Mangalavaaram (2023) Poster

(2023)

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7/10
A suspenseful finale saves this otherwise above average film.
samxxxul17 November 2023
What a stunt! I was so impressed by the trailer and envisioned a psychological or mystical horror. Instead, it was a whodunit mystery accentuated by a strong cinematography and terrific background score. Kudos to director Ajay Bhupathi for presenting a title and trailer so artfully deceptive and this misdirection sets the stage for the film that somehow manages to meet the expectations in parts.

Coming to the story, it is a period drama centered around a string of inexplicable murders that cast a sinister shadow over the village every Tuesday. As wave of terror sweeps the inhabitants, a resolute police officer (Nanditha Sweta) takes charge and arrives to unravel the mystery that has cast a shadow over the community. Then we have a tonal shift as the narrative deftly interweaves the present with the past, introducing Shailaja portrayed by the vivacious Payal Rajput. Her life spirals into despair after falling prey to a deceiving schoolteacher. This event leads to a series of dire consequences that intertwine with the ongoing murders in the village. To uncover the happenings, the enigma of Shailaja's past and the motive behind these chilling killings is best to witness it on the big screen.

On the downside, the film's runtime is definitely overkill. Especially the first half as it progresses, it inspires little interest untill the introduction of Payal Rajput who has given it all for this film. Even the second half has speed breakers which diminishes the flow of narrative. You will also draw parallels to classic film's such as Kantara (2022), Ave Kallu (1967), Shhh! (1993), and one of the greatest series of all time Marmadesam (1996).

On the positive, the film's last few sequences and the climax makes up for the overall impact. It's good to see the director trying out something fresh, even the sex disorder angle could've been given interesting possibilities doesn't mean it is a bad idea but it will hold your attention post interval till the climax reveal. I'm sure the wild ride in the finale will make you overlook the film's earlier flaws. Fun fact for the actress fans -There's even a sequel!
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6/10
Bold take. Good in parts, weak in the others but surely worth a watch.
TreeFiddy5328 December 2023
Very rarely you come across a trailer that makes you go "Bruh, what the heck did I just watch? I need to see what the movie's about!" This film had one of those, so props to the editing team for coming up with such a trailer.

The film FINALLY dropped on streaming, had to check it out. Mangalavaram/ Chevvaikizhamai is a psychological thriller set in a village where people are mysteriously dying on Tuesdays and nobody knows 'who/what/why'. While this film has some regular tropes that you may have seen in previous films, it centers around something very bold, which I didn't expect the film to do; don't think you'd have seen it before either. Also, not for kids.

Extra marks for a bold topic, but special mention to the sound design and the music team. They've elevated this film to a different level. Parts of the film also look really well shot. Payal Rajput, don't know the first thing about her, did a brilliant job. Parts of the film that didn't work for me - Twists, while good, felt slightly abrupt. I didn't like the 'comedy' in the film, felt crass and unnecessary. Take that away and nothing changes in the film. While the topic was bold, the take around it felt...like I'd seen similar films before.

This would have been a BRILLIANT film 10-15 years ago, but those times wouldn't have been okay with the primary reason behind the plot. All that said, surely worth a watch, you can give it that much, you're either going to praise for the boldness or look at everything else and say this is just the same old stuff in a new box. There's only one way for you to find out.
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7/10
Direction is definitely good n lead actress is brilliant!
UmeshAditya13 January 2024
Definitely one time good watch! A suspense thriller that keeps one completely hooked up n the entire story revolves in a small village. First half an hour goes normal n post that intensity of screenplay is too good. Direction is fantastic in the second half. A different unique storyline. The lead actress turned victim is brilliant in acting. Originally Telugu movie avilable in Hotstar in all languages. My ratings 7/10!

Definitely one time good watch! A suspense thriller that keeps one completely hooked up n the entire story revolves in a small village. First half an hour goes normal n post that intensity of screenplay is too good. Direction is fantastic in the second half. A different unique storyline. The lead actress turned victim is brilliant in acting. Originally Telugu movie avilable in Hotstar in all languages. My ratings 7/10!
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meh
best-review17 November 2023
Alright, fam, let me lay it down for ya on this blockbuster mess I just peeped. So, the actors were straight-up killin' it, no doubt. They had me feelin' some typa way, you know? And them locations and sets, bruh, on point! Like, I was practically living in that flick.

