Mangalavaram is the latest movie from director Ajay Bhupathi and actress Payal Rajput, who previously worked together in RX 100. The movie is a murder mystery thriller with a pan Indian release on Friday. It also stars Chaitanya Krishna, Sritej and Nandita Shweta in important roles. The movie has created a lot of curiosity among the audience with its intriguing title and bold content. But does it live up to the expectations of the fans of RX 100? Let’s find out…
The plot of Mangalavaram…
The movie is set in a village called Mahalakshmipuram, where mysterious writings appear on the walls, revealing the illicit affairs of some couples. Soon, the couples are found dead under mysterious circumstances, creating panic and fear among the villagers. The villagers believe that the deaths are caused by the wrath of the village goddess Malachamma, who is angry because the annual festival was not held.
A young and brave SI (Nandita Shweta) arrives in the village to investigate the murders, but she faces a lot of resistance from the villagers, especially the powerful landlord Prakasam (Chaitanya Krishna). She suspects that there is a hidden motive behind the killings, but she has no clue about the culprit or the method.
Meanwhile, the movie also shows the flashback of Shailu (Payal Rajput), a girl who was born and raised in Mahalakshmipuram, but was banished from the village due to her sexual disorder. She suffers from a mental condition that makes her crave for physical intimacy with anyone. She falls in love with her childhood friend Ravi, but their relationship is doomed by her father’s second marriage and the child abuse she faces from her stepfather.
The movie reveals the connection between Shailu and the murders in the village, and the reason why the villagers think that she is haunting them as a ghost. The movie also exposes the dark secrets of the village and the hypocrisy of the people.
A mix of genres…
Director Ajay Bhupathi has attempted to make Mangalavaram a multigenre movie, blending elements of suspense, horror, revenge and social message. He has also added a love story with a twist of child abuse. He has set the movie in a rustic village backdrop and maintained the suspense till the end.
A bold character…
Payal Rajput has once again played a bold and challenging character in Mangalavaram. She has shown her glamour as well as her acting skills in the movie. She has portrayed the emotions of a girl who suffers from a sexual disorder and a mental trauma. She has proved that she can excel as an actress if she gets a good director and a good script.
Other performances…
Nandita Shweta has done a commendable job as the SI who tries to solve the mystery. She has shown her courage and intelligence in the movie. Ajay Ghosh has provided some comic relief as a constable. Sritej, Chaitanya Krishna and Ravindra Vijay have played their roles well. Ajanish Loknath’s background music and Shivendra’s cinematography have enhanced the mood and the visuals of the movie.
The drawbacks…
The main drawback of Mangalavaram is that it is too bold for the family audience. Some of the scenes are too explicit and vulgar, and may not be suitable for everyone. The director has gone overboard in showing the sexual disorder of the protagonist. The movie also lacks emotional depth and connectivity. The first half is slow and boring, and the story does not move forward much. The movie picks up pace only in the second half, when Payal Rajput enters the scene.
The verdict…
Mangalavaram is a movie that appeals to the youth and the fans of RX 100. It is a bold and thrilling mystery that keeps the audience engaged till the end. It has a different concept and a good message, but it also has its flaws and limitations. It is not a movie for everyone, but it is worth a watch for those who like this genre.
