What’s it about?
Shailu (Payal Rajput) was left alone with her grandmother after her mother died and her father married another woman. Her close friend Ravi is thought to have died in a fire.
Years go by. The story jumps forward to the mid-1990s.
A couple having an extramarital affair is found dead in the village, Lakshmipuram on a particular Tuesday. A police officer (played by Nandita Swetha) begins to investigate the killings. While she waits for the results of the initial autopsies, more deaths occur in a similar manner every Tuesday.
What is the link between all of these deaths and Shailu’s life? Why is it that the village landlord (Krishna Chaitanya) tries to prohibit post-mortem examinations of deceased bodies?
Analysis
The debut feature film of director Ajay Bhupathi, RX 100, was a huge hit with young viewers because it offered a fresh take on the stereotypical female lead. The heroine in “RX 100” betrays the hero by “loving” him for “time pass,” a stark contrast to the typical portrayal of men in Indian films who dump their female companions. The film’s plot, sexual themes, and the popularity of the song “Pilla Raa” helped it become a good hit. Maha Samudram, Ajay Bhupathi’s second film, was not as successful. Now in his third feature, “Mangalavaaram,” he returns to injecting new ideas and narrative twists.
The most risky thing he does is give the film’s female protagonist a disorder, which no other mainstream Indian actress has ever portrayed. While this theme was explored in a film by Denmark filmmaker Lars von Trier, no Indian film has featured a heroine afflicted with this “disorder”.
In addition to this, the film makes an effort to drag out the introduction of its heroine, Payal Rajput, until the interval. The intermission card starts playing the second she steps onto the screen.
Director Ajay Bhupathi then begins the story of Shailu, played by Payal Rajput, and her link to the killings happening in the village. It is a clever narrative device.
Soon after, twists and turns begin to appear; some of these are intriguing, while others appear completely out of place. It seems like some of them are added for shock value rather than because they naturally occur. Some scenes sound not logical.
Plus, the film isn’t a revenge drama, a horror film, or even a super-natural thriller. The plot of “Mangalavaaram” is relatively fresh, but Ajay Bhupathi employs all of the conventions of the genres of the above-mentioned to pull off surprises. Thus, it leaves us in mixed feelings. The explanation offered for the actions of the “main surprise villain” is particularly unconvincing. There ought to have been more compassionate growth in Payal Rajput’s character as well.
Payal Rajput not only agreed to play a role that most mainstream actresses would refuse to play, but she also plays it convincingly. Her sincere efforts are noticeable. Ravindra Vijay stands out among the other actors. Priyadarshi does justice to his role. Nandita Swetha plays competently in the role of a police officer.
The true hero of the film, however, is B Ajaneesh Loknath. His background score is fantastic and a huge asset to the film. His work is far superior to that of others. The cinematographer’s work also adds the necessary mood. As a director, Ajay Bhupathi once again demonstrates his technical prowess.
Bottom line: “Mangalavaaram” daringly introduces to Telugu cinema a female protagonist suffering from a disorder that few would discuss. Aside from this novelty, the film keeps our attention with a strong background score and excellent camerawork. Some twists, however, work while others appear unnatural. Overall, the film is watchable but provides mixed feelings.
Rating: 2.75/5
By: Jalapathy Gudelli
Movie: Mangalavaaram
Cast: Payal Rajput, Nanditha Swetha, Divya Pillai, Ravindra Vijay, Krishna Chaitanya, Ajmal Amir, Ajay Gosh, and others
Music: B Ajaneesh Loknath
DOP: Sivendra Dasaradhi
Editor: Madhav Kumar Gullapalli
Production Designer: Raghu Kulakarni
Produced by: Swathi Reddy Gunupati, Suresh Varma M, Ajay Bhupathi Story, screenplay and Direction: Ajay Bhupathi
Release Date: Nov 03, 2023