Now, the cinematography, fam, it was like watching art in motion. Those shots had me like, "Dang, did they hire a magician or what?" So props on that, no cap.

Now, let's talk about this script. It's like they grabbed some random words from a hat and called it a day. And the background music? It is the real killer. Direction was straight-up mediocre. It's like they lost the map to a decent film and just winged it.

Now, the lowlights, my dude. These slow sequences had me checking my watch more than the plot did. And the VFX? Man, it looked like they hired a toddler with a crayon to do that mess. Twists? More like turns into a dumpster fire.

So yeah, if you're into movies that make you question your life choices, this one's a winner. Grab your popcorn and brace yourself for a rollercoaster of "meh."
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7/10
Unexpected
ravikrishhnan28 December 2023
In one word, this movie is good. It falls short of amazing or extraordinary, but it really is up there. I started watching in the expectation that it is going to be another cheesy horror film. However, it is a well made, well scripted movie. The plot is pretty basic, but the making, the BGM and acting of the lead female character makes this a gripping thriller. Not to mention the climax and maybe even the last 15 minutes. The medical condition of the lead character is portrayed pretty well, as it is a difficult subject to tread into. Overall a pretty good film that requires much more appreciation.
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6/10
I am very proud to say such a movie from tollywood director
vinaypedakakani18 November 2023
Simply superb. Ajay Bhupathi's narrative in Mangalavaram promised novelty but unfortunately delivered nothing groundbreaking, despite the initial excitement generated by the concept of a nymphomaniac. The storyline, except for a brief moment in the second half, follows a predictable and monotonous path, testing the audience's patience. The first half is predominantly consumed by crude comedy, featuring Ajay Ghosh and others, and the absence of Payal Rajput disappoints viewers despite the filmmaker's emphasis on mysterious deaths. Mangalavaram unfolds a tale of enigmatic deaths occurring in a village every Tuesday, earning it the ominous moniker. The village of Mahalakshmipuram is shrouded in fear as individuals meet shocking demises following the appearance of their names on the walls.
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10/10
Mind-blowing Thriller
prasadsiva-9605218 November 2023
Movie which gives high impact on emotions,comedy,Bgm,visuals etc.which it takes you into the film story if it likes you can visit again and again in theatre and it was must watch film at theaters.movie characters each one has good roles and every role was highlight and the impact of each character was shown in the film mainly from starting fifteen minutes to till end of the movie it gives you a mind blowing twists.mainly we can talk about screenplay of the movie was highlight and bgm was extraordinary and main characters of each actor they performed very well which gives best experience to the person who was watching movie.
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7/10
A daring attempt...!!!
PANDIAN1206213 March 2024
Director Ajay Bhupathi skillfully blended an untold concept with thrilling elements and his work of maintaining the suspense and revealing twists at the end made the entire film very engaging & interesting...

In every sense Payal Rajput seems to be a perfect choice for the role & she owned it..Her bold & gutsy performance truly created a deep connection with the character & she nailed it... Rest of the characters too did some genuine refreshing performance making us feel that we have landed in to a deep route villages of Andhra restoring it's faith in every sense...

Technically film looks so good, BG score & Cinematography truly enhanced the Storytelling... Film's boldness genuinely contributes to the narrative, aligning seamlessly with the story...

Mental health is not a choice or a moral failing, but a crucial aspect of our wellbeing that demands empathy, awareness, and proper care...This movie also sends a strong message about the ill effects of greed and lust...also conveys a message that when truth strikes back, lies and their followers will be crushed to ashes...

