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{{Use British English|date=March 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox film
| image = Manmadhan ambu.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[K. S. Ravikumar]]
| producer = [[Udhayanidhi Stalin]]
| writer = {{ubl|[[Kamal Haasan]]|[[Crazy Mohan]]}}
| starring = {{plainlist|
* Kamal Haasan
* [[Trisha (actress)|Trisha]]
* [[R. Madhavan]]
* [[Sangeetha Krish|Sangeetha]]
}}
| music = [[Devi Sri Prasad]]
| cinematography = [[Manush Nandan]]
| editing = [[Shan Mohammed]]
| studio = [[Red Giant Movies]]
| distributor = [[Gemini Film Circuit]] (worldwide)<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 November 2010 |title=GFC acquires Manmadhan Ambu |url=http://sify.com/movies/gfc-acquires-manmadhan-ambu-news-tamil-klwtyFaehje.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125151208/http://sify.com/movies/gfc-acquires-manmadhan-ambu-news-tamil-klwtyFaehje.html |archive-date=25 November 2010 |access-date=21 October 2025 |work=[[Sify]]}}</ref> <br /> Sree Gokulam Films (Kerala)<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 January 2011 |title=Producer ready for Kamal Haasan film |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2011/jan/19/producer-ready-for-kamal-haasan-film-220476.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210160020/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/2011/jan/19/producer-ready-for-kamal-haasan-film-220476.html |archive-date=10 December 2020 |access-date=20 September 2020 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref>
| released = {{Film date|df=y|2010|12|23}}
| runtime = 152 minutes
| country = India
| language = Tamil
| budget = {{INR}} 50 crore<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 December 2010 |title=Grateful for the Kerala link, says Kamal Hassan |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/Grateful-for-the-Kerala-link-says-Kamal-Hassan/article15599302.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111070332/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/Grateful-for-the-Kerala-link-says-Kamal-Hassan/article15599302.ece |archive-date=11 January 2022 |access-date=24 January 2012 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>
| gross =
}}

'''''Manmadan Ambu''''' ({{translation|''Cupid's Arrow''}})<ref name="RF">{{Cite web |date=26 November 2010 |title=Manmadhan Ambu hits all the right notes |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-manmadhan-ambu/20101126.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110201000015/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-manmadhan-ambu/20101126.htm |archive-date=1 February 2011 |access-date=2012-01-24 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> is a 2010 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[romantic comedy]] film directed by [[K. S. Ravikumar]] and written by [[Kamal Haasan]]. The film stars Haasan, [[Trisha (actress)|Trisha]] and [[R. Madhavan]] in the title roles and [[Sangeetha Krish|Sangeetha]]. [[Kunchan (actor)|Mohan Das]], [[Manju Pillai]], [[Usha Uthup]], [[Urvashi (actress)|Urvashi]] and [[Ramesh Aravind]] play supporting roles with [[Caroline Furioli|Caroline]] and [[Oviya]] making cameo appearances.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 January 2010 |title=Kamal Haasan's ''Yavarum Kaelir'' |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14928918 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129120641/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14928918 |archive-date=2010-01-29 |access-date=2010-11-03 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> The film features music composed by [[Devi Sri Prasad]], with several songs written and sung by Kamal Haasan himself, while [[Manush Nandan]] and [[Shan Mohammed]] made their debuts as cinematographer and editor.

After significant pre-production which included rehearsals of the entire script before filming, the film was extensively shot in Europe and on a [[cruise ship]], whilst scenes were also canned across [[Chennai]] and [[Kodaikanal]].<ref name="sify.com">{{Cite web |date=18 November 2010 |title=Manmadhan Ambu audio launch on Vijay TV! |url=http://sify.com/movies/manmadhan-ambu-audio-launch-on-vijay-tv-news-tamil-klpsI2jedbb.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118010904/http://sify.com/movies/manmadhan-ambu-audio-launch-on-vijay-tv-news-tamil-klpsI2jedbb.html |archive-date=18 November 2010 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> It was produced by [[Udhayanidhi Stalin]], ''Manmadan Ambu'' released worldwide on 23 December 2010. The movie was based on the 1948 movie ''[[Romance on the High Seas]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 June 2022 |title=19 International films Inspired Kamal Haasan movies…? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/14-hollywood-inspired-kamal-haasan-movies/etphotostory/92260775.cms |website=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=22 April 2024 |archive-date=24 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424064213/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/14-hollywood-inspired-kamal-haasan-movies/etphotostory/92260775.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Plot==
Ambujakshi alias "Nisha", a film actress, arrives in Europe to spend the vacations with her friend Deepa, a divorcee, and her two children Viswanath alias Vish and Bhagirathi alias Bags. While going in a taxi, Ambu recalls an early incident regarding her ex-boyfriend Madhanagopal, a wealthy entrepreneur. Three years ago, she was shooting for a film with actor [[Suriya]] in a bright park, and Madhan was suspicious of her relationship with the actor. While returning, he let Ambu drive his new car. Madhan insisted that Ambu stop acting but she refused, leading to an argument that almost caused their car to crash into a smaller white car. Unable to bear Madhan's jealousy, Ambu broke her relationship with Madhan and walked away.

