Maranthen Mannithen Movie Review
by Raven
Of late, a very unhealthy trend is catching up in Kollywood. Some of the makers have started to promote and claim their dubbed films as bilingual films, to utilize the lead actors’ popularity here. Maranthen Mannithen is one such attempt of making the Telugu movie ‘Gundello Godari’ as a proper Tamil film. Sadly, the initial scenes show off to the audience that the movie is a dubbed film and the lip sync is a sore factor throughout the movie. Aadhi, Taapsee, Lakshmi Manchu and Sundeep have played the lead roles. Music is scored by legendary music director Ilaiyaraaja.
The Plot
Malli (Aadhi) and Chitra (Lakshmi Manchu) enter wedlock but there seems to be mysterious pasts to them. Soon, the village is surrounded by flood and there is water all around. Malli and Chitra hold on to their lives to discuss about their past love stories. The flashback tells about Malli’s affair with Sarala (Taapsee) and Chitra’s childhood sweetheart Suri (Sundeep). Cut to present, will Malli and Chitra survive the floods? And, will they live happily thereafter?
Direction - Kumar Nagendra
The first half of the movie is all about how Sarala seduces Malli. It is deeply saddening to see a mainstream film showing a woman in such poor light. When will some directors learn that skin shows don't not sell anymore? And, why did Taapsee, who has done some good roles in the past, even agree to do such a character?
(General observation during interval: When the first half ended, one could witness the wives staring at their husbands for bringing them to this movie.)
The second half reveals about the perverted men who interfered in Chitra’s life. It is almost like the audience are made to sit through the forced tragic events in her life before the climax. The climax is very predictable, thanks to the hundreds of Tamil films we have seen before. To add to all these woes, there are two crass item numbers that are so unaesthetically shot.
Performances
In such a flawed script and execution, the performances are over-ridden. Aadhi is well-built for the role, but his expressions are unconvincing in emotional scenes. Lakshmi Manchu scores in some demanding scenes but she looks a little older, especially in close up shots. Taapsee is merely used as the glam doll and she needs to choose her roles wisely henceforth. Sundeep is a promising talent and he might be hoping for some good fortunes soon.
Technicalities
Music by Ilaiyaraaja is utterly disappointing. The songs are instantly forgettable and background score is nothing to rave about. Cinematography by Palanikumar is laudable in few long shots that shows the Godavari river’s beauty.
The CG work is below par and the team could have definitely done a better job. The miniature models that are used as huts are quite evident, and reminds us of the films that were made in 1970s and 1980s.
Bottomline : Forget this film; forgive its makers.
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