Overall a neat package of thrilling elements makes this flick praise worthy...
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10/10
Mangalavaram watch on mangalavaram
ratantatafollower26 November 2023
The movie is extremely fabulous.. mainly the bgm is so incredible..😍 The director bhupati Raju made the movie the best scenes attracted me very much... This movie throws light on many issues of the society .. But being the adult movie it may don't reach to many people ... And the screen play also very good ... Atlast the bgm is sooo good .. the bgm is not less to the big movies .... Their is a main twist in the last it makes the movie the best I hope everyone will enjoy this movie ... Mainly watch the movie in the theatres it make the movie so interesting.... I became big fan to the music director... All the best to the director... Waiting for his next movie.
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7/10
Twists and Turns: Navigating Complexity in the Engaging Drama of Mangalavaram
raviankam5256 January 2024
This film unfolds with numerous twists right from the outset. While these twists offer excitement and entertainment for the average movie lover, many of them tend to be predictable. Despite their predictability, the twists manage to captivate the audience's attention and maintain engagement throughout the movie.

The narrative introduces a plethora of characters, contributing to the suspense and prompting spectators to harbor doubts about each one. However, as the plot progresses, the significance of several characters diminishes, creating a sense of confusion. The performances in the film, although not at their peak, are sufficiently competent given the complexity of the character ensemble.

For viewers opting for an Over-The-Top (OTT) platform, it is recommended to experience the film with a high-quality music system, as the background score serves as the lifeblood of the movie. Overall, it qualifies as a decent one-time watch, providing a good source of entertainment and a few unexpected turns, even though the abundance of characters may lead to some confusion in the plot.
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3/10
Extremely POOR Movie
a-shouvik10 January 2024
Mangalavaaram is the proof that even a movie with a decent message can be extremely bad. Apart from the BGM nothing really worked.

The twists are okay but due to the poor writing you won't necessarily feel drawn to the conclusion.

The dialogues are cheap and VFX is sloppy.

Altogether, Mangalavaaram will leave such a sour taste in you that have to get rid of by watching something way better.

If you want to treat yourself with a loophole filled far below mediocre flick then feel free to watch Mangalavaaram.

I wish I could get back 2hrs and 28 mins of my life. I guess that is not possible...
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9/10
Should Believe MANGALVARAM like Exists
jcvenugopal22 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I am a serious observer in watching movies. I love watching Suspense, horror and crime movies.

I watched this MANGALVARAM movie on MANGALVARAM itself.

MANGALVARAM is Really an Excellent movie of Comedy, Sex, Thrill and Suspense. Beautiful Artists, Voice and Action. Excellent Action by Actress Payal Rajput. The Story was Excellent. Hats Off to the Director Bhupathi garu. Really Watchful . A Good Climax.

The movie showed the real existing of present villages and theirs..

Such MANGALVARAMs Exists in our society.

Dear Friends, You All Should watch this Successful & truthful movie MANGALVARAM.
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3/10
Promises big and underdelivers hugely
DesiReviews27 December 2023
Promises big and underdelivers hugely

Pros Cinematography - Good picturesque f1.2 kind of shots.

BGM - Help build excitement.

Cons Misleading - The entire trailer and buildup was for a paranormal movie. But it is anything but.

Story - Once it becomes clear what the movie is about - you are left with nothing but mundane revenge drama.

The end scene shows both of them sitting at the bottom of the well, but if they happen to make a sequel, I wouldn't be surprised if someone was dreaming that too.

The story stays around sly sexual remarks, some explicit scenes sold under a psychological disease, and the story never builds up.

