The Telugu film industry is known for producing entertaining thrillers, and Mukhakitharam (2022) is a good example. The film brings an intriguing mix of suspense, drama, and legal twists that keep the audience engaged till the very end.Directed by Gangadhar and written by Sandeep Raj, Mukhakitharam presents a story that revolves around fate, identity and the consequences of a life-changing decision.With strong performances, a well-crafted screenplay, and unexpected plot twists, the film stands out as an engaging thriller.
- Director: Gangadhar
- Cast: Vikas Vasishta, Priya Vadlamani, Ayesha Khan, Chaitanya Rao, Ravishankar , Vishwak sen
- Genre: Thriller, Drama
- Language: Telugu
Plot Summary
Mukhachitram tells the story of Raj Kumar (Vikas Vasishta), a successful plastic surgeon who is married to Mahathi (Priya Vadlamani). Mahathi is a simple, traditional woman deeply rooted in her values. Raj’s life is turned upside down when Mahathi dies in an unexpected accident. Grief-stricken, Raj decides to perform a face transplant on Maya Fernandez (Ayesha Khan), a vibrant and ambitious woman who had suffered facial disfigurement.
Maya, now with Mahathi’s face, starts living in Raj’s house. However, she soon discovers disturbing truths about Raj's personality and his controlling nature. What initially appears to be Raj's way of coping with his loss slowly turns into an oppressive relationship for Maya. She begins to feel trapped in Mahathi’s identity and Raj’s expectations.
As Maya struggles to reclaim her individuality, the story takes a legal and emotional turn. Maya gathers the courage to confront Raj and seek justice. This leads to a courtroom drama where themes of consent, identity, and autonomy are brought to the forefront. The film concludes with a powerful message about personal freedom, highlighting the importance of self-respect and women's rights.
Performances
- Vikas Vasishta delivers a strong performance, portraying Raj’s emotional breakdown and possessiveness with depth.
- Priya Vadlamani leaves a lasting impact as Mahathi, portraying innocence and vulnerability effectively.
- Ayesha Khan excels as Maya, especially in the second half where her character's strength and determination shine.
- Chaitanya Rao and Ravishankar P. support the narrative well, especially in the courtroom sequences.
- Vishwak sen: He has played the good advocate role who fights his first case in the court and its special appearance but powerful role.
Direction and Screenplay
Gangadhar successfully balances thriller and social commentary. The screenplay by Sandeep Raj is tight and purposeful, blending psychological tension with real-world issues of consent and control. The court scenes in the second half give the film a strong emotional core.
Cinematography and Music
- Cinematography by Sreenivas Bejugam effectively captures both the intense emotional moments and the thriller elements of the story.
- Music by Kaala Bhairava complements the film's mood, adding depth to critical scenes without overshadowing the narrative.
Critical Reception
Mukhachitram received praise for its bold subject matter and engaging screenplay. Critics appreciated its strong stance on women’s autonomy and the unique narrative structure. While some viewers felt the pacing could have been tighter, the film's message resonated with many.
Box Office Performance
The film performed moderately well at the box office, particularly appealing to audiences who enjoy socially relevant thrillers. It gained more recognition after its release on OTT platforms.
Final Verdict
Mukhachitram is more than just a thriller; it is a thought-provoking film addressing serious social issues like consent, identity, and personal freedom. Its unique blend of suspense and legal drama, backed by solid performances, makes it a compelling watch.
If you enjoy South Indian suspense thrillers, you may also like to explore this list of top South Indian suspense thriller movies dubbed in Hindi.
Overall, Mukhachitram offers a fresh perspective on psychological thrillers and leaves viewers reflecting on important societal issues.