAT I went in to this movie not knowing much about it and i was pleasantly surprised by the story with which we can easily connect, the presentation and times it is based on, and also the set and cinematography.. acting is spot on for the most part and the twists towards the end are unpredictable and very well placed the pace of the movie could have been a little better and they could have cut it short by about 20 minutes.

Rest everything is great about this brilliantly made movie.

Mangalavaaram is a daring exploration of rural trauma, blending psychological mystery with a haunting atmosphere. Director Ajay Bhupathi crafts a narrative that is both engaging and unsettling, though not without its flaws.

The film's cinematography, helmed by Dasaradhi Shivendra, is a standout. Night scenes are particularly striking, with vibrant reddish-orange hues that enhance the eerie ambiance. The camera work effectively captures the rustic setting, immersing the audience in the village's tense atmosphere.

B. Ajaneesh Loknath's background score is another highlight. His music intensifies the film's mood, adding depth to the suspenseful moments. The score is both energetic and relentless, underscoring the film's dramatic beats and keeping the audience on edge.

Payal Rajput delivers a compelling performance as Sailaja, a woman grappling with a rare psychological disorder. Her portrayal is nuanced, capturing the complexity of her character's trauma and resilience. Rajput's performance adds emotional weight to the narrative, making her character's journey both poignant and engaging.

Supporting performances are solid, with Nandita Swetha and Ravindra Vijay standing out in their respective roles. Their portrayals add depth to the ensemble cast, contributing to the film's overall impact.

While Mangalavaaram offers a fresh perspective on rural narratives, it occasionally falters in pacing and narrative coherence. The film's ambition is evident, but certain elements may feel forced or underdeveloped. Despite these shortcomings, the film's atmospheric strength and strong performances make it a noteworthy entry in the thriller genre.

Best cinematography, awesome BGM, Superb Movie. A good entertainer. Fight scenes wonderful. Story full of twists and turns. Great music as well. All characters performed really well. Setting of this movie creates a magic. Must watch movie. Special mention about the BGM score in the movie. The BGM sets the theme. The thrill and an extra ting of sexuality add spice for the audience. The audience will definitely get impressed by the music of this movie. The story is a little slow in the beginning but maintains pace till the end. Even the comedy is part of the theme and story of the move. All in all a full entertainment.

This film unfolds with numerous twists right from the outset. While these twists offer excitement and entertainment for the average movie lover, many of them tend to be predictable. Despite their predictability, the twists manage to captivate the audience's attention and maintain engagement throughout the movie.

The narrative introduces a plethora of characters, contributing to the suspense and prompting spectators to harbor doubts about each one. However, as the plot progresses, the significance of several characters diminishes, creating a sense of confusion. The performances in the film, although not at their peak, are sufficiently competent given the complexity of the character ensemble.

For viewers opting for an Over-The-Top (OTT) platform, it is recommended to experience the film with a high-quality music system, as the background score serves as the lifeblood of the movie. Overall, it qualifies as a decent one-time watch, providing a good source of entertainment and a few unexpected turns, even though the abundance of characters may lead to some confusion in the plot.

Mangalavaaram (2023), directed by Ajay Bhupathi, attempts to carve a niche for itself as a rural psychological thriller, delving into themes of illicit relationships, societal hypocrisy, and a woman's struggle with a unique health condition. While ambitious in its premise and technically proficient, the film's execution often struggles to maintain a consistent tone and deliver on its intriguing setup.

The movie unfolds in the fictional village of Mahalakshmipuram in 1996, where a series of mysterious deaths occur every Tuesday, accompanied by public confessions of the deceased's secret affairs painted on village walls. This immediate sense of dread and a whodunnit mystery effectively grabs the audience's attention. The newly appointed SI Maaya investigates, unraveling a web of hidden desires, betrayals, and the dark underbelly of a seemingly peaceful community.

Where Mangalavaaram truly stands out is in its technical aspects. The cinematography, particularly the night sequences and the atmospheric village setting, is commendable, creating a visually engaging and often eerie mood. The background score by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, known for his work in Kantara and Virupaksha, is a significant strength, effectively building tension and underscoring the film's psychological elements. These technical strengths contribute significantly to whatever sense of intrigue and suspense the narrative manages to generate.

Payal Rajput, in the central role of Shailaja, delivers a brave and demanding performance. Her character, afflicted by a hormonal imbalance that heightens her sexual urges, is complex and unconventional for Indian cinema. Rajput navigates the emotional and physical toll of the character with conviction, earning empathy from the audience despite the controversial nature of her condition. The film attempts to shed light on her plight and the societal ostracization she faces, positioning her as a victim rather than a villain. Other supporting actors, particularly Ajay Ghosh, provide solid performances that contribute to the film's ensemble.

However, the film's narrative coherence proves to be its Achilles' heel. While the core concept of a village riddled with secrets and a protagonist grappling with a rare condition is compelling, the screenplay often feels scattered. The blend of a murder mystery, social commentary, and a character study of Shailaja doesn't always coalesce seamlessly. The first half, in particular, is criticized for its slow pace and a series of seemingly disconnected events, creating a sense of a build-up that doesn't quite pay off until later. Twists are introduced, some effective, some less so, and the overall pacing can be uneven. Some critics found the film's exploration of "hypersexuality" in a conservative setting to be overtly displayed, potentially overshadowing its intended message about societal issues.

The director, Ajay Bhupathi, known for RX 100, attempts a bold and unconventional story. While his vision for creating a dark, thrilling atmosphere is evident, the execution sometimes falters in balancing the various genre elements and delivering a truly impactful commentary. The film tries to be a psychological thriller, a social drama, and even hints at horror, but this genre blending can lead to a muddled experience.

In conclusion, Mangalavaaram is a film with a courageous concept and strong technical merits, particularly in its visuals and sound design. Payal Rajput's performance is noteworthy for its bravery and depth. However, its ambitious narrative occasionally gets bogged down by an inconsistent screenplay and a struggle to fully realize its complex themes, leaving audiences with a mixed but undeniably intriguing cinematic experience.