Manamey - Works Only in Parts

Movie: Manamey
Rating: 2.5/5

Cast:  Sharwanand, Kriti Shetty, Seerat Kapoor, Vennela Kishore, Rahul Ramakrishna and others

Director: Sriram Aditya
Produced By: People Media Factory, Ramsay Studios

Release Date: 7th June 2024

Story:

The film's story revolves around Vikram (Sharwanand), a carefree young man from London, who is unexpectedly thrust into the role of caring for his friends' child after they tragically pass away in a car accident. Despite their contrasting outlooks on life, Subhadra (Krithi Shetty) joins him in this co-parenting journey. The movie explores how they navigate their differences and strive to provide a nurturing environment for the child despite facing challenges along the way.

Performances:

Sharwanand's performance as the carefree and cheerful character was not just a standout, but a masterclass in bringing an amusing element to the film and making even the dull moments engaging with his jokes. His portrayal was a testament to his acting prowess, making the audience appreciate his talent even more. Krithi Shetty, while looking good on screen, could have had more standout moments in her performance. Seerat Kapoor's role was silly, while Ayesha Khan sizzled in her short appearance. Vennela Kishore's short stint was a hit with the audience, adding to the overall enjoyment. Rahul Ramakrishna played a typical role, while the baby actor Kushi was undeniably adorable. Sachin Khedkar, Thulasi, Mukhesh Rushi, and Seetha played their supporting roles well, adding depth to the story. Adith Ram made a guest appearance, leaving a mark. Shiva Kandukuri fit perfectly into his role and delivered a fine performance. Rahul Ravindran portrayed a negative character, but unfortunately, the poorly written role ended abruptly.

What worked for the film:

As said above, Sharwa, the lead actor, gave a convincing and entertaining performance, which is the most significant plus point of the film. The first half works well, as the comedy scenes flow freely, though the core conflict is left underdeveloped. The interval sequence hints at more hilarious moments. In the second half, there is an emotional scene between Sharwa and his parents, which is the only scene in the film that is impactful in terms of seriousness.

What did not work for the film:

The emotional potential of Manamey's plot is overshadowed by its execution, which follows a familiar template of old-fashioned love stories intertwined with a parenting drama. The absence of impactful scenes involving the baby is the biggest flaw in a narrative centered around the child. The director's inconsistent storytelling, the romantic plotline, and the relationship with the baby feel disconnected. The climax feels clichéd, contributing to the overall sense of a lengthy runtime filled with dragged-out and dull episodes. The music scored by Hesham Abdul Wahab also acts as one of the minus points as it worked only in some scenes. 

Manamey Review and Verdict:

Manamey starts off well with an interesting setup, and it entertains for a while with lighthearted fun moments and rich visual appeal. However, the narrative fails to sustain momentum because of weak emotional impact after the midpoint. Overall, it is a well-intended attempt that results in a half-hearted output.