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

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  • 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 someone who grew up immersed in the rich tapestry of Malayalam cinema, I must say that Manorathangal is a fascinating exploration of the human condition, much like Ranjith’s own works. While some segments may fall short in terms of screenplay and narrative coherence, the performances are nothing short of stellar.

Without a doubt, Manorathangal stands as one of the most eagerly awaited productions from the Malayalam film industry this year. This anthology series represents a groundbreaking first for Malayalam cinema, as it is adapted from the short stories penned by esteemed author, director, and Jnanpith Award recipient MT Vasudevan Nair.

Amplifying the excitement was a star-filled cast comprising of Mammootty, Mohanlal, Fahadh Faasil, Indrans, Nedumudi Venu, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Aparna Balamurali, Indrajith Sukumaran and several others. Directors like Priyadarshan, Ranjith, Mahesh Narayanan were also part of the lineup. This much-awaited series debuted on Independence Day on Zee5. However, does this series truly match its grand expectations? Let’s explore further.

The Plot of Manorathangal

Manorathangal, as previously stated, is a collection of nine standalone short films. These films are connected through shared themes such as yearning, solitude, and the intricate nature of human actions and emotions.

The series initiates with one of the buzz-worthy parts called “Olavum Theeravum.” This part stars Mohanlal and Durga Krishna as the main characters, and is directed by Priyadarshan. In this segment, we follow the romantic tale between Baputty and Nabeesu, which becomes intricate when a wealthier newcomer named Kunjali also declares his affection for Nabeesa, introducing complications to their relationship.

In the second part of our program, we were eagerly waiting for the episode – the movie Kadugannawa: Oru Yathra Kurippu, starring Mammootty and directed by Ranjith. The plot centers around a reporter who, after nearly half a century, travels to Sri Lanka in quest of his step-sister, Leela.

In the third installment of the anthology, the movie titled Kazhcha stars Parvathy Thiruvothu and was directed by Shyamprasad. The plot revolves around a woman named Sudha who is trapped in a difficult marriage. She confides her wish to legally separate from her husband to her family, but due to societal expectations and the threat of being shunned by her loved ones, she seeks counsel from an elderly female acquaintance.

In the series, Shilalikhitham featuring Biju Menon is the fourth installment and it’s the second episode helmed by Priyadarshan. The narrative challenges the assumption that folks in rural areas are inherently kinder than city dwellers, instead painting a picture of humanity as universally complex or “gray.”

Episode five, titled Vilpana, is steered by Aswathy V. Nair, daughter of renowned writer MT Vasudevan Nair. This installment focuses on Sunil Roy, a journalist, whose life takes an intriguing turn when he crosses paths with the enigmatic Mrs. Parekh. The narrative delves into the profound and intricate relationships that swiftly develop between strangers in this captivating tale.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’m thrilled to share that the upcoming episode in our anthology series stars none other than the talented Fahadh Faasil, under the visionary direction of Mahesh Narayanan. In this captivating tale titled “Sherlock,” I step into the shoes of Balu, a man on the mend from alcoholism, who embarks on a journey to the United States to reunite with his dear sister. However, the twist in this tale comes when Balu finds himself entangled in an intricate bond with none other than Sherlock – his sister’s feline companion. This heartwarming drama is sure to leave you spellbound!

In this series, the seventh installment titled “Swargam Thurakkunna Samayam” stars Nedumudi Venu and Indrans. This film, similar in tone to Yasujiro Ozu’s works, delves into complex family dynamics, portraying the emotional distance between Venu’s children and him, despite his impending death.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m excited to share my thoughts on Santhosh Sivan’s Abhayam Thedi Veendum, an upcoming episode in Manorathangal starring Siddique, Ishit Yamini, and others. This intriguing tale revolves around a newcomer who decides to settle into a humble rental house within a quaint village. As he begins to develop a deep affection for the place and its people, he finds himself in a delicate situation – the villagers remind him that his tenancy can be terminated by the homeowner at any moment. The suspense of his uncertain future in this idyllic setting adds an element of intrigue that I simply can’t wait to see unfold!

