Cast: Sharwanand, Krithi Shetty, Seerat Kapoor, Ayesha Khan, Rahul Ramakrishna, Rahul Ravindran, Vennela Kishore, and others.
Writer and Director: Sriram Aditya
Music: Hesham Abdul Wahab
Cinematographer: Vishnu Sharma
Producers: Vivek Kuchibotla, Krithi Prasad
Release Date: June 7, 2024
Sharwanand’s films hold a unique place in Tollywood, often captivating audiences with his boy-next-door charm. He returns with a similar narrative in his latest film ‘Manamey,’ co-starring Krithi Shetty. Directed by Sriram Aditya, and featuring a key performance by Master Vikram Aditya, the film was released on June 7. How did it fare? Did it deliver the hit Sharwanand has been eagerly awaiting? Let’s explore in this review.
Plot
Vikram (Sharwanand), a carefree playboy, spends his days drinking and flirting with any girl he sees. One tragic day, his best friend Anurag (Thrigun) and Anurag’s wife Shanti die in an accident, leaving their son Khushi (Master Vikram Aditya) in the care of Vikram and Subhadra (Krithi Shetty). How do they raise the child? Who is Subhadra really, and what is her relationship with Khushi? As Vikram and Subhadra grow closer while raising Khushi, does Subhadra, already betrothed, accept a relationship with Vikram? This forms the crux of the story.
Performances
Actor Sharwanand has delivered a settled performance as Vikram, captivating with his energetic presence. He excelled in scenes blending comedy, love, and emotion. Krithi Shetty received a significant role, and her chemistry with Sharwanand was engaging. Master Vikram Aditya, as Khushi, was a standout, playing a pivotal role in the film. Raj Kandukuri and Thrigun provided substantial support to the storyline, while Vennela Kishore brought laughter with his timing. Rahul Ravindran impressed in a role with villainous shades. Sachin Khedekar, Seeta, Mukesh Rishi, Tulasi, and Seerat Kapoor all attracted with their performances.
Direction
Director Sriram Aditya developed ‘Manamey’ around the theme of parent-child bonding, aiming to captivate the audience with a feel-good entertainer, achieving moderate success. The story unfolds as the carefree playboy hero assumes responsibility for his friend’s son, supported by the heroine, leading to a series of engaging events. Despite a strong start, the film begins to meander in the second half, with scenes that seem unrelated to the main narrative, causing viewer confusion. The film concludes with an emotional climax that adds depth, though the villain’s arc remains underdeveloped. Overall, while the concept was promising, the execution in parts was lacking.
Technically
On the technical front, the cinematography was vibrant, capturing London locations beautifully. While the songs may not be memorable, the background music suited the film well. Tighter editing could have enhanced the pacing. The production values are visible in every frame, reflecting the producers’ investment.
Highlights
– Acting by Sharwanand and Master Vikram Aditya
– Emotional scenes
– Cinematography
Drawbacks
– Dragging scenes
– Underdeveloped villain track
– Editing