Direction: Vikram Kumar
Production: Akkineni family
Music: Anup Rubens
Editing: Pravin Pudi
Banner: Annapurna Studios
Starring ANR, Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya, Akhil, Samantha, Shriya and others
WAARADHI Rating: 4/5
Much awaited movie of the season, last film of the TFI Legend Akkinneni Nageswara Rao, Manam is out in theaters now. This movie has many specialties about it apart from being ANR’s last film. All the Akkineni heroes including soon to be launched Akhil are in this movie directed by Ishq fame Vikram Kumar.
What is it about?
Nageswara Rao alias Bittu (Nagarjuna) parents (Naga Chaitanya, Samantha) dies in a car crash. After becoming successful as businessman, Nageswara Rao bumps into Nagarjuna (Naga Chaitanya) and comes to know that his father is born again. He goes in search of his mother and Priya (Samantha) befriends Nageswara Rao. Now Nageswara Rao is on a mission to unite his parents in their rebirth. Meanwhile Chaitanya (ANR) is shocked to see his dead parents Nageswara Rao and Anjali (Shriya) alive. Then comes the story of Nageswara Rao and Anjali’s past life.
Performances:
ANR: Akkineni Nageswara Rao has very less screen time compared to others. He has some lively moments with his son and grandson. Scenes between ANR and Chaitanya are a treat to watch.
Nagarjuna: Nagarjuna is the central character of the film and has lion share of the running time. He has done fabulous job as Nageswara Rao and Sitha Ram. He gave a comic touch to Nageswara Rao character and his performance as Sitha Ram will bring back the memories of vintage romantic Nag.
Chaitanya: Chaitanya surprises with a matured performance. He is at ease in portraying the role of Nagarjuna. This is by far the best performance of his.
Samantha: Samantha steals the show yet again in a bubbly character. Her scenes with Nagarjuna are the best part in this film.
Shriya: Shriya is lucky to bag this film at the fag end of her career. She did a pretty decent job and looked gorgeous in the doctor character.
Others: Brahmanandam, Ali, Posani, MS made cameo appearances in the film. Saptagiri excelled in the role of Chaitanya’s friend.
Technicalities:
Direction: Vikram Kumar took a very complex point and executed it so well that the premise appears so simple. There are many scenes where we admire the work of the director. He should be lauded for coming up with something that is so different from run of the mill films. Vikram Kumar is here to stay and surely will rule Telugu film industry in the coming days.
Music: Music by Anup Rubens is simply superb. All the songs are very good. Background score is the major asset of the movie.
Others: PS Vinod’s cinematography stands out. Harshavardhan dialogues are simple and sweet. Editing is neatly done. Producers deserves a pat on the back for backing this idea and making such a lavish film solely believing in the capabilities of the director.
ANR-Nagarjuna-Chaitanya combination
Story idea
Screenplay
Music
Akhil’s special appearance
Hurried pre climax sequences
Slow pace at times
Analysis: Manam is entirely different film from the movies our Telugu audience gets to see. It is hard to imagine such a plot and visualize it to the perfection. Director Vikram Kumar surely made one of the best movies of this era. Manam has some magical moments throughout the film that will make you cheer the characters and their emotions.
Romance is too cute and the chemistry between all the lead characters is impeccable. Director Vikram Kumar made sure that all the actors get into the skin of the characters and gave some genius touches to them so that viewers will be entertained throughout the movie. This is actually an emotional film, but the director dealt it in lighter vein and never missed the fun.
Once you get connected to the characters and their emotions it is a roller coaster ride. Manam leaves you wanting for more and that is the sign of a true classic. Down the line this film will surely remembered as one of the best films of Modern Telugu cinema. Akkineni fans will have a blast and all others will definitely watch it more than once. Go watch it.
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