Mental Madhilo

CountryIndiaLanguageTelugu

Mental Madhilo (lit. 'Crazy at Heart') is a 2017 Indian Telugu-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Vivek Athreya in his directorial debut, and produced by Raj Kandukuri (known for Pelli Choopulu) for Dharmapatha Creations. The film features Sree Vishnu, Nivetha Pethuraj, and Amrutha Srinivasan in lead roles with Sivaji Raja, Madhumani, Raj Madiraju, and Anita Chowdary in pivotal roles. This film marks the Telugu debuts of Nivetha and Srinivasan. The songs and background score for the movie are composed and arranged by Prashanth R Vihari. The film was released on 24 November 2017. The film's title was taken from a song from the 2015 film OK Bangaram.^[1]

Aravind Krishna is a guy affected by borderline personality disorder. A fickle-minded person since childhood, he gets confused when faced with options in his daily life, and he regrets a choice he made years ago. Additionally, an incident that happened when he was about 12 made him uncomfortable to talk to or be around girls.

As the years pass, Aravind's predicament does not improve. Now 29, he almost gives up on ever getting married after messing up 12 matchmaking prospects. Reluctantly, he meets the 13th girl, and to his surprise finds himself at ease when talking to Swetcha, who is both clear-headed and straight-forward in stark contrast to him. Seeing the simplicity in Aravind's heart, Swetcha agrees to marry him. The two spend some time together before getting engaged, and they gradually start to like each other. Spending time with Swetcha helps Aravind get over his discomfort with girls.

After the engagement, Aravind has to travel to Mumbai for a project. On his way there, he meets Renuka, a joyous and unpredictable architecture student from Vijayawada, who leaves an impression on him but disappears as he reaches Mumbai. Having heard her speak about her strong belief in destiny, Aravind subconsciously starts believing in it too and goes for a search for her in Mumbai. As by coincidence, they meet again in Mumbai and she becomes Aravind's roommate along with Saki and some other friends.

As Aravind spends more and more time with Renu, he ends up becoming infatuated with her. One night, they share a kiss. Later, she reveals that a boyfriend she used to have died in an accident. She confesses her feelings for Aravind, but abruptly vacates the apartment the next day. Quite confused, Aravind calls off the engagement with Swetcha, but has second thoughts and manages to convince her that it was meant as a prank. The next day, Swetcha surprises him in Mumbai and meets all of his friends. She enquires about Renu, but Aravind's friends skirt her questions. Later, however, she finds Renu in a restaurant, and they become friends.

Before returning, Swetcha reveals that she knows everything about Aravind and Renu, sees that he is bothered by this, and leaves. Back in Hyderabad, Aravind's father makes him see how the risk involved in making choices can be a positive force by telling him about a dilemma he faced in his youth. Realizing his mistake, Aravind makes a firm decision for the first time in his life and goes over to Swetcha to apologize, but to no avail. He meets Renu, confesses his feelings for Swetcha, and apologizes to Renu. Somewhat hurt, Renu encourages Aravind to propose to Swetcha.

The same night, Aravind goes to Swetcha's home to talk, but her mother informs him that she is leaving the city on a bus. Aravind and his father catch up with the bus, and Aravind proves that he has overcome his indecision by apologizing to Swetcha and convincing her that she is the one he has chosen. Swetcha accepts his proposal, though only after slapping him, and they get together again. Aravind's father has a comical encounter with another passenger on the bus and invites him to his son's marriage. Aravind and Swetcha get married and live happily.^[2][3]

Vivek Athreya made his directorial debut with this film and also wrote the screenplay. The film was shot in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and in Goa, and production completed on schedule after 40 days. The film was taken over and presented by^[4] Suresh Productions, after which regular previews were held for audience and critics a few days before the release.^[5] The film was released in India on 24 November 2017. Overseas, it was distributed by Freeze Frame Films LLC.

Mental Madhilo
Film score by Prashanth R Vihari
Released	2017
Recorded	2017
Venue	Chennai
Studio	AM Studios
Genre	Feature film soundtrack
Length	32:47
Label	Madhura Audio
Producer	Prashanth R Vihari
Prashanth R Vihari chronology
Vellipomakey (2017) Mental Madhilo (2017) Adhugo (2018)
External audio Audio Jukebox on YouTube

The music was composed by Prashanth R Vihari. Producer Raj Kandukuri along with actor Nani released the soundtrack's first song, "Gummadikaya Halwa" at SIIMA 2017.^[6][7]

The film has garnered positive feedback from the audience and critics. Both Vishnu and Pethuraj received accolades for their performances.^[8] The film had a good gross collection across the released theatres and made its mark overseas.^{[9][10][11][12]}

Award	Category	Recipient	Result	Ref
7th SIIMA Awards	Best Debut Director	Vivek Athreya	Nominated	[13]
	Best Debut Actress	Nivetha Pethuraj	Nominated
Zee Apsara Awards 2018	Best Fresh Face of The Year	Nivetha Pethuraj	Won

• Mental Madhilo at IMDb