Cast: Payal Rajput, Nanditha Shwetha, Chaitanya Krishna, Ajay Ghosh and others
Director: Ajay Bhupathi
Producers: Swathi Reddy, Suresh Varma
Director Ajay Bhupathi, known for his impactful debut with ‘Rx 100’, returns with ‘Mangalavaram,’ a mystic thriller steeped in suspense and village folklore. The film stars Payal Rajput, reintroducing her in a narrative that intertwines superstition, crime, and societal beliefs.
Plot:
Set in Mahalaxmi village, the film unfolds with two deaths occurring on the revered Tuesday, the village goddess’s favorite day. The villagers attribute these deaths to punishment for illicit relationships, while Police Officer Maya (Nanditha Shweta) suspects foul play and aims to conduct post-mortems. Opposition arises from the village head Babu (Chaitanya Krishna). As more deaths follow, Maya persists in her pursuit of truth, unraveling a web of mystery and hidden motives behind the deaths.
Pros:
Payal Rajput’s Performance: Rajput delivers a compelling portrayal, anchoring the narrative with her presence and conviction.
Music: The film boasts a captivating musical score that enhances the eerie atmosphere, complementing the suspenseful storytelling.
Twists in the Second Half: The narrative takes intriguing turns, keeping the audience engaged and invested.
Cons:
Slow Paced Narration: The film suffers from a sluggish pace, impacting the overall momentum and tension-building.
Climax: While the movie maintains a gripping narrative, the climax falls short of delivering a resonating impact, leaving some loose ends.
Verdict:
‘Mangalavaram’ crafts a mystifying thriller tinged with horror elements, embedding an underlying social commentary. Director Ajay Bhupathi skillfully navigates the storyline in the first half, maintaining intrigue and suspense. However, the momentum slightly falters in the second half, though it remains engaging. The film effectively blends folklore, suspense, and a message-driven narrative, making it a worthy watch for those intrigued by mystic thrillers.