Huge disappointment!
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9/10
Good Thriller movie!!
sriramthestranger17 March 2024
"Mangalavaaram" is a riveting cinematic gem that explores the intricacies of human relationships against the backdrop of a single day. With its stellar performances and compelling narrative, the film grips audiences from start to finish, offering a poignant reflection on love, loss, and redemption. Each character's journey unfolds with depth and authenticity, drawing viewers into a world where emotions run high and secrets unravel. "Mangalavaaram" is a must-watch for anyone seeking an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The story is compelling with tight screenplay even though the protagonist comes in the 2nd half.
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9/10
Unexpected 👌
bijunaina30 December 2023
The IMBD rating made me to write a review . How come a movie that should be rated above 8 got an aggregate 6 . To be honest I enjoyed watching the movie. The story line worked for me . The twist was unbelievable and to be honest The climax was to the point . I would recommend this movie to people who have a good taste in psychological thrillers. The actors like Payal Rajput played her role fantastically . Kudos to the entire team specially the story writer and offcourse the director . The screen play worked out for me . The BGM could have been taken care I mean it was over the top sometimes but they had kept the mood of thriller and horror in tact.
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2/10
It's a matter of thinking about what review to give. I don't know whether to give a review or not.
emon_22056 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Recommended for those who just want a full time pass and nothing else. Because the story and plot of the movie did not feel like anything. Who knows what the story is about, what made it. However, the story is written on the wall by some people in a village. Later their bodies were found. Everyone thinks suicide at first. Later, another stranger found such writings, and their bodies were also found. So everyone was alert and kept watch at night. Everyone in Erie thinks it's haunting a girl. Because he was found dead after being thrown out of the village some years ago. The girl had a problem, the girl had a strange disease. She just wanted to do it. Because of this disease, he was with whomever he was. Then the story continues. In the end it is seen that they did not commit suicide. They are dead. If you want to know why, check it out.

I watched the trailer on YouTube with full energy (sorry I liked the trailer). I was in a coma by the end of the movie. If nothing else is worth watching, then what else? Otherwise not recommended at all.
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10/10
I Think this is good movie for watching in theatres..Payal Acting,BGM,Visuals, ending Twists are the best side for Movie, please watch in Theatres
madanadigarla25 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I think this is good movie for watching in theatres..Payal Acting,BGM,Visuals, ending Twists are the best side for Movie, please watch in Theatres.i enjoyed every little bit in the Movie. Think this is good movie for watching in theatres..Payal Acting,BGM,Visuals, ending Twists are the best side for Movie, please watch in Theatres. Think this is good movie for watching in theatres..Payal Acting,BGM,Visuals, ending Twists are the best side for Movie, please watch in Theatres. Think this is good movie for watching in theatres..Payal Acting,BGM,Visuals, ending Twists are the best side for Movie, please watch in Theatres..
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4/10
Saved by the BGM.
chand-suhas29 December 2023
Twin murders occurs on Tuesdays at Mahalakshmipuram, after the illicit affair among the victims is revealed to the entire village. The killer is writing the details on the wall and then proceeding to kill them. Newly reported SI Maya takes up the case and suspects fowl play. Initially the villagers don't let her do her duty, imposing their beliefs on her through the powerful village landlord but the next set of murder, let's her pursue the case which leads her to a woman named Sailaja. What is Sailaja's story and how is she related to the murders forms rest of the story.

The first half is filled with random scenes, starting with a flashback of Sailaja and post that, barring the murders nothing worthwhile happens. The humor too isn't in good taste and the proceedings test the patience till the interval block. It is in the second half, starting with the flashback which sheds light on the main story though the flashback fails to register any solid impact due to the director's inability to handle the nymphomaniac character. It is only in the final act, with back to back twists, did the film raises interest. Without Ajaneesh Lokanath's BGM, the film would have been insufferable. Overall, it's a missed opportunity as the script sounded good but the execution was bland.
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8/10
A Pleasant Surprise
RealDonnieBrasco28 April 2024
Mangalavaaram surprised me in the best possible way. While initially expecting a typical storyline, I found myself pleasantly engrossed by its execution. The twists and turns were masterfully woven into the plot, keeping me in suspense until the very end.

The characters were robust and strategically placed, contributing to the narrative's richness. I appreciated the absence of plot holes; every character's decisions felt justified and contributed to the overall coherence of the story.

It was like solving a big puzzle, with each piece falling into place to reveal the grand picture. The final message resonated deeply with me, adding a layer of significance to the entire experience.

