Manorathangal Review: Mohanlal, Mammootty starrer anthology series is a rollercoaster ride with more lows than highs

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Manorathangal Review: Mohanlal, Mammootty starrer anthology series is a rollercoaster ride with more lows than highs

  • Directors: Priyadarshan, Santhosh Sivan, Mahesh Narayanan, Jayaraj, Shyamprasad, Rathish Ambat, Ranjith, Aswathy V. Nair
  • Cast: Mohanlal, Mammootty, Indrajith Sukumaran, Biju Menon, Fahadh Faasil, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Nedumudi Venu, Indrans, Aparna Balamurali, Ann Augustine, Siddique, Shanthi Krishna
  • Rating: 3/5

As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of Malayalam cinema, I must say that Manorathangal is a fascinating exploration of the human condition that both captivates and challenges its audience. While the series undeniably falls short in certain aspects, such as the screenplay and treatment of some episodes, it is an impressive first attempt at an anthology project.

Without a doubt, Manorathangal stands as one of the most eagerly awaited productions from the Malayalam film industry this year. This innovative anthology series represents a pioneering endeavor in Malayalam cinema, as it’s adapted from short stories penned by esteemed writer, director, and Jnanpith Award winner MT Vasudevan Nair.

Bolstering the excitement was an impressive ensemble cast featuring big names like Mammootty, Mohanlal, Fahadh Faasil, Indrans, Nedumudi Venu, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Aparna Balamurali, Indrajith Sukumaran, and numerous others. Notably, esteemed directors such as Priyadarshan, Ranjith, Mahesh Narayanan were also part of the team. This much-anticipated series made its debut on Independence Day on Zee5. However, does this series truly meet the high expectations set by its hype? Let’s delve into it to find out.

The Plot of Manorathangal

Manorathangal, as previously stated, is a collection of nine independent short films, all woven together through shared themes such as yearning, solitude, and the intricate nature of human emotions and actions.

The series starts off with one of the most talked-about segments – Olavum Theeravum. The segment features Mohanlal and Durga Krishna in the lead roles, and has been helmed by Priyadarshan. Olavum Theeravum follows the love story between Baputty and Nabeesu, and the complexities which follow when a wealthier outsider Kunjali also expresses his love for Nabeesu. 

In my latest insights, the eagerly awaited second installment of our segment didn’t disappoint – it was none other than the captivating movie Kadugannawa: Oru Yathra Kurippu, starring the renowned actor Mammootty and directed by Ranjith. This tale centers around a journalist character who embarks on a journey, after nearly half a century, to Sri Lanka in quest of his long-lost step-sister, Leela.

In the anthology series, the third part features the film Kazhcha, starring Parvathy Thiruvothu. Directed by Shyamprasad, this story revolves around a character named Sudha who is in a challenging marriage. She confides to her family about her wish to legally end her marriage. Yet, confronted with societal expectations and potential rejection from her family, Sudha looks for guidance from an elder woman instead.

In the series, the movie titled “Shilalikhitham,” starring Biju Menon, is the fourth installment and marks the second time it’s been directed by Priyadarshan. This film aims to challenge the common belief that rural folks are generally kinder than city dwellers, instead emphasizing that individuals can be found with both good and bad qualities in all locations, suggesting a universal “grayness” among humanity.

In simpler terms, “Vilpana” is the fifth installment of the series. This episode was directed by Aswathy V. Nair, who is MT Vasudevan Nair’s daughter. The story revolves around Sunil Roy, a journalist, and unfolds when he meets an enigmatic woman named Mrs. Parekh. This episode delves into the intricate bonds that quickly develop between strangers.

The upcoming installment in the anthology series stars Fahadh Faasil and is directed by Mahesh Narayanan, titled “Sherlock.” In this film, Fahadh Faasil plays Balu, a man who is trying to overcome his alcohol addiction. He travels to America to visit his sister, where he forms a complex bond with her cat, also named Sherlock.

In this series, the seventh episode titled “Swargam Thurakkunna Samayam” starring Nedumudi Venu and Indrans, directed by Jayaraj, echoes the style of Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu’s works. This episode portrays the complex dynamics within a family, as Venu’s children struggle to visit him despite learning that he is critically ill.

In the series Manorathangal, Santhosh Sivan’s Abhayam Thedi Veendum marks the second-to-last episode. This movie stars Siddique, Ishit Yamini, among others. The story revolves around a newcomer who decides to live in a rural house on rent. As he grows fond of the village and his surroundings, the villagers remind him repeatedly that he’s merely a tenant, and the owner has the authority to ask him to leave at any moment.

