Manorathangal Review Mammootty and Mohanlal’s Anthology Offers a Mix of Hits and Misses

 Discover the highs and lows of Manorathangal, the Malayalam anthology series featuring Mammootty and Mohanlal. From standout segments to disappointing moments, find out more.

Manorathangal, the much-anticipated anthology series featuring Malayalam cinema giants Mammootty and Mohanlal, has garnered significant attention for its unique approach and star-studded lineup. The series, a tribute to the legendary MT Vasudevan Nair, comprises nine segments, each based on the veteran author’s short stories. Directed by different filmmakers, the series offers a varied cinematic experience, showcasing the highs and lows of Malayalam cinema.

Manorathangal Review Summary

Manorathangal is a Malayalam anthology series featuring Mammootty and Mohanlal, adapted from short stories by the esteemed MT Vasudevan Nair. With nine segments directed by various filmmakers, the series presents a mix of standout performances and uneven storytelling. Kamal Haasan’s introductions, while nostalgic, often disrupt the flow of the narrative. The anthology showcases both compelling and lackluster segments, with notable highlights and some disappointments.

Highlights

• Kamal Haasan’s Introductions: Add prestige but disrupt narrative flow.
• Inconsistent Experience: The series features varied directorial styles leading to an uneven viewing experience.
• Standout Segments: Kazhcha (Vision), Sherlock, and Kadugannava excel in storytelling and emotional depth.
• Disappointing Segments: Olavum Theeravum, Kadalkkaattu, and Vilpana fall short in execution and impact.
• Tribute to MT Vasudevan Nair: The series serves as a homage to the legendary author but highlights the challenges of anthology storytelling.

Kamal Haasan’s Involvement: A Blessing or a Hindrance?

Kamal Haasan’s introduction of each segment in Malayalam is undoubtedly a unique touch, bringing a sense of nostalgia, especially for those familiar with his early work in Kanyakumari (1974), scripted by MT Vasudevan Nair. However, while this adds a layer of prestige, it also disrupts the narrative flow, reminding viewers that they are watching a series of films rather than becoming immersed in the stories. This choice, though well-intentioned, ultimately detracts from the overall viewing experience.

The Uneven Terrain of Anthologies

Anthologies are often a mixed bag, and Manorathangal is no exception. The varied directorial styles lead to an inconsistent viewing experience, with some segments shining bright while others falter. The lack of a common theme among the stories further exacerbates this inconsistency, making the series feel disjointed at times.

Standout Segments: Kazhcha, Sherlock, and Kadugannava

Among the nine segments, three stand out for their exceptional storytelling and technical execution:

1. Kazhcha (Vision) - Directed by Shyamaprasad, this segment centers on Sudha, portrayed by Parvathy Thiruvothu. Sudha’s decision to leave her loveless marriage is met with societal ostracism, but she remains steadfast. Parvathy’s performance is deeply compelling, evoking the spirit of the late Madhavikutty (Kamala Suraiyya). The narrative, bolstered by strong performances and evocative music by Ouseppachan, culminates in a powerful exploration of romance and personal freedom.

2. Sherlock - Set in Alberta, Canada, and directed by Mahesh Narayanan, this segment features Fahadh Faasil in a role that captures the essence of loneliness and identity crisis. The story follows a man who loses his sense of self after moving abroad, with a cat symbolizing his internal struggles. The segment is a visual and emotional feast, thanks to its outstanding cinematography, production design, and music.

3. Kadugannava: Oru Yathra Kurippu (Kadugannava: A Travel Note) - Directed by Ranjith, this segment is set in 90s Sri Lanka and follows journalist Venugopal, played by Mammootty, as he searches for his long-lost stepsister. The narrative is rich in emotion, with sharply crafted moments that resonate deeply. Mammootty’s performance is a highlight, bringing depth and nuance to the character’s journey.