Madhan now suspects that Ambu may be having a relationship with her colleagues in the film industry. To end that, he hires detective Major Raja Mannar to follow her when she goes on a cruise for a vacation in [[Barcelona]]. Mannar accepts, as he needs money to pay the hospital bills of his friend Rajan, who is diagnosed with cancer, and who is being taken care of by his wife Mallika. Contrary to Madhan's suspicions, Ambu is loyal and virtuous; when Mannar reports this, Madhan refuses to pay him as his suspicions were unfounded.

Disappointed, Mannar, to save his dying friend Rajan, fabricates a story and tells Madhan that she is having a secret affair during her trip. In the process, he introduces himself as a manager of a security company to Ambu, Deepa, and Deepa's children, and becomes close to the group. While getting closer to Ambu, Mannar says to Madhan that Ambu's intentions are good, but the man she was being seen with, is of poor character. Madhan does not like what he hears and eventually breaks up with Ambu. In the background, Madhan's mother Indira, who has never liked Ambu, calls her brother to inform that Madhan has broken up with Ambu and that they should get his daughter Sunanda married to Madhan as agreed previously.

While recollecting his past as an [[Indian Army|army officer]] to Ambu, Mannar reveals that he lost his wife Juliet three years ago in a car accident. Ambu realizes to her horror that the accident was caused by her during the argument with Madhan. Both of them decide to confront each other with the truth, but Ambu misidentifies Kunju Kurup as Madhan's detective, slaps him, and tells him that she loves Mannar. Meanwhile, Rajan undergoes an operation immediately after the chemotherapy, in an attempt to keep him alive. To make things worse, Madhan announces that he will visit them in person at [[Venice]]. Ultimately, Mannar and Deepa (who now knows that Mannar is Madhan's actual spy) stage a plan with the help of Kurup and his wife Manju to deceive Madhan for the final break-up with Ambu.

Madhan arrives at the place and various mix-ups and misunderstandings take place among the characters. Finally, Madhan realises that Ambu has fallen in love with Mannar and accepts it with a heavy heart. At the same time, Rajan recovers from cancer. Mallika calls and tells Mannar this with tears and thanks him. The film ends as everyone returns to India on the cruise, with Madhan and Deepa starting a relationship and Mannar and Ambu proposing their love.

==Cast==
{{Cast listing|
* [[Kamal Haasan]] as Major Raja Mannar (Major R Mannar)
* [[Trisha (actress)|Trisha]] as Ambujakshi (Ambu) / Nisha
* [[R. Madhavan]] as Madhanagopal (Madhan)
* [[Sangeetha Krish|Sangeetha]] as Deepa
* [[Caroline Furioli|Caroline]] as Juliet
* Aasish Mahesh as Viswanath Srinivasan (Vish)
* Pooja as Bagirathi (Bags)
* [[Kunchan (actor)|Mohan Das]] as Kunju Kurup
* [[Manju Pillai]] as Manju Kurup
* [[Usha Uthup]] as Indira
* Ramji as Jeyagopal
* [[Oviya]] as Sunanda
* [[Urvashi (actress)|Urvashi]] as Mallika
* [[Ramesh Aravind]] as Rajan
* Akash as Karthik
* [[Sriman (actor)|Sriman]] as Palani
* Biriyaalayam Thurai as Thurai
* Madhumitha as Vasantha
;Cameo appearances
* [[Suriya]] (in the song "Oyyale")
* [[K. S. Ravikumar]] (in the song "Oyyale")
* [[Shobi (choreographer)|Shobi]] (in the song "Oyyale")
* [[Devi Sri Prasad]] (in the song "Neela Vaanam")
* [[Suriya|Diya]] (voice only) (in the song "Oyyale")
}}

