Manam (2014)

This was probably one of the most feel-good and heartwarming movies that I have ever seen. It was kind of like the perfect balance of hilarious, sentimental and romantic, and I swear to god it's been some time since I laughed so much during a movie. Special mention to the dynamics between Chaitanya (ANR) and Nagarjuna (Naga Chaitanya) (don't even ask)- the scene where they first meet is etched in my memory and I just might go back and watch it after this "review" is done.

Many have criticised this movie as being "over-simplistic" and the plot twists as "super convenient", and to such people I say- who hurt you? Maybe if you'll sink into a nice suspension of disbelief, you'll feel okay. But seriously, suspension of disbelief was not at all a difficult task within the universe of the movie. It's a movie about reincarnation and family, for fuck's sake. Compared to the travesties dealing with these topics that Bollywood has blessed us with throughout the years (to say absolutely nothing of Hindi TV serials), Manam is truly a gem. I mean, I loved the ChaySam storyline (I'm still lowkey confused by the name of their characters, so ChaySam it is), and I was literally clutching my heart (well, not literally) during their climax scene UGH. ANR was just so cute, like an oversized teddy bear (I don't wanna say my favourite kind of teddy bear, because all teddy bears are awesome, but oversized ones have a special place in my heart). Also, is it just me, or is Sam best at playing 80s character roles? Granted, I have only seen 2 movies of hers, but still.

Speaking of Sam, I can't believe that in a film that also had dear Nagarjuna Akkineni (that too in a double role), it was Sam's present day character Priya that made me cringe the most. Like, no offence to the Akkinenis, but that's how a gal gets kidnapped, raped, and murdered in this country (in that order). However, I did stan Nagarjuna (Chaitanya's character, not his father LOL) a LOT. I mean, it made me realise just how deprived I am of a best friend who loves me, buys me things, and ONLY cares about my happiness, without me having to do a single thing in return, just because I resemble one of his dead parents. Is there really no justice to be had in this cruel, unforgiving world???

Also, I have to say this, being the Tabu trash and Tabs-Nags shipper that I am: Tabu should have done Shriya Saran's role. No offence to Shriya, she's a nice actress only, but come on. Firstly, it would have been more age-appropriate (smh) and secondly, that special friendship & chemistry transcending births? NEED. Man, how I wish we get a new Tabu-Nagarjuna movie one day. Sigh.

Definitely one for the rewatch list. Next time, hopefully I will have someone to watch it with me :( #gocorona

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Shyam Singha Roy (2021)

There is honestly nothing more annoying than a movie that has flashes of being a good movie, but turns out to be a bad one anyway. Not only have you watched a bad film, but you have also been cheated of all hope and it's exhausting, to say the least.  Also, when this movie is a first day first show, you can't help but feel betrayed. Full "I trusted you!" moment only.  The first half was so tedious to sit through, I genuinely thought of leaving after the interval at one point. I didn't though, because Sai Pallavi only made her entry in the second half, and let's face it, she was the real reason for me to go watch it anyway. I mean, Nani was a huge pull factor too, but after Tuck Jagadish (2021) and V (2020), I was a little wary of trusting this man completely. As I should, because look what he made me sit through... again! (I swear to god, if the Nazriya film isn't good, I just might never watch a Nani movie ever again). Back to Pallu though- she is the onl
Read more

Aasai (1995)

My only regret is that I wish I knew absolutely nothing about this movie before watching it. I know I'm 26 years too late to the party, but honestly, not knowing the basic premise would have made things even more scary and messed up, not that there wasn't enough of those sentiments already. But to watch it unfold like the psychotic drama it was on the big screen, while innocently expecting another cute sweet love story featuring foetus Thala... I would give anything to have that experience. I know we love poking fun at Prakash Raj for being the evergreen villain, but it takes an Aasai for one to truly understand why he's earned that reputation. He really brings to life the evil but powerful psychopath who can manipulate people and situations to get what he wants, and I swear I was shaking a little when the movie ended because he is just that good at driving the point home. That's the thing about well-written thrillers- they work excellently as horror movies because you
Read more

Pokiri (2006)

Sairam, thank god I had forgotten the "twist", despite having seen Bhai's Wanted (2009) when it came out. Not only was I majorly zoned out (so much that I don't even remember for sure if I slept for sometime in the middle) but I have also actively tried to erase all memories of it. Which is why I was shocked enough to legit scream when the big twist came along.  From what I have heard about Pokiri , it sounds like some kind of cultural reset. And going by that, I must say that it totally lived up to that hype. Prince Mahesh seems to be at the peak of his career, and it's a performance that is memorable in more ways than one- he really shines through as the cool, stylish hero who outsmarts villains and beats them up. Of course, he needs a solid story and some killer dialogues as well, both of which are amply present here. I loved how understated his commitment dialogue was, especially in comparison to Bhai's exaggeration, the memory of which still gives me war
Read more