Maanagaram (2017) User Reviews

An excellent screenplay and technical brilliance

[aniseprakash · 9/10 · 10 March 2017]

Lokesh Kanagaraj a debutant (Which is hard to believe) has delivered an exciting movie watching experience. Managaram is a kind of movie which doesn't fall even for a minute (Not even in the songs).

The movie starts off with different characters and different lives moves into something unexpected. Though it has too many characters, Lokesh hasn't wasted time in introductions. The story webs around us from frame one.

No character is wasted, each and every character contributes something to the plot. The story travels at a phase, that if a scene is missed we might lose track. The planning and execution of each scene is a master class of Lokesh's screenplay.

The suspense that travels along with the plot keeps the audience hooked, even a one minute song might make us restless- an edge of the seat thriller. Lokesh's brilliant yet again takes him high in the climax, the end of the movie might give a confident booster because of the message it delivers.

Technical aspects: Technically the movie is strong, thought eh technicians are almost new. Cinematography by SK Selvakumar shows the reality of the metro. Each and every frame of his is real. We might encounter any of it in our real life.

Music by Javed Riaz has taken the movie to another extent. Though he doesn't have much to prove in songs the BGM works great time. Philomin's editing is tight packed. She has done an exceptional job in bringing Lokesh's screenplay to life.

Above all its Lokesh Kanagaraj's who has done ample of hard work which is evident throughout. His screenplay, the characters, the technical brilliance everything is a clear indication of his passion towards cinema. Though this is his debut he has taken over some experienced directors with his work for sure. Kollywood has got a brilliant director.

Cast performance: Cast has worked great time for the movie. Sundeep Kishan as a kind hearted rough guy has exhibited excellence. He was equally contributed by Sri who has lived his character throughout. Though Regina doesn't have much to contribute still she impresses. Charlie's acting has proved he wasn't used well by other directors. He does his character with ease. Above all its Munishkanth (Ramdoss) , he steals the whole movie with his funny dialogues. His comedy has worked in a great time and never falls flat. One of his career bests.

On the whole Managaram is a must watch for any moviegoer. It will stay in the hearts as one of the best screenplays ever.

Maanagaram is an engaging realistic crime dram with terrific direction,amazing performances and dialogues.

[shobanchittuprolu · 8/10 · 26 March 2017]

Maanagaram (2017): Few films make me realize about the importance of young talent in Indian Cinema.Especially in Kollywood,there are lot of such talented youngsters who are waiting for their chance.Karthik Subbaraj,Ashwin,Nalan Kumaraswamy etc..Now Lokesh Kangaraj is the debutante who is another gift to Kollywood.

Plot:

Set in the big city of Chennai, a youngster (Sree) from a small town comes to the city for a job opportunity at an IT firm. After he bags the job, on the same night he is beaten up on the road for mistaken identity and no one seems to come for his help. He gets annoyed about how insensitive are the people of the city.On the other hand, there is this young brash Sundeep Kishan who is good at heart and madly in love with his college mate and HR in charge at the IT firm (Regina Cassandra) and goes to any extent to safeguard her. Then you have this soft-natured migrant driver (Charlie), who comes to Chennai for the treatment of his ailing son and lands up the job as a call taxi driver. There's also this notorious mafia gang leader PKB (Madhusudhan), a corrupt policeman who is Sundeep's uncle, and a group of ruthless thugs with a misfit amongst them (Ramdoss.) He kidnaps the wrong child (who happens to be PKB's son) and ever since is on a damage control exercise. How all the characters get interlinked in the climax forms the rest.

Plus Points:

1)Screenplay and Direction: We have seen lot of hyper linked films like Yuva,Manamantha,Vedam and lot of Hollywood films. With a solid story, deft handling and a seamless screenplay (despite a complex script), extracting the best of performances from the entire cast, picture perfect frames (Selvakumar), engrossing music (Javed Riaz) and crisp editing (Philomin Raj), Lokesh has weaved a captivating thriller which is not to be missed. Lokesh scores the most is in how superbly he interlinks all these different stories and characters. The interlinking does not come across as mere coincidences or conveniences for the plot to progress, but as an observation of the interconnectedness that marks life in the city.

