Manmadhan
- 2004
- 2h 45m
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
3.2K
YOUR RATING
When Mythili meets Madhan, she's at once attracted and terrified since he looks exactly like the serial killer from her nightmares. In fact, he fits the description of a man who targets wome... Read allWhen Mythili meets Madhan, she's at once attracted and terrified since he looks exactly like the serial killer from her nightmares. In fact, he fits the description of a man who targets women in bars.When Mythili meets Madhan, she's at once attracted and terrified since he looks exactly like the serial killer from her nightmares. In fact, he fits the description of a man who targets women in bars.
- Awards
- 2 nominations total
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Featured reviews
Simbu has done the Ultimate Performance
This movie is very emotional and comedy
Musics are very good, There are some logic mistake
Because,it was simbu's first direction and not a professional,he did very well." Very Emotional"
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.
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.
manmadhan is a must-watch flick for all movie-lovers,youngsters and particularly the NEW GENERATION GIRLS.the theme of the movie was very apt to modern times and the taking of the film was good.specifically the screenplay of the movie was too good,very appreciative on simbhu's part.in other movies they really do not show to the viewers,on the screen,something which turns out to be......-i just don't wanna reveal.simbhu is too young to make someone like me to expect such amazing work from him.becoz i always thought simbhu lacks smart looks.but only after watching manmadhan did i realise that for an actor -his/her looks count nothing at all-all that matters is the FINE SKILL OF ACTING that lies within him/her.simbhu's performance as a "pretending to be a psycho" in the beginning of the movie was really cool.Oh no...!!!!!!i just forgot to mention about sindhu tolani who played the sweet,cute but.......in this flick.her performance was just beyond accolades and appreciation acc. to me.all the hot models in the movie-who played the MODERN GIRLS-added a bit more charm to manmadhan.finally jo(jyotika) was nice and good as usual.this movie once again makes all south indians spellbound by the genius of tamil film-making.
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.
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 is the first Simbhu movie i've seen and wow!i just keep watching this movie over and over again.is it because of Simbhu himself?is it the songs?is it cuz Simbhu wrote it?or is it because of the twist? i must say the twist at the end had me shocked.i didn't expect it.i believed the whole thing to the twist.amazing.i loved Simbhu in both characters.more so Manmadhan than the twin.i loved Simbhu as a psycho.can't wait for Vallavan (the sequel).this movie is highly recommended.Simbhu is too good in this one.Jyothika is awesome.everyone else is perfectly casted.songs are amazing.i love En Asai Mythiliye and Thathai Thathai the most.the most amazing movie i've seen in a while.
Did you know
- TriviaThe film was given an A certificate by the Censor Board with some cuts for theatrical release and as the production cost had over-run, exhibitors and distributors were made to cough up some money for smooth release on Deepavali weekend.
- Alternate versionsThe theatrical release was given an A rating with some cuts including sexual scenes. The duration is 166-172 minutes.
- ConnectionsReferenced in Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven (2019)
- SoundtracksThathai Thathai
Written by: Vaali
Produced by: Yuvan Shankar Raja
Performed by: Silambarasan TR, BlaaZe, Vasundhara Das and Clinton Cerejo
- How long is Manmadhan?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Runtime2 hours 45 minutes
- Color
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