Manmadhudu

K. Vijaya Bhaskar's 2002 Telugu film follows Abhiram, who runs his own advertising agency and dislikes women. When his uncle appoints Harika as assistant manager, Abhiram keeps putting her in difficult positions; then the animosity gives way to another feeling. The film uses this template knowingly and puts the comic weight on Nagarjuna's cold manner. Brahmanandam's supporting turn is a typical example of the Telugu comic idiom of the period. Seen now, the most contentious thing about it is that the lead's misogyny is presented as a romantic flaw; the narrative treats it not as a problem but as an obstacle to be cleared. The film's box office success was a turning point in Nagarjuna's career. Who it's for: those who like 2000s Telugu romantic comedy. Who it's not for: viewers who will be uncomfortable seeing misogyny used as comic material.