Mental Madhilo

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 (well 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 released on 24 November 2017. The film's title was taken from a song from OK Bangaram.

Plot
Aravind Krishna (Sree Vishnu) 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. However, he yearns for the option that he did not choose after deciding. Additionally, an incident from his 12th year makes him uncomfortable to talk to or be around girls.

As the years pass, Aravind's situation does not improve. Now 29, he almost gives up on getting married after messing up 12 matchmaking prospects. Reluctantly, he attends the 13th, and to his surprise, he finds himself at ease when he talks to Swetcha (Nivetha Pethuraj), a clear-headed straightforward girl in contrast to him. Swetcha, who sees the simplicity in Aravind's heart, agrees to marry him. The two spend some time together before getting engaged, and as they get to know each other, they start liking each other. Being with Swetcha helps Aravind get over his discomfort with girls.

Before their engagement, Aravind is obliged to go to Mumbai for a project. On his way, he meets a joyous and unpredictable girl Renuka (Amrutha Srinivasan), from Vijayawada. An architecture student, she leaves an impression on him during their journey but disappears as he reaches Mumbai. She is a strong believer in destiny and Aravind too subconsciously starts believing in it and searches for her in Mumbai. The same destiny has them meet again in Mumbai, and she becomes Aravind's roommate along with Saki (Kireeti Damaraju) and some friends.

Meanwhile, Aravind finds himself drawn to Renu as he spends more and more time with her. He becomes infatuated with her and, one night, they both share a kiss. Later, she shares her past saying that she had a boyfriend who died in an accident. She confesses her feelings for Aravind and abruptly vacates the apartment the next day. In a confused state of mind, Aravind calls off the engagement with Swetcha but gets nervous and manages it as a prank. The next day, Swetcha surprises him in Mumbai and meets all of his friends. She enquires about Renu, and they conveniently take care of the situation, but Swetcha manages to find her in a restaurant, and they both become friends.

While returning, Swecha admits to Aravind that she understands everything about him and Renu, shows anguish on him, and leaves to Hyderabad. In Hyderabad, Aravind's father (Sivaji Raja) makes him realize how the risk of decision-making manifests a positive change in life, by narrating a real-life example he had to face in his youth. Realizing his mistake, Aravind, for the first time, makes a decision and goes over to apologize to Swetcha, 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, and they both part ways.

The same night, Aravind goes to Swetcha's home to talk, but her mother (Anitha Chowdary) informs him that she is on a bus going out of the city. Aravind and his father successfully catch the bus. Aravind proves that he has overcome his indecision by making a firm decision and apologizes to Swetcha. After a moment, Swetcha accepts his proposal, but with a tight slap, and they get together again. Aravind's father comically encounters another passenger on the bus (Nara Rohit) and invites him to his son's marriage. 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)

Soundtrack
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.

Production
Vivek Athreya made his directorial debut with this film and was also the film's writer. The film completed its production in 40 days, across was schedules. It was shot in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Goa. Once the production was completed, the film was taken over and presented by Suresh Productions. After Suresh Productions took over the film, there were regular previews to audience and critics a few days before the release. The film was released in India on 24 November 2017. Overseas, it was distributed by Freeze Frame Films LLC.

Reception
The film has garnered positive feedback from the audience and critics. Both Vishnu and Pethuraj received accolades for their performances. The film had a good gross collection across the released theatres and made its mark overseas.