# Mental Madhilo

Mental Madhilo (transl. 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 supporting roles. This film marks the Telugu debuts of Nivetha and Srinivasan. The songs and background score for the movie were 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.

## Plot

Aravind Krishna is a man 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. At the age of 29, he almost gives up on ever getting married after bungling 12 potential matches. Reluctantly, he meets the 13th girl, and to his surprise, finds himself at ease when talking to Swetcha, who is, in stark contrast to him, clear-headed and straight-forward. Seeing that Aravind is a kind person, Swetcha agrees to marry him. The two spend some time together before getting engaged, and they gradually develop affection for 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 "Renu", a joyful and unpredictable architecture student from Vijayawada, who leaves an impression on him but disappears as he reaches Mumbai. Having heard her speak of her strong belief in destiny, Aravind subconsciously starts believing in it too and he searches for Renuka in Mumbai. By coincidence, they meet again in Mumbai and she becomes Aravind's roommate along with some other friends.
As Aravind spends more and more time with Renu, he becomes 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. 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 to Swetcha to apologize, but to no avail. He then 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 Swetcha is leaving the city on a bus. Aravind and his father catch up with the bus, and Aravind apologizes to Swetcha and convinces her that he has overcome his indecision and chosen her. Swetcha slaps him, but then accepts his proposal. Aravind's father has a comical encounter with another passenger on the bus and invites him to his son's wedding. Aravind and Swetcha get married and live happily.

## Cast

* Sree Vishnu as Aravind Krishna
* Nivetha Pethuraj as Swetcha
* Amrutha Srinivasan as Renuka
* Keshav Deepak as Manu
* Kireeti Damaraju as Saki
* Shivaji Raja as Arvind's father
* Madhumani as Aravind's mother
* Raj Madiraju as Swetcha's father
* Anita Chowdary as Swetcha's mother
* Dinesh Koushika as Aravind's friend
* Appaji Ambarisha Darbha as office colleague
* Jahanvi Dassety
* Sujata
* Nara Rohit as a bus passenger (Cameo Appearance)

## Production

Vivek Athreya made his directorial debut with this film, in addition to writing the screenplay. The film was shot in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Goa. Production was completed within the planned schedule of 40 days. The film was distributed in India by Suresh Productions. The film was released in India on 24 November 2017; preview screenings were held for critics and select audiences a few days before the release. Overseas, it was distributed by Freeze Frame Films LLC.

## Soundtrack

The music was composed by Prashanth R Vihari. Producer Raj Kandukuri and actor Nani released the soundtrack's first song, "Gummadikaya Halwa" at SIIMA 2017.

## Reception

The film has garnered positive feedback from the audience and critics. Both Vishnu and Pethuraj received accolades for their performances. On its opening weekend, the film drew a gross profit of ₹2.25 across domestic and international box offices.

## Awards

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