Jungle Mangal Movie Review: a calm adventure wrapped in suspense

Time of India

04-07-2025

The Times of India
Jul 04, 2025, 11:27 AM IST
3.0
By Susmita Sameera
Set against the scenic backdrop of a village at the foothills of the Western Ghats, the story begins on April 5th, 2020. As COVID-19 safety instructions play on TV, we meet a couple—Praveen ( Yash Shetty ) and Divya (Harshitha Ramachandra)—arguing over the phone. Praveen longs to see Divya, but she is hesitant due to lockdown protocols. After some convincing, she sneaks out of her home. Praveen picks her up, hides his bike in the bushes, and takes her to a secluded spot in the nearby forest.
During their conversation, Divya reveals she has waited long enough for Praveen to settle down. As the eldest of four daughters, family pressures have mounted, and she's accepted another marriage proposal. Just as emotions peak, word spreads in the village that a couple is hiding in the forest. A group of villagers, eager to catch them in the act, sets out to confront them.
What follows is a gripping escape, not just from the villagers, but also from a terrifying goon with his own agenda. As they navigate this tense situation, the couple must also face the unresolved complexities of their relationship. The film explores whether they can outwit their pursuers and confront their personal dilemmas.
The narrative is layered, not only focusing on the protagonists but also delving into the lives of other interconnected characters. Told in a non-linear style, it frequently jumps back in time to reveal the events that shaped key moments. While most flashbacks are engaging, a few slower segments briefly disrupt the flow.
At its core, the film is a simple yet nuanced story about love, pressure, and escape. While Praveen and Divya's relationship anchors the plot, the emotional depth extends to others entangled in their own struggles. Yash Shetty and Harshitha Ramachandra bring sincerity to their roles, but Ugramm Manju, as the fierce and unpredictable antagonist, leaves a strong impact with his screen presence.
Though the film avoids dramatic spikes, it remains steadily engaging, unfolding its mysteries gradually and letting tension and emotion breathe. Shot in the lush greenery of the Western Ghats and grounded in village life, it creates an immersive atmosphere. The music elevates the film and stands out as one of its key strengths.
Rather than building to a dramatic climax, the film resolves its conflicts in the same steady rhythm it maintains throughout. There are no major twists or high-stakes payoffs—just a quiet closure to the journey. This is not a film that aims to shock or overwhelm. It's a calm, adventure-thriller best enjoyed with a bucket of popcorn—an easy, laid-back watch set against a lush natural backdrop.