==Production==
The launch ceremony of ''Manmadan Ambu'' was held on 3 June 2010. During the launch, [[Kamal Haasan]] said that prior to the shoot [[rehearsal]]s were performed.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web |date=3 June 2010 |title=Kamal's ''Manmadhan Ambu'' launched |url=http://sify.com/movies/kamals-manmadhan-ambu-launched-news-tamil-kkfq23hicia.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117025340/http://sify.com/movies/kamals-manmadhan-ambu-launched-news-tamil-kkfq23hicia.html |archive-date=2010-11-17 |access-date=2010-11-03 |website=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref> Haasan, along with [[Crazy Mohan]], wrote the film's screenplay and dialogues.{{cn|date=February 2026}} The film also marked the debut of cinematographer [[Manush Nandan]] in Tamil cinema.<ref name="Mid Day">{{Cite web |date=27 December 2010 |title=Manmadhan Ambu: Movie Review |url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/manmadhan-ambu-movie-review/107069 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416100908/https://www.mid-day.com/articles/manmadhan-ambu-movie-review/107069 |archive-date=16 April 2018 |access-date=20 September 2020 |website=[[Mid-Day]]}}</ref>

Haasan worked again with director [[K. S. Ravikumar]] for the fifth time after ''[[Avvai Shanmugi]]'' (1996), ''[[Thenali]]'' (2000), ''[[Panchatanthiram]]'' (2002) and ''[[Dasavathaaram]]'' (2008).<ref name="Shot">{{Cite web |date=4 June 2010 |title=Kamal Haasan back on humour track |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Kamal-Haasan-back-on-humour-track/article16240808.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922141011/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema//article61761162.ece |archive-date=22 September 2022 |access-date=20 September 2020 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> Ramji, who worked as a [[location scouting|location scouter]] for ''Manmadan Ambu'', also played Madhavan's father.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |date=26 October 2010 |title=Kollywood in search of exotic locations |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Kollywood-in-search-of-exotic-locations/articleshow/6809384.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120161715/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Kollywood-in-search-of-exotic-locations/articleshow/6809384.cms |archive-date=20 January 2015 |access-date=20 January 2015 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Film shoots were subsequently held aboard a [[cruise liner]] from [[Dubai]], and the film was shot across various regions of Europe including Paris and [[Marseille]] in France, [[Barcelona]] in Spain, and [[Rome]] and [[Venice]] in Italy. Parts of the film were also shot in [[Kodaikanal]] in [[South India]] including scenes with French actress [[Caroline Furioli|Caroline]], who was selected amongst 15 women;<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 October 2010 |title=Trisha's a fine talent: K S Ravikumar |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/trishas-a-fine-talent-k-s-ravikumar/articleshow/6841909.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921213742/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/trishas-a-fine-talent-k-s-ravikumar/articleshow/6841909.cms |archive-date=21 September 2014 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> remaining portions were completed in [[Chennai]].<ref name="Shot" /> 90 per cent of the film was shot abroad, and 40 per cent was on the ship [[MSC Splendida]]. French crew also worked in the film.<ref name="Cupid calling">{{Cite web |date=11 December 2010 |title=Cupid calling |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Cupid-calling/article15589255.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216013204/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article945879.ece |archive-date=16 December 2010 |access-date=9 June 2021 |website=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> The song "Neela Vanam" was shot in reverse chronology.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajendran |first=Sowmya |author-link=Sowmya Rajendran |date=9 December 2021 |title=Andha Naal to Maanaadu: 62 Tamil films that broke the mould |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/andha-naal-maanaadu-62-tamil-films-broke-mould-158515 |website=[[The News Minute]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Music==
{{Infobox album
| name = Manmadan Ambu
| type = soundtrack
| artist = [[Devi Sri Prasad]]
| cover =
| alt =
| released = {{start date|df=yes|2010|11|20}}
| recorded = [[Panchathan Record Inn and AM Studios]]
| venue =
| studio =
| genre =
| length = 28:50
| label = [[Venus Records & Tapes]]
| language = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| producer = [[Devi Sri Prasad]]
| prev_title = [[Singam]]
| prev_year = 2010
| next_title = [[Mr. Perfect (film)|Mr. Perfect]]
| next_year = 2011
}}
The film's music was scored by [[Devi Sri Prasad]] and all the lyrics were written by Kamal Haasan himself. The soundtrack album was launched at a promotional event held on 20 November 2010, at Singapore Expo, Singapore, where the film's cast and crew and other celebrities attended the event.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 November 2010 |title=Haasan, Maddy, Trisha to perform live! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/Haasan-Maddy-Trisha-to-perform-live/articleshow/6940339.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922141008/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/Haasan-Maddy-Trisha-to-perform-live/articleshow/6940339.cms |archive-date=22 September 2022 |access-date=20 September 2020 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> The song "Kamal Kavidhai" elicited controversy due to lines about a woman's desire and for references to Hindu deities like [[Ranganatha|Aranganathar]] and Sri Varalakshmi. Therefore, Udhayanidhi Stalin opted to remove it from the film.<ref name="NIE">{{Cite web |date=21 December 2010 |title='Manmadhan Ambu' drops controversial song |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2010/dec/21/manmadhan-ambu-drops-controversial-song-212856.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922141009/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2010/dec/21/manmadhan-ambu-drops-controversial-song-212856.html |archive-date=22 September 2022 |access-date=20 September 2020 |publisher=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last1=Menon |first1=Thinkal |date=23 October 2017 |title=When these films courted controversies over its lines... |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/when-these-films-courted-controversies-over-its-lines-/articleshow/61172119.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922141009/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/when-these-films-courted-controversies-over-its-lines-/articleshow/61172119.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=22 September 2022 |access-date=23 October 2017 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>