In conclusion, Mangalavaaram is a testament to the team's talent and storytelling prowess. I eagerly anticipate their future projects, hoping for more of the same captivating brilliance.
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10/10
INCREDIBLY MOVIE PAYAL RAJPUT ACTING,STORYLINE,BGM AD TWIST WOWW
nishanneymessi26 December 2023
I loved this movie a lot what a movie,what a bgm,what a story..I can't just stop praising this so good..Payal Rajput screen time was around 30 minutes but she nailed her character and it required boldness to act that role..I literally cried for 2nd half her performance was top notch..What i loved was this movie was so engaging,2nd half filled with suprises and twist i didnt expecting at all..Many thought after seeing Payal Rajput post,this would be different type of story,but reality it is something bigger than only intimate scenes 18+ scenes*..The Bgm was so good and director hats off man..I don't want to spoil any plot just go watch it fully satisfying..
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1/10
Beautifully made worst movie
jetkingsam13 January 2024
A movie that needs to be put into trash bin straightaway. A case to justify free casual unsafe sex. Those who watch this movie may use the medical terminology to justify not controlling their sexual desire. Have never seen such a trash, the whole village is into Extra Marital Affair and one girl who could not control is made to look with empathy. Totally horrible script. Those who enjoy soft porn may have given good review for this movie. Definitely not recommended for children, youngsters, middle agers and old aged people. If you get a chance to watch this movie, please skip such chance and do something useful instead.
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10/10
A Cinematic Gem
ashoksahoo-5286213 February 2024
Just experienced the gripping suspense of 'Mangalavaram' - a cinematic gem that's like a maze of intrigue! The plot's twists and turns are nothing short of awe-inspiring, keeping me hooked from start to finish. The characters, shrouded in mystery, added layers to the storyline, and the climax was a masterpiece of surprise. The director's finesse in building tension and maintaining it throughout is commendable. Every scene is a puzzle piece, fitting seamlessly into a narrative that keeps you guessing till the very end. The suspense is not just a plot device; it's a character in itself, weaving through the storyline like a silent orchestrator of intrigue. The cinematography deserves applause for capturing the mood perfectly, enhancing the suspenseful atmosphere. The actors delivered stellar performances, bringing depth to their characters and leaving an indelible mark on the narrative. 'Mangalavaram' is more than a film; it's an immersive experience, a journey through a maze of emotions and revelations. This thriller doesn't just unfold; it unravels, revealing layers of complexity that make it a standout in its genre. Kudos to the entire team for crafting a suspenseful symphony that resonates long after the credits roll. If you crave a cinematic adventure that keeps you guessing and leaves you in awe, 'Mangalavaram' is an absolute delight!
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5/10
An old revenge story
rajupothi-8843527 December 2023
Old story Old screenplay If there is anything new in this film it is only the camera work. The story is like the usual revenge story. The acting in the cast is good. The film is a little less interesting, for the first 1 hour, the film is not interesting for the next 1.30 hours. Payal's performance is good. The screenplay could have been done better in this film. The twist in the climax film is not very interesting and it can be predicted that this is what will happen next. However, there are some good things in the film and that is the cinematography. Please don't have a part two, if you take it like that, focus on the story thank you...
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8/10
Good movie with heroine has done justice to her character
amith-0055128 December 2023
Good to see these kinds of movies being done in South industry. Waiting for second part and director should do the second one without fail. Need to see how ghost characters being managed by this director.

Music director has done his job and this guy is expanding his charisma in other languages apart from kannada.

Do not compare with other movies. People just need to treat it as a movie and get going instead of finding flaws. Directors will get encouraged by politely telling the mistakes if any.

A Hollywood of this similar or worse than this everyone will provide a lot of hype.

Don't take kids to the theatre or watch in ott with them.
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3/10
Severely lacks cohesion
SoumikBanerjee199619 February 2024
The flashy, over-stylized appearance may catch the eye, but the lacklustre substance makes it a painful viewing experience.

The visuals may instil some excitement, but the poor screenplay and editing disappoint. The central idea is neither properly executed, nor were given justice, leaving a lot to be desired. The characters fail to make impacts, the subplots continually lose their track, resulting in a chaotic and disorganized mess.

Moreover, the lengthy runtime of nearly two and a half hours makes it difficult to sit through. Although there may be some redeeming moments towards the end, it's too little, too late.
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