What Is the Story About?
The anthology comprising nine stories written by Malayalam legend MT Vasudevan Nair, is introduced by Kamal Haasan. The stories include Ollavum Theeravum, Kadugannava Oru Yathra Kurippu, Shilalikhitam, Kazhcha, Vilpana, Sherlock, Swargam Thurakkunna Samayam, Abhyam Theedi Veendum, Kadalkkaattu.
Directed by Priyadarshan, Ranjith, Shyamaprasad, Aswathy Nair, Santosh Sivan, Rathish Ambat, Jayarajan Nair and Mahesh Narayanan, the series stars Biju Menon, Fahadh Faasil, Nadhiya Moidu, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Madhoo, Asif Ali, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Harish Uthaman, Siddique, Nedumudi Venu and others.
Analysis
Ollavum Theeravum (starring Mohanlal, directed by Priyadarshan)
A second adaptation of Nair’s short story on the visual medium after PN Menon’s 1970 classic, Ollavum Theeravum revolves around two star-crossed lovers Bapputty and Nebeesu (a sister to Bapputty’s dead friend Abdu). There’s trouble in the paradise when a wealthy merchant Kunjali expresses interest in her and Nebeesu’s mother gives her consent to it. What’s in store for the couple?
While the epic romance is tolerable by all means, the story of a woman, unable to take charge of her destiny and love life, deserves to be viewed through a newer lens and is a major disappointment, given the talents involved – Mohanlal, Hareesh Peradi and Priyadarshan. As a film, it remains emotionally inert with poorly established characters and it doesn’t help that the performances are rather unaffecting.
Kadugannawa Oru Yathra Kurippu (stars Mammootty, directed by Ranjith)
A reunion of the actor-director duo that once gave us films like Pranchiyettan and the Saint and Paleri Manikyam, Kadugannawa Oru Yathra Kurippu is a story of a journalist Venugopal, en route to meet his half-sister Leela, as part of a work trip to Sri Lanka. The journey triggers him to recount his past and memories with a mystery child who once accompanied his father back home.
A simple, well-told story of a middle-aged journalist attempting to reunite with his long-lost sister, Ranjith’s film is akin to a renewed look at a childhood album that wasn’t dusted for long. The tale of a dysfunctional family, narrated through a middle-aged man’s perspective, is told with innocence and warmth. Mammootty surrenders to the story like a sincere disciple, well-supported by Anumol and Vineeth.
Shilalikhitam (stars Biju Menon, Shantikrishna, directed by Priyadarshan)
Just the kind of a story that reflects Vasudevan Nair’s genius, Shilalikhitam centres around a historian, who returns to his home town, accompanied by his daughter. Meanwhile, a woman is found lying unconscious near the brooks. While the entire town is out to gossip about the woman’s past, not a soul cares to rescue her.
Shilalikhitam is an interpretative story downplaying the romanticised notion of warmth and generosity within villages. Priyadarshan captures the spirit of the story masterfully, drawing a not-so-rosy portrait of a village and a family through a hapless woman. Biju Menon conveys his character’s mixed emotions transparently while Shanti Krishna and TG Ravi deliver the goods.
Kazhcha (stars Parvathy, Harish Uthaman, directed by Shyamaprasad)
Kazhcha can be seen as a smart reworking of K Balachander’s Sindhu Bhairavi, where a musically inclined bank employee Sudha tolerates an indifferent husband at home and is enchanted by a like-minded art aficionado Viswanathan. As rumours about Sudha’s troubled marriage spread like wildfire in her town, Sudha bides her time before she makes a crucial decision.
Easily the most relevant short story in the anthology, Kazhcha is a timely observation of a liberated, independent woman’s life in the 90s, when divorce was a taboo and tolerance was the buzzword. Shyamaprasad’s mettle comes to the fore in this gentle, progressive short dealing with a woman’s desires and dreams. Parvathy is in top form in a familiar space and Harish Uthaman’s welcome detour from negative roles is indeed rewarding.
Vilpana (stars Madhoo and Asif Ali, directed by Aswathy Nair)
Vilpana is all about a chance encounter between a middle-aged woman Gita Parekh and a journalist Sunil. Gita plans to sell all her possessions before moving to Ahmedabad (with her husband) and meets Sunil, a journalist looking for a typewriter. As they forge an unlikely bond, Gita opens up about the trauma and the anxiety beneath her supposedly perfect marriage.
