Review : Manam – A True celebration of togetherness
Manam (5) Release date : May 23, 2014
123telugu.com Rating : 4/5
Director : Vikram Kumar
Producer : Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Akkineni Nagarjuna
Music Director : Anoop Rubens
Starring : Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya, Shriya Saran, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Lavanya Tripathi

Manam is perhaps one the most awaited films in the history of Tollywood. Starring the entire three generations of Akkineni family, this film is touted as the farewell film for the legendary ANR. We have been to the special premiere today, and are bringing you the detailed review now. Let’s see how the film is.

Story:-

The film starts off with a feud between a couple in Radha Mohan(Naga Chaitanya) and Krishnaveni(Samanta). They have a little son named Bittu. After a few days of problems in their marriage, the couple dies in a car accident.

The small kid, Bittu grows on to become a rich and successful business man in Nageswara Rao(Nagarjuana). One fine day, Nageswara Rao gets the shock of his life, when he meets Nagarjuna(Naga Chaitanya) and Priya(Samanta). This immediately reminds him of his parents, and he then plans to develop love between the young couple and get them married.

​On the ​other hand, one fine day, Nageswara Rao accidentally helps an old man Chaitanya(ANR) and also meets Anjali(Shriya) in the hospital. This time it is a shock for Chaitanya, who sees Nageswara Rao and Anjali together.

Why is Chaitanya shocked ? What does he have to do with the entire set up ? How are these characters connected ? For all these answers you need to watch the film on big screen.
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Plus Points:-

Where do I start from in this section. Every frame of Manam, is just a celebration. The concept, execution and the way the entire movie has been handled is supremely brilliant.

It is just a treat for the eyes to watch all three generations of Akkineni family in one frame. Starting with the legendary ANR, he just proves what an legendary actor he is. His screen presence, and the way he has gone about his role, is probably the best thing in the film.

Nagarjuna plays the sheet anchor’s role to perfection. His scenes with Chaitanya are hilarious, and both the father and son share a sizzling chemistry. If this was not enough, icing on the cake are the scenes between ANR and Naga Chaitanya in the second half. One particular where the entire three generation actors have a drink is hilarious, and has been conceptualized perfectly.

With this film, Chaitanya has gone a step ahead and has grown as an actor. Though he looks like an underdog in front of seasoned actors like Nagarjuna and ANR, he surprises everyone with his improved acting skills. He looks mature and has shown good variations in his character.

Samanta has probably the best role among the female leads, and performs to the tee. Her scenes with Nagarjuna are wonderful and bring out beautiful emotions. While Samanta steals the show in the first half, it is Shreya who does an awesome job in the second. She shares a beautiful chemistry with Nag, and especially their love track has been executed perfectly.

Anup Ruben’s music is yet another major plus for this movie. All the songs go with the flow, and have a sweet feeling. There is high voltage of entertainment factor in this film, as multiple stars scorch the screens.

Last but not the least, Akhil’s dynamic entry makes the movie complete. The way his cameo has been inserted in the story is brilliant. Akhil looks are to die for, and this young Akkineni entrant has sizzling screen presence. To sum up, one can say that if audience will miss ANR, he will definitely live on in the form of Akhil.

Minus Points:-

Probably the one and only minus point in the film is the less screen time that ANR appears. Some logical scenes between Samanta and Naga Chaitanya about how they recollect their past, is not that convincing. But who cares, all this goes washed away in this beautiful film.

Technical Aspects:-

Firstly I would start with the story of Manam. The way Vikram Kumar has written the story is extraordinary. Kudos to him for choosing such a novel concept and placing it beautifully between three generations.

As said earlier, Anup Ruben’s music lifts the film to another level. All the songs have been placed wonderfully, but it is his background score, which has an international feel. The way he elevates the scenes in different time zones is awesome.

Dialogues written by Harshvardhan have a lot of depth, and yet look simple for the common man. The lines written for ANR are just too good and have a natural flow. Camera work nicely projects the different time zones, especially the early 1930’s.

If one man could be majorly credited to Manam’s success, it would definitely be Vikram Kumar. It is his brilliant direction that makes Manam a true masterpiece. The way he has brought the three generations together, and made the script look contemporary is too good.

Vikram just adds every thing in right mixtures. Comedy, romance and the striking thread that binds the entire film has been handled exceptionally well. Screenplay of the film is a huge plus, and the way all the scenes have been interlaced is just mind blowing. Not once during the entire film, you fell that the tempo is dropping.

Verdict:-

On the whole, very rarely does one get to see a beautiful film like Manam. It is perhaps the best gift that the Akkineni family has given to the legendary ANR. Right from the word go, Manam entertains you to the core. Be it ANR and Chaitanya’s comedy scenes to Nag and Shriya’s romance, this film has it all. Manam makes everyone sit right up, and puts Telugu cinema on to another pedestal. Go join the celebration with your entire family, and enjoy the feeling of togetherness.

 

123telugu.com Rating –  4/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team

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