Manmatha Leelai (2022) is an adult comedy directed by Venkat Prabhu, produced by Rockfort Entertainment. Ashok Selvan, Samyuktha Hegde, Riya Suman and Smruthi Venkat play the lead roles with Premji composing the music.

Venkat Prabhu has this habit of trying out different genres and Manmatha Leelai is no different. Venkat Prabhu does a mashup of genres in this adult comedy/thriller. He spends a better part of the first half setting up things and establishing the character of our hero. As the title indicates Ashok Selvan is a compulsive womanizer. The story switches between the past and the present and shows us similar scenarios where our hero gets caught in the act. But that acts as a mere prologue as twists and turns follow. What are the twists and turns? Will our hero redeem himself or will he be punished? Watch the film to find out. 

More than much hyped adult humour it is the twist and turns which keeps us hooked. Every twist is smartly placed and smashes gender roles with regard to the wrong-doer. You get twists which you would least expect in the most unexpected circumstances. Thankfully the story never pinpoints to anyone or take the moral route. Once the genre switch happens almost all the characters are painted with shades of grey which was refreshing. 

The film belongs to Ashok Selvan. The man gets a meaty role and does full justice to it. He nails both the comic role and the role of a savvy business man with an adorable family. He looks the part too as someone who could make the women fall for him. The switch in the final act too works to a certain extent. 

Samyuktha Hedge gets the bigger slice of the cake when it comes to performance. Her innocence helps to elevate the character. Her character makes you empathize and shocks you at the same time. Riya Suman is the glamour doll of the film and looks gorgeous. Smruthi Venkat does a neat job as the adorable housewife. 

Jayaprakash is impressive in a small but important role. Premgi Amaran's music fits the mood of the film. There are no songs but he makes up for it with a background score which keeps us hooked. Fitting a catchy classic in the title card immediately draws us into the film. The other technical aspects of the film are also neat. Despite the problem of having to shoot indoors, the house and the surroundings are pleasing to the eye.

On the downside, watching two identical scenarios at the same time might tire a few set of audience. Do not watch with expectations of Maanadu, but it is a good thriller which will keep you engaged. 

Venkat Prabhu has managed to surprise us by attempting something novel despite pandemic restrictions. It isn't a perfect film but it is certainly worth your time.