Mithra Mandali Movie Review: A Social Satire Wrapped in a Buddy Comedy

Mithra Mandali has hit the screens to offer no-nonsense entertainment this Diwali. What is the film about? What is to be expected from its different characters and situations? TFN tells you all in this review! Story: Narayana (VTV Ganesh) is a caste leader in a fictional town named Jungilipatnam. While his caste allegedly comes with centuries of history and has produced alleged stalwarts, no MLA from the community has been able to enter the Assembly. Narayana makes a fervent pitch for an MLA ticket. However, a personal setback comes in the form of his daughter Sweccha's (Niharika NM) sudden elopement ahead of the polls, putting his political future in jeopardy. To protect his caste honour, Narayana at first fakes it to be a kidnap. Sweccha, a rebel who disagrees with her father's regressive attitudes, finds herself in a rollercoaster ride with her boyfriend as a hunt ensues. Where do the characters played by Priyadarshi, Vishnu Oi, Rag Mayur and others fit into this narrative? Where does the elopement end and what happens to Narayana's political ambitions? Find out in the film. Analysis: Director Vijayendar S has tried to fuse the buddy comedy genre with a social satire. While Priyadarshi and his friends are the official dolts, others are actually more imbecile. Narayana, Govardhan (Jeevan) and several others are obsessed with either caste, money or social status. Priyadarshi 's Chaitanya and Niharika's Sweccha are above them in emotional intelligence. Vennela Kishore's Sagar K Chandra is a clueless Sub-Inspector who is frustrated with the complaints by the inmates of the old-age home on the first floor. Satya's Important Character, who is mysteriously well-informed about the case under investigation, embodies physical comedy alongside other characters. Rag Mayur's Abhi and Vishnu Oi's Sathvik are, more or less, at the same level in terms of their reactions. Prasad Behara's character hankers after inheritance and waits for his Babai to die. Jeevan's Tutte Govardhan quibbles over a bottle of brandy by the night and claims to protect the honour of his caste by the day. Sweccha is allowed her agency and she has a motive behind training in martial arts. The romantic track is minimal. Like in recent Little Hearts, the love story takes birth in a coaching centre. Since the film is set in a fictional town, a few more creative liberties wouldn't have been off the charts. Mithra Mandali is the kind of film where jokers don't give a damn about chopping the arms of other bit characters. This brand of humour demanded a dark comedy treatment, though. RR Dhruvan's songs are a solid element. Kattanduko Janaki is the first one to take off. Swecha Standuu is part of the romantic track. Thella Kodi Nalla Kodi plays out in the finale. The cinematography and art direction are good. Verdict: A mix of buddy comedy and social satire is what Mithra Mandali is about. While the film attempts to mock social obsession with caste and status, it is primarily a madcap comedy. Good songs and production values help.