2)BGM: BGM is rocking and raised the intensity in scenes to the top.

3)Dialogues: In one scene in film,Hero asks a person about the most commonly used vulgar work "La..Ko..Ka".The way he criticizes the nature of folks in city using the word for everything is one of my most fav scenes in the movie.There are lot of such amazing dialogues in this film.

4)Performances: Everyone in the film has given their career best performances Especially Sree and Charlie stole the entire movie with their brilliant performances.Sundeep Kishan is amazing as rough guy in love with a girl.

Minus Points:

1)Lengthy Climax: Even though the screenplay is engaging at its best lengthy and feels dragged.

So,Maanagaram is an engaging realistic crime dram with terrific direction,amazing performances and dialogues.

My rating 7.5/10

Maanagaram

[santhosh-10290 · 8/10 · 21 April 2019]

Excellent Movie. The movie was so interesting and thrilling. Everybody acted very well in the movie. Songs were not good in the movie. BGM was good in the movie. The movie has interesting twists and turns. The movie was excellent but the movie somewhat lagged. This movie is one of the best Tamil Thriller Movie. Excellent Movie.

Excellent Enjoyable Hyperlink Cinema

[chettiyarsenthilkumar · 10/10 · 18 March 2017]

There are very few great movies releasing nowadays for which I feel compelled to rate and write reviews here. And this is one of them.

This movie scores 10/10 in almost any every criteria you want to judge it in and like any Christopher Nolan movie, you find a new piece of info in every re-watch, which will make you smile and also awe in wonder !

Love the suspenseful 1st half and racy 2nd half and Epic climax giving goosebumps !

Its also a movie that can make you fall in love with chennai city (Maanagaram) and feel proud to live here!

Beautiful

[vivianjoyson · 10/10 · 11 June 2022]

I haven't seen such a story based film.. It has action, story, crime, comedy.. perfect in every ways.. The way director interconnected 4 characters in the film is magneficent and so convincing.. Lokesh Kanagaraj rocks.

Awesome flick to watch in theatre with a popcorn

[rameshprabhu · 10/10 · 21 May 2017]

Story itself is so powerful which depicts the notion which outsiders keep on metro cities, whatever be the reason for anyone's experience the metro cities have been a boon for our country. Some want to be around for sake of money and some stay out for their goodness. No one wish to give and take from what the city has, metro cities have been giving so much purpose and interesting life to everyone which all can't have it in their very own native side. Remember the catch:- it's the people who make a place beautiful. Talking about the film, it's starts so real and best of camera work shown. Wonderfully crafted story having significance for each character a city has everywhere. Story moves with present common problems a city has, and revolving around it. Director made an interesting connection of Theft,acid attacks,rowdism,kiddnaping, police corruption, sentiments and love in the city which ends to a happy note of telling people that do what is right and things will have a positive change for sure in the end.

Best flick with good story, and camera work however screenplay could have been better.

A must watch brilliant movie!

[piuskilukken-81979 · 10/10 · 1 July 2017]

I was compelled to write a review here after watching the movie and this is my first review.

It is impossible to say that the screenplay, BGM, story and the cinematography of the film is brilliant.

After each shot, the curiosity to know what happens next really exhilarates. If you have a good taste for thriller movies go for this and it will never disappoint you.

While watching 'Maanagaram' I got a feeling of the film 'Taxi Driver'(1976) as the whole concept and message it has to convey, has a relation with the latter, I mean the way one analyses from outside, the ill nature of the city and the gradual change in the personal character while responding to the atrocities in the city.

Fantastic thriller!!

[sriramthestranger · 8/10 · 21 July 2021]

This hyperlink narrative happening in a day is superbly written with emotions hitting the cord at the right place. Though there are few logic loopholes, it keeps you at the edge of the seat throughout. Muniskanth is simply brilliant. Must watch and one of the best hyperlink films in Tamil!!

