Manmadha Leelai Tamil Movie
Before delving into Venkat Prabhu's 'quickie', 'Manmadha Leelai', I would like to take a walk down the memory lane of Kollywood with regards to 'adult content'. I am not talking about 'adult movies'. But, mainstream movies with adult content.
Kollywood had the culture of embracing adult content in a very organic manner with the likes of Bhagyaraj and Balu Mahendra infusing mature content via mainstream cinema in the 80s and early 90s. That culture faded away along with them. Some of Kamal Hassan and Mani Ratnam movies made attempts to revive them, but again it was dealt with severe blows from the censor. Then came SJ Suriya at the turn of the century. His movies largely tilted the scale towards crass and crude writing.
However, the renaissance in this aspect came back with Selvaraghavan, Thiagarajan Kumararaja and Mysskin. However, if I were to recollect 'authentic' Kollywood adult movies with a structured narrative, two movies standout - 'Manmadhan' and 'Kalyana Samayal Saadham'. I would like to keep the likes of 'Murattu Kuthu' or 'Trisha Illana Nayanthara' away from this debate as they were glorified soft porn (according to me).
With that brief, let's look at how Venkat Prabhu's quickie, 'Manmadha Leelai' fairs. It is an adult rated movie with 'adultery' elements. As Venkat Prabhu mentioned, this is the first movie that he is directing with a script written by his assistants - Manivannan and Balasubramanian. A firm handshake to the story writers as they have intertwined a narrative between two periods - 2010 and 2020 with an astute ease.
The movie happens non-linearly throughout. That narrative structure, in my opinion, was the movie's success. Ashok Selvan with beard in 2020 and him playing a clean shaved young man in 2010 was so convincingly sold to the viewers. Applauds to Ashok for carrying both the roles with charm. This is the kind of role that typically suits him.
Now, coming to the most important aspect - the glitz, glamour and sleaze. Venkat Prabhu promised in the audio launch that he would act 'responsibly'. He delivers on the promise. If one goes to the theatre expecting something crude or crass, then it would be a great disappointment. There are glamour elements and over-the-top moments. It has been heavily curtailed and curated.
However, certain run-of-the-mill misogynistic commentary could have been avoided. It was woven into the narrative with a fun quotient in mind. What starts as a tame adultery, snowballs into a thriller. The ending was predictable, but the screenplay and BGM made it watchable. The women on screen - Riya, Samyuktha and Smruthi have carried their roles perfectly.
The downside of the movie is that there was very little content. Everything rested on the narrative. So, initially it takes its own sweet time to unwind. And then, before it settles down, the movie is over.
Overall, it is a watchable movie that has adult content neatly tucked into the narrative. The fun elements and one-liners, though sparse worked well with the target audiences in the theatre. However, for those expecting a 'Murattu Kuthu', this is not the one! Director Venkat Prabhu proves his dynamism with the content. On that note alone he earns our gratitude!
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