In the final installment of the anthology series, we have “Kadalkkattu,” a captivating tale starring Indrajith Sukumaran, Aparna Balamurali, and Ann Augustine. Directed by Rathish Ambady, this film chronicles the life of a prosperous city businessman who maintains a family in the countryside while also having a city-based lover. However, his life takes an unexpected turn, compelling him to confront the repercussions of his personal choices.

What works in Manorathangal

With a renowned cast and team behind it, there’s no question that each installment of Manorathangal showcased exceptional technical aspects. The cinematography across all episodes truly shone, with Sujith Vassudev and Prasanth Raveendran’s work on the Mammootty-led series Kadugannawa Oru Yathra being particularly noteworthy and among the finest.

Just like the striking cinematography, the music throughout the series is equally noteworthy. It harmoniously aligns with the central theme of each narrative, enhancing the overall impact of the anthology series. However, when discussing individual episodes, three stood out as exceptional: Kadugannawa featuring Mammootty, Oru Yathra Kurippu, Sherlock starring Fahadh Faasil, and Kazhcha starring Parvathy Thiruvothu. These episodes effectively captured the core of their respective stories, making them resonate with contemporary viewers.

It’s quite possible that viewers will catch a glimpse of the classic Ranjith in Kadugannawa, Oru Yathra Kurippu. Furthermore, they might even find themselves wanting more from each of the film’s three parts.

Personally speaking, I must commend the show’s creators for the thoughtful touch of Kamal Haasan’s introduction at the start of each episode. His delivery, much like a brief synopsis in a book, provides a perfect prelude, setting the stage for what lies ahead. The genuine emotions and personalized style in which he presents it serves to immerse us, the audience, right from the get-go, giving us a sense of familiarity and expectation for each new episode.

What does not work in Manorathangal

In Manorathangal, it’s clear that the screenplay and its execution are the film’s main challenges rather than the characters or themes created by MT Vasudevan Nair, whose works are indeed enduring masterpieces that explore profound human feelings.

As a lifestyle expert, I must admit, the narrative has been intricate, tackling profound themes and emotions effectively. However, it appears to me that there’s a gap in resonating with a broader audience. This disconnect seems to stem from the dialogues themselves. In various instances throughout the series, the dialogue feels scripted, lacking the authenticity that would make it seem as if the characters are truly speaking.

In terms of Mohanlal’s part in Olavum Theeravum, the acting is impressive but the movie itself falls short. Originally based on a 1957 short story and remade from a 1970 film with the same title, the film unfortunately doesn’t offer anything new despite being more than half a century later. Moreover, the age gap between Mohanlal as Baputty and Durga Krishna as Nabeesu can be a bit jarring to viewers.

In simpler terms, the movie “Abhayam Thedi Veendum,” directed by Santhosh Sivan with Siddique in the main role, has some impressive performances but falls short in other areas. The storyline appears disjointed and lacks a clear, logical structure, much like the films “Vilpana,” “Kadalkkattu,” and “Shilalikhitham.”

The performances in Manorathangal

In the collection of short films at Manorathangal, the performances undeniably stand out as the highlight. The actors involved, who are renowned for their groundbreaking work, delivered exceptional performances throughout the series. Particularly noteworthy were the performances by Indrans and Nedumudi Venu in Swargam Thurakkunna Samayam, along with Mammootty’s performance in Kadugannawa, Oru Yathra Kurippu. These standout performances truly elevated the anthology.

In a skillful portrayal, Fahadh Faasil, playing Balu, captivates the audience with his convincing depiction of a complex bond between him and a cat. Meanwhile, Parvathy Thiruvothu’s role as Sudha in Kaazhcha adds richness to the narrative itself. Additionally, notable performances by Mohanlal, Indrajith Sukumaran, Aparna Balamurali, Ann Augustine, and numerous others are worth highlighting too.

Verdict of Manorathangal

It’s worth noting that Manorathangal is a highly awaited production within the Malayalam film industry. Despite some areas where it could improve, given that this is their inaugural attempt at an anthology series, it’s quite impressive. Many episodes showcase strong performances and technical elements, making for an engaging viewing experience for the audience.

Although Manorathangal has its drawbacks, and more low points than high ones might be noted, it’s fair to say that there’s no other Malayalam production in recent times that delves so deeply into complex human relationships as Manorathangal does. This series is capable of sparking discussions among families and friends, making it a worthwhile watch for viewers too.

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2024-08-18 15:23