Excellent

[Infycd_ · 8/10 · 11 July 2021]

This is such an amazing movie. First few minutes I thought it is another rowdyism/sad movie but it turned out to be a beautiful movie. New concept,no extra stupid scenes and the movie execution is perfect even actors are amazing.

A smartly written and intelligently executed crime anthology by Lokesh Kanagaraj on useless city pride.

[SAMTHEBESTEST · 7/10 · 6 June 2021]

Maanagaram (2017) : Brief Review -

A smartly written and intelligently executed crime anthology by Lokesh Kanagaraj on useless city pride. Crime anthologies are always fun to watch because we expect some new stuff, innovative storytelling and lots of surprises. Maanagaram is a perfect fit for that even though it doesn't prove its point property. Well, if the motive doesn't matter to you then Maanagram is fantastic watch for you and if it matters, you can still give it a watch for excellent filmmaking. Maanagaram is a story of Four youngsters who arrive in a big city and with dreams and accidently their lives become interlinked. Actually, this crossover hints a dangerous ride all the time, and it works too but the problem appears in the motiveless screenplay. Maybe, even that's not an issue untill you are enjoying the show but then you have to ask yourself that what was the point of narrating this story at the end? Unfortunately, this question remains unanswered but fortunately it provides a happy ending to almost all the characters as per the justification in cinematic Liberty. There are few useless things in the film which could have been avoided to keep it more curved towards the crime zone. I personally feel that this love story angle and emotional struggle for it actually spoils the main theme of crime dramas unless it has some suspense to reveal at the end, something like we have seen in Aaranya Kaandam (2011). Nevertheless, Maanagaram still has a lot to offer in its own zone. It has smartly written script with gripping screenplay and brilliant direction of Lokesh Kanagaraj. Little more care and it would have been a classic film but its still very much worthy. I didn't understand the logic behind glorifying the fake city pride otherwise it's a terrific crime anthology to watch.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest.

Why it's 8 ?? It should be 10/10

[Don_Bradman_IMDB · 10/10 · 12 September 2018]

Such a awesome movie from a director. Both actors are rocking in every scenes. Background Musical is tremendous. Simply I Love to watch this movie everyday........... I'll never get bore.

Excellent hyperlink thriller weighed down a little for commercialization

[Jithindurden · 7/10 · 12 January 2018]

A Tamil hyperlink thriller with an excellent first half and a second half which is almost as good but a bit weighed down by the usual Tamil commercial film tropes. Some of the links are a bit far-fetched but convincing enough and the action scenes are not as over the top as usual commercial films in Tamil either but the romantic track was really pushing the limits. While on the whole, it is an excellent thriller giving insight into a lot of social problems it is also at the edge of being preachy, commercial (commercial film in Tamil definitely means going down in quality) etc although not exactly being those things.

Watch it on your Risk

[ajaykrcanara · 4/10 · 13 May 2021]

I cant say muvi is bad but m sure after watching it your mood will difinetely get ruined for at least 2 days. Its like a child dream of fast going with too much coincidences. Please see this movi if you are the last person remained on Earth after doomsday.

Was surprised that my whole family enjoyed this

[fahimay · 8/10 · 18 November 2018]

In spite of getting good reviews, I mostly put off watching neo-noir films, coz I doubt whether it would appeal to my kids. This was a surprise indeed, and we were all hooked from start to end.

With a non-studded star cast, the movie moves intelligently from frame to frame. We surmise the characters would be interlinked at some point, but it was an unexpected points.

Maanagaram gives a realistic portrayal on a metropolitan city and the opinions of migrators. Normally, we feel secure in the safe confines of our local hometowns and villages and dread going to a metro without contacts. We are apprehensive to the lurking dangers in public transport, night time alleys and basically of people themselves. All this still holds true, but the punchline of the movie gives a much needed insight here." We cannot blame the city for the doings of the inhabitants, so if we expect help from others, we need to initiate offering help from our side."

Each character is etched artistically, without much intro or explanations. There is no irrirating love side plot or needless songs woven into the storyline. Kudos to the director, technicians and the whole team on an impeccable job.

