Ajay Bhupathi's "Mangalavaram" stirred anticipation with its intriguing title, sparking intense discussions among viewers eager to unravel its plot. The heightened curiosity was further fueled by the inclusion of the captivating and alluring Payal Rajput, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the film.

Story:

In the quaint village of Mahalakshmipuram, an eerie pattern of mysterious deaths unfolds every Tuesday (Mangalavaram), heralded by cryptic writings on the walls preceding these ominous events. The inquisitive SI Maya (Nanditha Swetha), a recent addition to the police force, endeavors to unravel the enigma by delving into the post-mortem examinations. However, her efforts are met with staunch resistance from the villagers, led by the formidable Zamindar Prakash Babu (Chaitanya).

As SI Maya seeks to overcome the villagers' opposition, a complex web of intrigue unfolds. The narrative delves into the reasons behind the villagers' reluctance to cooperate with the investigation. The unfolding mystery centers on the peculiar occurrences on this specific day, weaving together the roles of key characters such as Shailu (Payal Rajput), Kasi Raju (Ajay Ghosh), Zamindar's wife Rajeswarai Devi (Divya Pillai), photographer Vasu, and Doctor Vishwanatham (Ravindra Vijay).

The developments in the village are intricately connected to the lives and actions of these characters, each holding a piece of the puzzle. As SI Maya persists in her quest for answers, the story unravels the hidden secrets and interwoven destinies that contribute to the compelling tapestry of Mahalakshmipuram's peculiar and foreboding Tuesdays.

Analysis:

Director Ajay Bhupathi, known for his bold storytelling in RX 100, followed it up with the intense love story Mahasamudram before venturing into Mangalavaram, a film that carried a distinctive title, signaling a departure from the norm. Bhupathi took deliberate efforts to assure viewers that the film would not mislead their expectations. Although marketed as a horror thriller, the first half deviates into a routine template of mysterious murders, with the absence of the promised horror and thrilling elements.

The narrative gains momentum only when Payal Rajput, the main lead, is introduced just before the interval, offering a glimmer of hope for an engaging second half. Despite her compelling presence, the film takes a detour into adult jokes, sidelining the plot. The second half, marked by a dragged flashback and predictable action scenes, loses the anticipated elements of horror and thrills. Ajay Bhupathi introduces the concept of nymphomaniac syndrome but struggles to bring it to the forefront effectively, testing the patience of the audience.

On the positive side, Ajaneesh Loknath's background music makes a significant impact, creating the right atmosphere. Cinematography by Dasaradhi Sivendra captures the rustic village setting effectively, although editing by Madhav Kumar Gullapalli could have been more refined in the first half. The situational songs, okay dialogues, and commendable production values contribute to the film's technical aspects.

Payal Rajput deserves commendation for her portrayal of a nymphomaniac girl, injecting the right emotions, expressions, and impactful screen presence into her character. Despite her role unfolding towards the end of the first half, she steals the show in the second, elevating the film with her natural and realistic performance. Chaitanya exhibits commendable intensity in his role as a zamindar, showcasing impactful body language and screen presence. Nandita Swetha delivers a strong performance as a determined police officer, and the supporting cast, including Ravindra Vijay, Divya Pillai, Ajay Ghosh, and Sritej, contribute their efforts to varying degrees.

Verdict:

Despite the initial expectations for Mangalavaram to deliver a compelling mix of horror and thrilling elements, it falls short and ends up being more of a conventional murder mystery. Ajay Bhupathi's attempt to bring attention to the novel concept of nymphomaniac syndrome gets overshadowed by the routine aspects of the storyline. The overall execution, including the story, screenplay, and direction, is deemed average. It becomes apparent that the film could have benefited from an infusion of more thrilling and horror elements to elevate its impact and resonate more strongly with the audience.