Mangalavaaram Review: Well Acted Rural Thriller

Mangalavaaram Review: Well Acted Rural Thriller

Release Date: November 17, 2023

Starring: Payal Rajput, Ajmal Ameer, Nandita Sweta, Chaitanya Krishna, Ajay Ghosh, Divya Pillai, Ravindra Vijay, and others

Director: Ajay Bhupathi

Producers: Swathi Reddy Gunupati, Suresh Varma M

Music Director: Ajaneesh Loknath

Cinematographer: Sivendra Dasaradhi

Editor: Madhav Kumar Gullapalli

Trailer

“Mangalavaaram,” starring Payal Rajput, has generated significant buzz with its promotional content. Director Ajay Bhupathi has assured audiences that the film explores a unique element never before seen in Indian cinema. Now that the movie has hit the screens let’s see Mangalavaaram review.

Story

Set in a rural area, the villagers are shocked by a series of deaths. These deaths are believed to be connected to extramarital affairs, and they all occur on Tuesdays. Determined to solve the mystery behind these deaths, the villagers devise a plan. Who is the killer? What is their motive? This is the intriguing premise of Mangalavaaram.

Plus Points:

Mangalavaaram deserves special appreciation for delving into a lesser-known topic, which is rarely explored in mainstream Telugu cinema. The director, Ajay Bhupathi, successfully walks the fine line between the film’s concept and vulgarity, ensuring that the intended message is conveyed effectively. Payal’s character is well-crafted, allowing viewers to empathize with her by the end of the film.

The second half of the movie is where the pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place. We are given insights into Payal Rajput’s backstory and the hardships she endures. Several key twists are revealed, including an impressive climax. Overall, the narrative remains engaging during this second hour.

Payal Rajput delivers a commendable performance, portraying an unconventional character that others may shy away from. Her portrayal of a character with a health disorder is exceptional, and her ability to convey emotions through tears speaks volumes of her talent. Ajaneesh Loknath’s intriguing background score adds depth to this thriller, making it the heart and soul of the film. Ajay Gosh, Ajmal Ameer, and Divya Pillai also deliver fine performances in their respective roles.

Minus Points:

Unfortunately, the first half of the movie falls short with inconsistent narration. The initial setup lacks the desired impact, failing to grab the audience’s attention. While Payal Rajput’s entry during the halfway mark is not an issue, the scenes leading up to the interval lack excitement. The tension surrounding the series of murders in the village fails to build effectively. Additionally, certain scenes, such as the villagers’ internal conflicts, are not presented convincingly.

Although the background score is top-notch, the writing lacks depth in the first hour. Despite impressive technical values, the film lacks the edge-of-the-seat moments that would have made it truly gripping. Furthermore, a noted actor’s cameo appearance feels underdeveloped, and the presentation appears slightly clumsy in a few sequences. At times, the storytelling pattern may remind audiences of a recent Telugu blockbuster.

Technical Aspects:

As mentioned earlier, Ajaneesh Loknath’s remarkable work on the background score greatly contributes to Mangalavaaram’s impact. His talent shines through, making him one of the best talents in Sandalwood. The excellent sound design further enhances the film’s quality. Cinematographer Sivendra Dasaradhi’s arresting visuals and stunning production values elevate the film’s technical aspects, making it a visually superior experience.

Director Ajay Bhupathi has done a decent job overall. His choice of a unique concept and his narration in the second half are commendable. He effectively showcases the contrasting aspects of the story. However, the execution of the first half falls below par, diminishing the overall impact of the film. With more thrilling moments, the movie could have reached greater heights. Nevertheless, the director skillfully utilizes technical values to narrate the story.

Mangalavaaram Review: Well Acted Rural Thriller

Final Review

Mangalavaaram explores a unique concept and delivers an engaging screenplay in the second half. Payal Rajput’s well-designed character and captivating performance are the highlights of the film. Additionally, the movie boasts exceptional technical values. However, the uneven narrative and lack of gripping moments in the first half are drawbacks. Nonetheless, Mangalavaaram is worth a watch for its fresh concept and strong technical execution.

Our Rating: 3/5