Pavithra Srinivasan of [[Rediff]] gave the album 3/5 saying that "DSP has a reputation for sticking with his regulation format of tunes and here too, you can see it pop up at certain places but there's also a departure from the usual, mostly an influence of Haasan in both lyrics and music. Whatever the reason, the end result is an album that provides you a treat. Go for it."<ref name=RF/>

{{Track listing
| headline = Track listing
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length = 28:50
| title1 = Dhagudu Dhattham
| extra1 = [[Kamal Haasan]]
| lyrics1 = Kamal Haasan
| length1 = 4:45
| title2 = Who's The Hero
| extra2 = [[Andrea Jeremiah]]
| lyrics2 = Kamal Haasan
| length2 = 4:24
| title3 = Neela Vaanam
| extra3 = Kamal Haasan, [[Priya Himesh]]
| lyrics3 = Kamal Haasan
| length3 = 4:25
| title4 = Oyyale
| extra4 = [[Mukesh Mohamed]], [[Suchitra]], [[Karthik Kumar]]
| lyrics4 = [[Viveka (lyricist)|Viveka]]
| length4 = 3:54
| title5 = Kamal Kavidhai
| extra5 = Kamal Haasan, [[Trisha (actress)|Trisha]]
| lyrics5 = Kamal Haasan
| length5 = 5:15
| title6 = Manmadan Ambu
| extra6 = [[Devi Sri Prasad]]
| lyrics6 = Kamal Haasan
| length6 = 4:21
| title7 = Theme Music
| extra7 = Instrumental
| length7 = 1:46
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = Telugu Track list<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 December 2010 |title=Manmadha Baanam |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/5aUwGtQelzIoa6cWtvRqKp |via=[[Spotify]] |access-date=11 May 2025 |archive-date=4 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250804035501/https://open.spotify.com/album/5aUwGtQelzIoa6cWtvRqKp |url-status=live }}</ref>
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length =
| title1 = Dhagulu Dhanda
| extra1 = [[Kamal Haasan]]
| lyrics1 = Sahithi
| length1 =
| title2 = Who's The Hero
| extra2 = [[Andrea Jeremiah]]
| lyrics2 = [[Ramajogayya Sastry]]
| length2 =
| title3 = Neelakasam
| extra3 = Kamal Haasan, [[Priya Himesh]]
| lyrics3 = Ramajogayya Sastry
| length3 =
| title4 = Uyyala
| extra4 = Mukesh, [[Suchitra]], Karthik Kumar
| lyrics4 = Sahithi
| length4 =
| title5 = Kannu Kannu Kalisela
| extra5 = [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], [[Chinmayi Sripada|Chinmayi]]
| lyrics5 = [[Vennelakanti]]
| length5 =
| title6 = Manmadha Baanam
| extra6 = [[Devi Sri Prasad]]
| lyrics6 = Ramajogayya Sastry
| length6 =
| title7 = Theme Music
| extra7 = Instrumental
| length7 =
}}