One of the best Tamil thriller movies

[mujtabasaif786 · 9/10 · 18 April 2020]

Maanagaram is one of the best thriller movies in Tamil film industry. The movie script is very nice and every moment is gripping in the movie. The direction of the movie is good and acting of every actors'also good and especially Sri's acting. The movie story fabulous and screenplay is fine and the music of the movie is average. The movie starts, when a job aspirant attends an interview and after few rounds he got selected, he was told to submit his original certificates the next day. After that he spent sometime in a vast with his friends then he leaves the bar. When he comes out of the bar he was beaten by some goons mistakenly who were looking for a guy who wants to acid attack to one of the goons, and they snatched his bag forcefully which has good certificates. Then he start searching the goons and the bag. So the movie starts gripping from there. I really enjoyed watching this movie and I want these kind of movies.

A first class film

[niharika-29248 · 9/10 · 30 November 2019]

Do watch the film! It's really a thriller ride watching it and the roles were so complicatedly linked to one another but there's no bit of confusion.

A MUST WATCH TAMIL MOVIE

[xameeral · 10/10 · 12 February 2018]

A VERY NICE THRILLER MOVIE. A WELL DIRECTED STORY LINE. SEEMED LIKE A REAL LIFE EVENT. ALL ACTED WELL.

Director made a mark

[sssramu · 8/10 · 18 November 2019]

This is a gripping thriller with a hyperlink script which crosses over each other. all the events unfolds in 2 days and the movie just take you for a fun to guessing game. you will be stitched to the seat for the climax. brilliantly executed script with a standout direction.

An intertwining story with suspense and drama

[vijaybavalatti · 8/10 · 17 November 2019]

What would you answer when I ask you how do you feel about a huge, metro city? It depends on whether you're staying in that city or not. If you're staying in the city, then it depends on your experiences (negative or positive whatever). This movie tries to show how people's lives are interconnected in some way and morality issues faced by innocent people during unexpected circumstances.

The movie has too many characters but mainly revolves around two youngsters. One has come to look for a job. The other knows the city well. How these people face situations due to someone else's actions and what are they going to do about it is the rest of the story. The director doesn't reveal the names of many characters including these two boys. He wants to tell the story is not about the characters but it's the city that plays a key role.

The screenplay and editing play key roles in keeping the audience engaged.

If you're a fan of Alejandro inaurittu's movies like amores perros, Babel.. , you will surely like this one.

I didn't hate or love this

[AnonymousbutDilpreet002 · 7/10 · 21 August 2020]

Many times in the film, the characters were just talking about the city. I wonder why? Might be because the writers could not find a better dialogue to write.

Maanagaram is story of four different people or group of people whose lives somehow intersect. The chaos never spread, we wait for a major event but that never arrives. The minor twists make a good watch. But it's never excellent.

The way Sundeep krishna's character is introduced to us, I don't think anyone is going to like it, neither as a hero, nor as a villian. None of the actors did something worth a mention.

What saves this films is it's untimely comedy. Untimely, but not in a bad way. The dark humour is present in situations in which we least expect it to be. Munishkanth is definitely funny.

Title cards are best part of thr film but they don't matter much.

I would not pass it off as just another film but would not even recommend it. It's just little better than average films.

Masterpiece

[theiunikgamer · 10/10 · 11 January 2024]

Awesome film. A very well thought out film with brilliant execution. Positives - Tight screenplay, brilliant character dynamics, unpredictable twist & turns and a social message(If u think it this way). This film feels little lengthy at some places but overall it's great. A solid 9/10 from me.

But, I'm giving +1 as bonus coz it's debut film of Lokesh and pulling out such level of direction in debut film is difficult. Neither did Lokesh have stars, nor budget in those days. But what he had(and has till now) is talent. Hence, a big salute to him. Pls Lokesh sir, make such similar masterpiece movies today.

