"ChevvaiKizhamai" : Payal Rajput Shines in this Gripping Horror Thriller

Ajay Bhupathi returns with his latest film "ChevvaiKizhamai" (also known as "Mangalavaram"), a horror thriller featuring Payal Rajput from RDX100 fame. The film's intriguing trailer has piqued the interest of audiences, stirring anticipation for its release. Bhupathi and Rajput, after the success of RX100, aim to captivate audiences again with this spine-chilling thriller.

The narrative of "ChevvaiKizhamai" unfolds in Mahalakshmipuram, a village marked by eerie deaths occurring every Tuesday, earning it the ominous nickname. SI Maya (Nandita Swetha) strives to investigate these peculiar deaths through postmortems. However, she faces vehement opposition from the villagers. Although the movie starts slowly, it gradually builds up momentum.

The second half of the story delves into the reasons behind the resistance, uncovering the mystery behind these deaths. The character Sailaja (Payal Rajput) plays a crucial role in unraveling these events. The connections between characters like Zamindar Prakash Babu (Chaitanya), Kasi Raju (Ajay Ghosh), Zamindar's wife Rajeswarai Devi (Divya Pillai), photographer Vasu, and Doctor Vishwanatham (Ravindra Vijay) form the crux of the narrative, exploring their intricate ties and involvement in the unsettling occurrences.

Payal Rajput has proven her versatility beyond being a glamorous icon. Her portrayal, though not glamorous, resonates deeply with the audience, evoking intense emotions and powerful expressions. Yet, there's a concern about her being typecast in similar roles, particularly evident in bold scenes. Despite a late entry, Payal remarkably steers the film forward, leaving a lasting impression.

Nandita Swetha impresses with her portrayal of a police officer, displaying compelling body language and screen presence. Ajay Ghosh delivers an adequate performance, while Chaitanya's intense demeanor leaves a strong impact. Ravindra Vijay also shines with his riveting performance.

However, the investigation led by Nandita Swetha fails to sustain interest, interrupted abruptly. The anticipation for a potent second half led by Payal Rajput dwindles, as emotional scenes and flashbacks become predictable. The climax feels prolonged, hinting at a potential sequel but leaving viewers unsatisfied. The dialogues lack impact, appearing rather commonplace.

Ajay Bhupathi has once again delivered a well scripted movie with a technically strong foundation for the film. The film's editing by Gullapalli Madhav Kumar becomes crisp in the 2nd half of the film, despite the slow first half. The cinematography by Dasaradhi Sivendra effectively captures the mysterious village ambiance, along with impressive stunt sequences. B. Ajaneesh Lokanath's music adds emotional depth to the film, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

Despite few lackluster moments and a sluggish start, "Chevvai Kizhamai" stands as a well-crafted horror thriller with captivating twists and turns in its screenplay.

Verdict: "ChevvaiKizhamai" offers a compelling horror thriller experience with a captivating second half, anchored by Payal Rajput's impactful performance.