Introduction
“Madha” is a 2020 Telugu psychological thriller directed by Srividya Basawa. The film stands out for its intense and gripping narrative, strong female lead, and unconventional storytelling, making it a unique addition to Telugu cinema. Unlike mainstream commercial films, Madha takes a dark and mysterious approach that captivates the audience with its suspenseful screenplay and well-crafted plot twists.
The film was initially released at various international film festivals, where it gained critical acclaim for its engaging screenplay, psychological depth, and technical execution. Later, it made its way to mainstream audiences through a limited theatrical release and digital streaming platforms. This article provides an in-depth review of the film, a look at its cast, IMDb rating, budget, and box office performance.
Honest Review of Madha
One of the biggest strengths of Madha is its unique psychological thriller concept. Unlike typical Telugu films that rely on action, romance, and melodrama, this film takes a different path by exploring psychological manipulation, deceit, and human psychology. The film’s title Madha, which means “insanity” in Sanskrit, perfectly aligns with its central theme.
The story follows Nisha (played by Trishna Mukherjee), a proofreader who leads a simple life until she gets trapped in a complex psychological game. A mysterious man enters her life, leading her into a dark web of lies, manipulation, and unexpected dangers. As the plot unfolds, it keeps the audience engaged with thrilling revelations and psychological mind games.
Director Srividya Basawa deserves appreciation for her bold and unconventional storytelling. The film keeps viewers intrigued by constantly shifting between reality and illusion, making it difficult to predict what will happen next. The narrative structure and nonlinear storytelling add to the film’s mystery. The tension builds up gradually, and the climax delivers a powerful impact.
Another standout aspect of the film is its cinematography and production design. Despite being a low-budget film, the visuals, camera angles, and color grading create a dark and eerie atmosphere, adding to the overall psychological tension. The sound design and background score by Naresh Kumaran further amplify the suspense, making every scene more intense.
Trishna Mukherjee delivers a stellar performance as Nisha. Her expressions, body language, and emotional depth make her character believable and relatable. The way she portrays fear, confusion, and determination adds immense value to the film.
However, the film does have a few drawbacks. Some portions feel slightly stretched, and certain subplots could have been more tightly executed. Additionally, due to its experimental nature, the film might not appeal to audiences who prefer fast-paced action or commercial entertainment. However, for those who enjoy mind-bending thrillers and deep psychological narratives, Madha is a must-watch.
Cast of Madha
The film boasts a talented yet relatively new cast, with each actor delivering a solid performance.
- Trishna Mukherjee – Plays the lead role Nisha, a proofreader who gets entangled in a mysterious psychological conspiracy. Her performance is the backbone of the film.
- Venkat Rahul – Plays the male lead Arjun, a character with multiple layers that add depth to the story. His role is crucial to the film’s major twists.
- Anish Kuruvilla – Plays a supporting yet powerful role, adding to the film’s eerie atmosphere and suspense.
- Ravi Varma – Delivers a notable performance as an investigator who uncovers crucial elements of the story.
- Bikramjeet Kanwarpal – Plays an impactful role that contributes to the film’s psychological intensity.
Each actor contributes significantly to the film’s suspenseful and mysterious tone. Trishna Mukherjee’s performance is particularly praiseworthy, as she carries the film on her shoulders with her intense and realistic portrayal of Nisha.
IMDb Rating and Critical Reception
“Madha” received a highly positive response from critics and audiences who appreciate psychological thrillers. The film holds an IMDb rating of 6.9/10, which reflects its strong storytelling, performances, and suspenseful execution.
Many film critics praised the film’s screenplay, direction, and unique storytelling approach. The psychological depth of the film and its ability to keep the audience guessing were considered major strengths. Unlike traditional thrillers that rely on action-packed sequences, Madha builds suspense through mind games and intense psychological battles, which impressed film enthusiasts.
The film also gained recognition at international film festivals, winning multiple awards for its direction, screenplay, and technical execution. The strong female lead and the unconventional narrative were appreciated as a welcome change in Telugu cinema.
However, some critics pointed out that the film might not appeal to mass audiences due to its slow-burning nature and non-commercial elements. A few reviewers also felt that certain twists were slightly predictable. Despite these minor criticisms, Madha remains one of the most well-crafted psychological thrillers in Telugu cinema.
Budget and Box Office Success
“Madha” was made on a shoestring budget of approximately ₹1-2 crore, making it a low-budget independent film. Despite financial constraints, the film managed to deliver high production quality, proving that a strong story and execution matter more than a massive budget.
At the box office, Madha had a limited theatrical release, mainly targeting urban multiplex audiences and thriller lovers. Due to its niche appeal and limited promotions, its initial collections were modest. However, strong word-of-mouth publicity and positive critical reviews helped the film sustain its theatrical run longer than expected.
The film gained immense popularity after its digital release on OTT platforms, where it reached a wider audience. The streaming release significantly boosted its viewership, making it a sleeper hit among thriller enthusiasts. Many people who missed the film in theaters discovered it online, leading to a surge in discussions and appreciation for its psychological depth and storytelling style.
Despite being a low-budget film with a limited box office run, Madha successfully recovered its investment and became a profitable venture through OTT platforms and international recognition.
Conclusion
“Madha” is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that proves storytelling and execution are more important than a big budget. With its gripping narrative, stellar performances, and unique approach to psychological manipulation, the film stands out as one of the most engaging and intelligent thrillers in Telugu cinema.
The film’s strong IMDb rating, limited budget, and moderate box office performance demonstrate that content-driven films can find success through critical acclaim and digital streaming platforms.
For those who enjoy mind-bending thrillers, psychological depth, and intense storytelling, Madha is a must-watch. It is a rare gem in Telugu cinema that proves that bold and unconventional storytelling can leave a lasting impact, making it one of the most underrated yet unforgettable thrillers of recent times.