In the vast expanse of Telugu cinema, where dramatic narratives frequently dominate, “Manamey”, a romantic comedy featuring Sharwanand and Krithi Shetty, breaks through with its lighthearted charm and occasional moments of fun. Directed by Sriram Adittya, the film embraces the classic trope of opposites attract and delivers a breezy narrative, although it falls into predictability at times.
Sharwanand, heralded for his often restrained characters, delights audiences by embracing a more playful persona in “Manamey”. He steps into the shoes of Vikram, a man who embodies the essence of a carefree manchild, reluctant to step into the world of adult responsibilities. The narrative juxtaposes him against the mature and responsible Subhadra, portrayed by Krithi Shetty. This contrast sets the stage for a series of events that, while foreseeable, manage to entertain.
The storyline of “Manamey” revolves around Vikram’s transformation from a happy-go-lucky individual to someone who must confront the realities of life and duty. Early in the film, Vikram’s character is established with a cheeky scene where he compliments a woman with a clichéd pick-up line. His charm, despite being cheesy, does work to some extent, showcasing his ability to woo women effortlessly. Vikram’s life takes an abrupt turn when his best friend Anurag and his wife Swati die in an accident, leaving behind their two-year-old son. Although the child quickly forms an attachment to Vikram, our protagonist, true to his character, is reluctant to take responsibility.
Amidst this upheaval, enters Subhadra, a friend of the late Swati, who becomes a pivotal character in the unfolding drama. In a turn of circumstances, Vikram and Subhadra find themselves being persuaded to become temporary caretakers for the toddler. Subhadra, meanwhile, has her own plans, hoping her fiancé Karthik, played by Shiva Kandukuri, will eventually adopt the child.
As the story progresses along these expected lines, the charm of “Manamey” lies in its light-hearted portrayal of Vikram’s struggle to balance his carefree nature with the newfound responsibility. Much of the humor arises from the dialogues attributed to Vikram, who is continually torn between his inherent love for a worry-free life and his loyalty to his late friend’s child. A considerable portion of the film is devoted to illustrating Vikram’s hedonistic lifestyle, filled with flirtations and indulgence in beer and spirits. Yet, this aspect of his characterizing, while initially amusing, soon becomes repetitive.
The film’s humorous vein is further enriched by a gallery of supporting characters.
. Vennela Kishore stars as a paediatrician, adding a layer of comic relief, while Rahul Ramakrishna fulfills the role of Vikram’s trusty aide. Their interactions intensify the clashes and comedic exchanges between Vikram and Subhadra as they navigate everyday tasks of raising a child.
The setting of “Manamey” is as plush as its storyline is simple. Most of the narrative unfolds in London, a city depicted through a lens of affluence. The characters inhabit designer homes that echo the pages of architecture magazines, and their lifestyles reflect a certain stylish opulence. Both Vikram and Subhadra hail from affluent backgrounds, an aspect that is mirrored in their comfortable living. However, the high-end lifestyle portrayed, such as the grand home left behind by Vikram’s friends, might pose questions about its realism, especially for young restaurateurs in London.
For the major part, “Manamey” sticks to being a lighthearted watch. However, the introduction of an antagonist, played by Rahul Ravindran, disrupts its tone. Cast as a business rival of Vikram’s friend, the antagonist’s attempts to kidnap and eliminate the child feel misguided and poorly written. Initially presented as a menacing figure, his character is quickly reduced to almost a caricature, fading into insignificance as the story progresses.
In its later stages, “Manamey” revisits familiar territory seen in countless rom-coms. The emotional heft is concentrated around Vikram’s interactions with his parents, which are sprinkled with universal truths about life and responsibilities, evoking a sense of nostalgia that might resonate with many viewers.
On the musical front, Hesham Abdul Wahab’s compositions form the backbone of “Manamey”. However, there are instances where the background score feels overly predictive, amplifying emotions incessantly and rarely pausing for silence, which sometimes dilutes the impact.
In conclusion, “Manamey” offers a mix of lighthearted entertainment wrapped in a predictable narrative. While it might not break new ground in terms of storytelling, the film provides some delightful moments, particularly through Sharwanand’s spirited performance. It’s a breezy watch that doesn’t shy away from playing it safe within the confines of its genre.