==Release==
===Theatrical===
The premiere of ''Manmadan Ambu'' in late November 2010 was canceled due to technical problems.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 November 2010 |title=MA live telecast for media cancelled |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/ma-live-telecast-for-media-cancelled-news-tamil-klvl7Dffdfh.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220140948/http://www.sify.com/movies/ma-live-telecast-for-media-cancelled-news-tamil-klvl7Dffdfh.html |archive-date=20 February 2011 |access-date=21 October 2025 |work=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref> The film was released on 23 December 2010, during the Christmas weekend.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 December 2010 |title=Friday Fury- December 24 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/friday-fury-december-24-news-tamil-kmykdTehfib.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226232753/http://www.sify.com/movies/friday-fury-december-24-news-tamil-kmykdTehfib.html |archive-date=26 December 2010 |access-date=19 October 2025 |website=[[Sify]] |language=en}}</ref>

===Home media===
[[Kalaignar TV]] bought the satellite rights.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 August 2012 |title=Satellite rights stirs up TV market |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Satellite-rights-stirs-up-TV-market/articleshow/15601267.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422002059/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Satellite-rights-stirs-up-TV-market/articleshow/15601267.cms |archive-date=22 April 2014 |access-date=1 June 2014 |website=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Reception==
===Box office===
''Manmadhan Ambu'' was released on 19 screens in Chennai and around 600 to 650 screens worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/manmadhan-ambu-opening-big-news-tamil-kmxhEkgeabg.html|title=Manmadhan Ambu, opening big|work=[[Sify]]|date=23 December 2010|access-date=21 October 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121031348/http://www.sify.com/movies/manmadhan-ambu-opening-big-news-tamil-kmxhEkgeabg.html|archive-date=21 January 2011}}</ref> The film grossed {{INRConvert|46.2|m}} in [[Chennai]] alone over a period of 4 weeks. In UK, it grossed first week $77,360<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manmadhan Ambu (2010) |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?page=&country=UK&wk=2011W1&id=_fMANMADHANAMBU01 |access-date=2012-01-24 |publisher=Boxofficemojo.com |archive-date=15 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215205215/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?page=&country=UK&wk=2011W1&id=_fMANMADHANAMBU01 |url-status=live }}</ref> and in Malaysia $653,942. [[Sify]] declared the film as "average".<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 January 2011 |title=Chennai Box Office – Jan 7 to 9 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14960403&cid=13525926 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110117042019/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14960403&cid=13525926 |archive-date=17 January 2011 |access-date=10 January 2013 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref>

