Mangalavaaram, starring Payal Rajput, stirred significant anticipation with its promotional content. Director Ajay Bhupathi promised an unprecedented element in Indian cinema, heightening intrigue around the film. As it graces the screens, let’s delve into the narrative.
Set against a rural backdrop, the village is shaken by a series of deaths, seemingly linked to extramarital affairs—all occurring on Tuesdays. In response, the villagers unite to unravel the mystery. Who is the killer, and what drives their motive? These questions encapsulate the essence of Mangalavaaram.
The film ventures into a relatively unexplored topic, earning praise for its unique approach in mainstream Telugu cinema. Balancing on the delicate edge between concept and vulgarity, director Ajay Bhupathi skillfully crafts Payal’s character, invoking empathy as the story unfolds.
The second half is where the pieces fall into place. Delving into Payal Rajput’s backstory and hardships, coupled with key twists, elevates the narrative’s engagement. Payal Rajput delivers a stellar performance in an unconventional role, portraying a character with a health disorder convincingly. Ajaneesh Loknath’s captivating background score stands out as the heart and soul of this thrilling tale. The supporting cast, including Ajay Gosh, Ajmal Ameer, Ravindra Vijay, and Divya Pillai, contribute commendably.
However, the first half grapples with inconsistent narration, particularly in the setup. While Payal Rajput’s introduction at the halfway mark isn’t an issue, the scenes leading to the interval lack excitement. The tension surrounding a series of murders in the village fails to build effectively, and certain scenes, like the villagers’ internal conflicts, lack proper presentation.
Despite a top-notch background score, the writing lacks depth in the initial hour, missing those edge-of-the-seat moments despite impressive technical values. A noted actor’s cameo lacks depth, and the presentation appears somewhat clumsy in certain sequences, occasionally resembling a recent Telugu blockbuster in storytelling.
Ajaneesh Loknath’s exceptional background score significantly contributes to Mangalavaaram’s success. The sound design complements the film’s overall impact. Cinematographer Sivendra Dasaradhi’s arresting visuals, coupled with stunning production values, enhance the film’s technical prowess.
Director Ajay Bhupathi navigates Mangalavaaram decently, showcasing a clear narrative approach in the second half. While he effectively illustrates the differences between crucial aspects, the uneven execution in the first half impacts the overall experience. Thrilling moments are sporadic, hindering the film from reaching its full potential. The director adeptly utilizes technical values to weave the narrative.
Mangalavaaram, exploring a unique concept, shines in the second hour with an engaging screenplay. Payal Rajput’s well-crafted character and top-notch technical values contribute to its appeal. However, the uneven first-half narrative, lacking gripping moments, may impact overall satisfaction. It’s worth considering for its fresh concept and strong technical foundation.