Segments That Miss the Mark

While several segments shine, others fail to live up to expectations:

1. Shilalikhitham (Inscriptions) - Directed by Priyadarshan, this segment tackles complex themes but falls short of fully exploring them. The story of a young woman’s suicide attempt and the ensuing village gossip is compelling, but the segment lacks the depth needed to make a lasting impact.

2. Swargam Thurakkunna Samayam (When the Doors of Heaven Open) - Jayaraj’s segment delves into the selfishness and lack of empathy displayed by people toward their loved ones. Despite strong performances, the story feels underdeveloped, leaving the viewer wanting more.

3. Olavum Theeravum (Ripples and the River Bank) - Priyadarshan’s second segment in the series, this story of unfulfilled love struggles to evoke genuine emotion, hindered by miscasting and an overemphasis on technical elements.

4. Kadalkkaattu (Sea Breeze) - Rathish Ambat’s segment explores the complexities of relationships but fails to fully engage the viewer. The narrative potential is there, but the execution falls short.

5. Vilpana (The Sale) - Directed by Aswathy Nair, this segment examines the often reductive roles women play in men’s lives but misses the opportunity to delve into the narrative’s deeper layers. The story feels shallow, with performances that lack the necessary depth.

6. Abhyam Theedi Veendum (Once Again, In Search of Refuge) - Santosh Sivan’s segment is the biggest disappointment in the series. While visually appealing, the story lacks substance, making it the weakest link in the anthology.

Conclusion: A Mixed Bag of Excellence and Missed Opportunities

Manorathangal is an anthology that showcases both the strengths and weaknesses of the format. While certain segments deliver powerful narratives and emotional resonance, others fall short, either due to miscasting, technical overemphasis, or a lack of depth in storytelling. The series, despite its uneven quality, is a tribute to MT Vasudevan Nair’s literary legacy and offers viewers a variety of experiences—some memorable, others less so.

Segment	Director	Strengths	Weaknesses
Kazhcha (Vision)	Shyamaprasad	Strong narrative, exceptional performance by Parvathy, poignant conclusion	None
Sherlock	Mahesh Narayanan	Outstanding cinematography, deep exploration of identity crisis	None
Kadugannava: Oru Yathra Kurippu	Ranjith	Emotional resonance, authentic performance by Mammootty	None
Shilalikhitham (Inscriptions)	Priyadarshan	Strong performances, societal critique	Lack of deeper exploration of themes
Swargam Thurakkunna Samayam	Jayaraj	Impressive visual choreography, exploration of selfishness	Incomplete emotional depth
Olavum Theeravum	Priyadarshan	Technical elements, selective colorization	Miscasting, lack of emotional impact
Kadalkkaattu (Sea Breeze)	Rathish Ambat	Visual appeal	Lack of narrative depth, weak performances
Vilpana (The Sale)	Aswathy Nair	Madhoo’s appearance	Poor lip-syncing, lack of underlying emotion
Abhyam Theedi Veendum	Santosh Sivan	Visual beauty	Overemphasis on cinematography, lack of story depth

Manorathangal is a journey through varied landscapes of human emotions, offering something for every viewer. Whether you're drawn to visually stunning segments or those with deep emotional resonance, this anthology is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling in Malayalam cinema.

FAQs

1. What is the premise of Manorathangal?
Manorathangal is an anthology series based on short stories by MT Vasudevan Nair, featuring nine segments directed by different filmmakers.

2. How does Kamal Haasan contribute to the series?
Kamal Haasan introduces each segment, adding a unique touch but also creating interruptions in the narrative flow.

3. Which segments are considered the best in the series?
Kazhcha (Vision), Sherlock, and Kadugannava: Oru Yathra Kurippu are highlighted for their strong storytelling and emotional impact.

4. Are there any segments that fall short?
Yes, segments like Olavum Theeravum and Kadalkkaattu are noted for their less impactful storytelling and execution.

5. How does the series pay tribute to MT Vasudevan Nair?
The anthology adapts his short stories into film segments, aiming to honor his contribution to Malayalam literature and cinema.