===Critical response===
''[[The Indian Express]]'' gave 3 out of 5, claiming that "''Manmadhan Ambu'' has all the elements of a good entertainer, but still something seems to be lacking. However, overall, the film is entertaining and enjoyable".<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 January 2011 |title=Manmadhan Ambu |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/manmadhan-ambu/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922141008/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/manmadhan-ambu/ |archive-date=22 September 2022 |access-date=20 September 2020 |website=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref> ''[[Mid-Day]]'' wrote "''Manmadhan Ambu'' does impress but it lacks the punch to captivate the audiences".<ref name="Mid Day" /> ''[[Rediff.com]]'' gave 3 out of 5, claiming that "''Manmadhan Ambu'' defies characterization as either a romantic film or a comedy, largely because the two don't mix".<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 December 2010 |title=Kamal Haasan delivers with Manmadhan Ambu |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-of-manmadhan-ambu/20101223.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221062159/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-of-manmadhan-ambu/20101223.htm |archive-date=21 February 2018 |access-date=20 September 2020 |website=[[Rediff.com]]}}</ref> ''Sify'' gave 3 out of 5, said, "''Manmadhan Ambu'' is consistently engaging. Cleverly written and sharply cast, it is a film that delivers hearty laughs. It is one of those rare Tamil films that's funny and smart at the same time".<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 December 2010 |title=Review- Manmadhan Ambu |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/review--manmadhan-ambu-review-tamil-pclxNgibggcgj.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621081647/https://www.sify.com/movies/review--manmadhan-ambu-review-tamil-pclxNgibggcgj.html |archive-date=21 June 2021 |access-date=20 September 2020 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> Malathi Rangarajan of ''[[The Hindu]]'' stated that, "Sprinkled with humour, joy, love, sadness and sentiment with an undercurrent of jealousy running through it, MMA [''Manmadhan Ambu''] is a cocktail of emotions – tasty, but at times queer!".<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 December 2010 |title=Man Madan Ambhu: Cruising with Kamal |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Man-Madan-Ambhu-Cruising-with-Kamal/article15608192.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922141010/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Man-Madan-Ambhu-Cruising-with-Kamal/article15608192.ece |archive-date=22 September 2022 |access-date=5 May 2012 |website=[[The Hindu]]|last=Rangarajan|first=Malathi|language=en}}</ref> T.S. Sudhir of ''[[NDTV]]'' wrote, "Don't go expecting a ''Panchatantiram'' from the Kamal-K. S. Ravikumar combo, for you will be disappointed. MMA has starting trouble and one hour into the film, you are desperately waiting for the comic fireworks to start, given that the film has been marketed as a laugh riot. The riot, when it happens post the interval, leaves you with a feeling of being shortchanged." He further mentioned, "The problem with MMA is as much with Kamal as with the audience for you expect nothing short of brilliance from this Master of all trades. In MMA, Kamal has shot the Cupid's arrow (which is what Manmadhan Ambu means) rather lazily. Go without expecting a world record in archery!"<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 December 2010 |title=Movie Review: Kamal Hassan's Manmadhan Ambu |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/movie-review-kamal-hassans-manmadhan-ambu-617783 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260425065502/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/movie-review-kamal-hassans-manmadhan-ambu-617783 |archive-date=25 April 2026 |website=[[NDTV]]|access-date=25 April 2026|last=Sudhir|first=T S|url-status=live|language=en}}</ref> ''[[The New Indian Express]]'' wrote "the first half moves at a brisk pace, with some genuine fun moments, and crackling one-liners, all with the promise of more good times to come. But the second half fizzles out totally as the script nosedives never to recover".<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 December 2010 |title=An up and down journey |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2010/dec/29/an-up-and-down-journey-214794.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120081051/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2010/dec/29/an-up-and-down-journey-214794.html |archive-date=20 November 2020 |access-date=20 September 2020 |website=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref>

The Telugu dubbed version of the film, ''Manmadha Banam'' which was distributed by [[Gemini Film Circuit]], also opened to mixed reviews from critics. Jeevi from ''[[Idlebrain.com|Idlebrain]]'' gave the film 3 out of 5 rating and stated "The comedy in this film is predictable at times and fresh in certain scenes. The plus points of the movie are main leads and comedy quotient. On the flipside, the characters and narration becomes confusing towards end and the editing should have been smoother. On a whole, ''Manmadha Banam'' is a decent comedy."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeevi |title=Manmadha Banam: Kamal kind of sitcom |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-manmadhabanam.html |access-date=4 September 2012 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]] |archive-date=23 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623011857/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-manmadhabanam.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Y. Sunita Chowdary from ''[[The Hindu]]'' said "''Manmadha Banam'' does have a plot but the character development, narration and the pace makes it a very restless and a tedious watch." and was critical about the dubbing. She finally concluded by stating that "The film could have drawn a little wider audience than the filmmakers intended, if the length would have been a half an hour shorter."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chowdary |first=Y. Sunita |title=Manmadha Banam: A rom-com without heart |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Manmadha-Banam-A-rom-com-without-heart/article15608207.ece |url-access=subscription |url-status=dead |access-date=4 September 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=4 August 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250804202412/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Manmadha-Banam-A-rom-com-without-heart/article15608207.ece }}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes}}

{{K. S. Ravikumar}}
{{Kamal Haasan}}

[[Category:2010 films]]
[[Category:2010 Indian films]]
[[Category:2010 romantic comedy films]]
[[Category:2010 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:Films directed by K. S. Ravikumar]]
[[Category:Films produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin]]
[[Category:Films scored by Devi Sri Prasad]]
[[Category:Films set in Athens]]
[[Category:Films set in Spain]]
[[Category:Films set on cruise ships]]
[[Category:Films shot in Barcelona]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chennai]]
[[Category:Films shot in France]]
[[Category:Films shot in Italy]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kodaikanal]]
[[Category:Films shot in Paris]]
[[Category:Films shot in Spain]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Crazy Mohan]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Kamal Haasan]]
[[Category:Indian remakes of American films]]
[[Category:Indian romantic comedy films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language romantic comedy films]]

Manmadan Ambu - Revision history

ArcherMill7063 at 06:57, 25 April 2026