In the concluding installment of the anthology series, we have the movie titled Kadalkkattu, featuring Indrajith Sukumaran, Aparna Balamurali, and Ann Augustine in the lead roles. This film, directed by Rathish Ambady, chronicles the story of a prosperous businessman who maintains a family in the countryside, while also having a city-based mistress. However, his life undergoes a significant shift as he is compelled to confront the repercussions of his choices.

What works in Manorathangal

With an illustrious cast and team behind it, Manorathangal’s episodes boasted a top-notch technical aspect. The cinematography across all episodes was particularly noteworthy, with Sujith Vassudev and Prasanth Raveendran’s work on the Mammootty-starrer Kadugannawa Oru Yathra being one of the highlights.

In a way that mirrors the impact of cinematography, the music throughout this series is equally noteworthy. It harmoniously aligns with the themes explored in each narrative and, to some extent, enhances the overall quality of the anthology.

It’s quite plausible to note that viewers might recognize hints of the classic Ranjith in Kadugannawa, Oru Yathra Kurippu. Moreover, they may find themselves desiring that each segment was extended.

To conclude, the brief introductory remarks by Kamal Haasan at the start of each episode were a thoughtful addition by the creators. Similar to a book’s blurb, his simple introduction sets the stage for each episode. The sincere and personalized delivery of these words helps the audience connect with the content, making them feel prepared for what is to come.

What does not work in Manorathangal

In Manorathangal, it’s clear that the script and its execution are the film’s main adversaries. The works of MT Vasudevan Nair, without a doubt, are enduring masterpieces that explore the deepest human feelings.

Although the episodes effectively tackle intricate themes and feelings, they struggle to resonate with a broader audience. This detachment appears to stem from the dialogue itself. Throughout the series, the dialogue often comes across as scripted rather than natural conversations between the characters.

Moving on to Mohanlal’s part in Olavum Theeravum, while the acting is commendable, the overall movie falls short of expectations. This film is a modern adaptation of a 1957 short story and a remake of a 1970 movie with the same title. Regrettably, despite being more than half a century apart, the plot seems remarkably unchanged. Furthermore, the age disparity between Mohanlal’s character, Baputty, and Durga Krishna’s Nabeesu may be grating to some viewers as well.

In a different phrase, it could be expressed that Abhayam Thedi Veendum, directed by Santhosh Sivan and starring Siddique in the main role, shares the same flawed characteristics. Despite delivering powerful performances, the film’s emotional segment feels lacking in many areas, including a coherent narrative structure. The movie appears disorganized, and it seems that there is no clear logical framework guiding its progression. Similarly, other episodes such as Vilpana, Kadalkkattu, and Shilalikhitham struggle with these issues as well.

The performances in Manorathangal

In the Manorathangal anthology, the short films’ standout performances are undeniably their shining stars. Actors who are respected veterans in the industry turned in exceptional performances. Notable mentions go to Indrans and Nedumudi Venu in Swargam Thurakkunna Samayam, as well as Mammootty in Kadugannawa, Oru Yathra Kurippu for their outstanding portrayals.

Fahadh Faasil, portraying Balu, delivers an outstanding performance that masterfully conveys his intricate bond with a cat. Meanwhile, Parvathy Thiruvothu’s role as Sudha in Kaazhcha adds layers to the narrative. Notably, Mohanlal, Indrajith Sukumaran, Aparna Balamurali, Ann Augustine, and several others also give commendable performances that merit special recognition.

Verdict of Manorathangal

It’s worth noting that Manorathangal is one of the highly anticipated productions within the Malayalam film industry. Despite some areas where it could improve, given that this is their first attempt at such a project, it’s quite impressive. Moreover, there are several episodes that shine in terms of acting and technical aspects, making for an engaging viewing experience for the viewers.

As a devoted admirer, I must confess that while Manorathangal does have its challenges, it’s hard to ignore the fact that there is simply no other work in the Malayalam industry today that delves so deeply into the intricate tapestry of human relationships as this series does. In many ways, the low points outweigh the high, but the sheer depth and complexity of the narrative make it a must-watch. It’s not just entertainment; it’s a conversation starter among families and friends, and as an audience member, I feel privileged to be part of that discourse.

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2024-08-18 18:40