Mangalavaaram

Alright, fam, let me lay it down for ya on this blockbuster mess I just peeped. So, the actors were straight-up killin' it, no doubt. They had me feelin' some typa way, you know? And them locations and sets, bruh, on point! Like, I was practically living in that flick.

Now, the cinematography, fam, it was like watching art in motion. Those shots had me like, "Dang, did they hire a magician or what?" So props on that, no cap.

Now, let's talk about this script. It's like they grabbed some random words from a hat and called it a day. And the background music? It is the real killer. Direction was straight-up mediocre. It's like they lost the map to a decent film and just winged it.

Now, the lowlights, my dude. These slow sequences had me checking my watch more than the plot did. And the VFX? Man, it looked like they hired a toddler with a crayon to do that mess. Twists? More like turns into a dumpster fire.

So yeah, if you're into movies that make you question your life choices, this one's a winner. Grab your popcorn and brace yourself for a rollercoaster of "meh."

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.

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.

Director Ajay Bhupathi skillfully blended an untold concept with thrilling elements and his work of maintaining the suspense and revealing twists at the end made the entire film very engaging & interesting...

In every sense Payal Rajput seems to be a perfect choice for the role & she owned it..Her bold & gutsy performance truly created a deep connection with the character & she nailed it... Rest of the characters too did some genuine refreshing performance making us feel that we have landed in to a deep route villages of Andhra restoring it's faith in every sense...

Technically film looks so good, BG score & Cinematography truly enhanced the Storytelling... Film's boldness genuinely contributes to the narrative, aligning seamlessly with the story...

Mental health is not a choice or a moral failing, but a crucial aspect of our wellbeing that demands empathy, awareness, and proper care...This movie also sends a strong message about the ill effects of greed and lust...also conveys a message that when truth strikes back, lies and their followers will be crushed to ashes...

Overall a neat package of thrilling elements makes this flick praise worthy...