Vasudevan Nair’s story explores the unlikely sense of liberation and fulfilment one could experience in the company of a stranger. The film digs deep into Gita’s empty life and her need for companionship over conversations. Aswathy Nair’s attempt to address the concerns of her characters is sincere, though the unimaginative filmmaking doesn’t complement her ideas. Madhoo is aptly cast as the polyglot, while Asif Ali’s earnestness contributes to the impact.
Sherlock (stars Fahadh Faasil, Nadhiya, directed by Mahesh Narayanan)
Reflecting the concerns of Malayali expatriates who break out of their comfort zones and find their feet in an alien country, Sherlock is about Balakrishnan, who reluctantly moves to the US in the hope of greener pastures, with the help of his sister. As he tries to chase the American dream, Bala confronts alcoholism, racism and loneliness in the company of a cat – named Sherlock.
Mahesh Narayanan’s adaptation of Nair’s short, set in the pre-globalisation era, tells the price one has to pay to make a career, giving up the luxuries and familiarity of a home country. The film encapsulates the mundanity in the lives of Malayali NRIs with honesty and their compromises with the little pleasures. Fahadh Faasil and Nadhiya pack a punch in a solid, immersive tale.
Swargam Thurakkunna Samayam (stars Kaillash, Indrans, Nedumudi Venu, directed by Jayarajan Nair)
Thampuran is on the brink of his death while his close aides call on his sons and daughters to pay a visit before he breathes his last. A food-enthusiast Kuttynarayanan Nair is readying all formalities for Thampuran’s last rites. Lost in their livelihood travails, the family members get impatient about the uncertainty around Thampuran’s health.
Nair’s short story tackles parental neglect with a pinch of salt, focusing on the tension around the tension before the death of a patriarch. An unexpected ending provides a voice to the concerns of the elderly and the indifference of their wards. Veteran Jayarajan Nair extracts top-notch performances from Indrans, Nedumudi Venu in this tear-jerker.
Abhyam Theedi Veendum (stars Siddhique, Ishit Yamini, directed by Santosh Sivan)
An elderly man returns to his village and can barely recognise its residents, without any familiar soul to talk to. He gradually moves into a rented house with his belongings. Just as he makes himself comfortable, the owner threatens to evict him. Meanwhile, he is haunted by the visions of a damsel and vignettes of his past.
Abhyam Theedi Veendum has an ambitious idea, trying to emphasise the relationship between man and nature and the ephemeral quality of human life. While the story, with all its innate philosophies and mythological references, would’ve made for a great read, it translates into a vague and abstract film bereft of soul. Siddique, Naseer Sankranthy’s talents aren’t used to great effect either.
Kadalkkaattu (stars Indrajith, Aparna Balamurali, directed by Rathish Ambat)
Keshav, a married man with a daughter, keeps moving in and out of his village, citing work and the excuse of meeting a lawyer in the town. He, however, ends up having a roaring affair with Margaret (with whom, he hasn’t disclosed his marital status yet). After denying Margaret’s request to marry him, he returns to his home and a sudden turnaround forces him to evaluate his priorities.
Rathish Ambat takes a simple story around infidelity and weaves an engaging drama exploring a man’s guilt and how a woman calmly takes control of her marital life. Elements like the beach and the canine add another layer to the tale brought to life with power-packed performances by Indrajith and Aparna Balamurali. Ann Augustine makes her presence felt in a brief role.
Final verdict: Manorathangal is a reasonably engaging anthology that celebrates Vasudevan Nair’s versatility. Full marks for the effort but it could’ve been backed by craftier storytelling.
Highlights?
Adaptations of Shilalikhitam, Kazhcha, Sherlock
Performances of Fahadh, Nadhiya, Parvathy, Biju Menon, Mammootty
Kamal Haasan’s introductions, the effort to lend a context to the episodes Visually spectacular, terrific background score
Drawbacks?
Episodes on Abhyam Theedi.., Ollavum Theeravum and Vilpana
Not all stories are relevant for the times
The lack of re-imagination in the storytelling
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, mostly
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, primarily to discover the genius of MT Vasudevan Nair
Manorathangal Series Review by Binged Bureau
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.