Excellent Making but Forced Screenplay

[akhil027 · 6/10 · 30 October 2019]

I don't think this movie deserves such a high rating, but that's my opinion. I don't like it when the story needs to go on due to lack of proper communication among the characters. That feels forced. The links among the characters are pretty good but still, it didn't enable me to connect with them. That romantic song was quite unnecessary. One thing I assure you. Lokesh Kanagaraj is a brilliant director. I recommend you watch this one.

Too many coincidences

[pvrobinvarghese · 4/10 · 11 June 2020]

The story of the film is based on too many coincidences which is impossible to happen in a big city like chennai. The cab driver and employee come to the same flyover where kidnappers are waiting for ransom. The kid exactly pops up in front of the heroines home at the right time. These are few examples. The movie is full of these kind of incidents without which the story can't progress. Scrip wrtier needs to use more imagination to avoid this.

Best 👌

[abhishekdutt-65009 · 10/10 · 17 December 2023]

Mangram is a cinematic masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together elements of suspense, drama, and psychological intrigue. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ava Thompson, the film takes audiences on a riveting journey through the intricate corridors of the human mind, exploring the delicate balance between reality and perception.

At its core, "Mangram" is a psychological thriller that challenges conventional storytelling norms. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of the enigmatic protagonist, played with remarkable depth by Oscar-winning actor Jason Evans. Evans delivers a tour de force performance, capturing the nuanced complexities of his character's psyche with a rare authenticity.

The film's plot revolves around a brilliant mathematician named Adrian Mann, who stumbles upon a groundbreaking equation that promises to redefine the understanding of reality itself. However, as Mann delves deeper into the implications of his discovery, he becomes entangled in a web of deception and paranoia. The script, penned by the talented screenwriter Emma Turner, skillfully navigates the thin line between genius and madness, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

One of the film's strengths lies in its meticulous attention to detail, both in terms of cinematography and set design. The visual language of "Mangram" is a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow, mirroring the protagonist's descent into the labyrinth of his own mind. The use of symbolism, particularly recurring motifs like spirals and mirrors, adds layers of meaning to the narrative, inviting viewers to interpret the story on multiple levels.

Thompson's direction is masterful, creating an atmosphere of palpable tension that lingers throughout the film. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to absorb the weight of each revelation and twist. The director's choice to employ a non-linear narrative structure adds an additional layer of complexity, inviting viewers to actively engage with the puzzle that is Mann's unraveling reality.

The supporting cast, including the talented Emily Rodriguez and seasoned actor Michael Stevens, complements Evans' powerhouse performance. Rodriguez, in particular, shines as Mann's confidante and love interest, bringing emotional depth to a character that serves as both a grounding force and a catalyst for the protagonist's internal struggles.

The film's musical score, composed by the acclaimed Rachel Carter, is a haunting symphony that underscores the psychological tension woven into the narrative. The soundtrack becomes a character in itself, guiding the emotional beats of the story and enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Despite its brilliance, "Mangram" may not be for everyone. The film requires an attentive audience willing to grapple with the intellectual and emotional challenges it presents. Some viewers may find the non-linear narrative and abstract themes demanding, but those who appreciate cinema as a form of art and intellectual exploration will undoubtedly find "Mangram" to be a rewarding experience.

In conclusion, "Mangram" stands as a testament to the power of cinema to transcend traditional storytelling boundaries. With its stellar cast, visionary direction, and thought-provoking narrative, the film cements itself as a modern classic in the realm of psychological thrillers. Thompson's exploration of the intersection between genius and madness leaves a lasting impression, challenging audiences to question the nature of reality long after the credits roll.

Fabulous movie

[rajuvijay-09252 · 10/10 · 7 February 2023]

Really so beautiful and intresting movie forever Even single scene lokesh kanagaraj planned and executed very well it's really one of best movie in South industry so beautiful story line and so beautiful presentation after see this movie we should understand don't think people same at every region some good people and bad people all exist in same region so we behave good always.lokesh kanagaraj is one of great director in India.his remaining movies like kaidi, Vikram, master are really so beautiful blockbuster movie we are waiting for thalapathy 67 which is Leo. LCU lokesh cinematic universe really great we waited Leo came in that lcu if it possible really that movie and director create huge record upcoming days.