‘Manorathangal’ Review: A Blend of Hits and Misses with Some Bright Spots

Even with its minor shortcomings, the anthology stands out thanks to the strong performances of its cast and stunning visuals.

Calmness can represent either a state of contentment or a deep numbness stemming from inner conflict. The characters crafted by MT Vasudevan Nair in ‘Manorathangal’ align more closely with the latter interpretation of calmness. On the surface, these individuals appear to be enjoying the serenity of their surroundings, thriving in the comfort of their families. MT’s vibrant stories create an inviting world that contrasts sharply with the complex psyches of the characters, a nuance that doesn’t fully translate to the screen.

MT wrote these stories at various points in his life. While the emotions woven into them have undeniably stood the test of time, the visual storytelling feels out of step with contemporary sensibilities. Recently, cinema has been striving to move beyond entrenched class and caste norms.

At this moment, bringing back a setting filled with ‘upper-caste’ and ‘upper-class’ privileges feels regressive. However, these portrayals do not dominate the overarching narratives in the anthology; instead, they merely provide a backdrop. It is the emotional struggles that compel each character in the films to reflect on themselves, thereby giving purpose to the stories.

In the midst of revisiting a past where Savarna individuals are referred to as Thampuran or Thampuratti, it is the significance of this inner turmoil that adds depth and complexity to the narratives. ‘Manorathangal’ primarily explores the emotional landscapes of its characters, yet the anthology seems to fall short in fully capturing that essence.

Each film in ‘Manorathangal’ begins with an introduction by Kamal Haasan, who sets the tone for the story ahead. He offers a glimpse into the plot without revealing too much, expertly balancing what to disclose and what to keep under wraps, all while sharing his personal reflections. Kicking off with Priyadarshan’s ‘Shilalikhitham’ (Inscriptions), the anthology features nine films, each with a runtime of approximately 30 minutes to an hour.

Rather than sticking to his usual comedic approach, director Priyadarshan presents two films with unique visual styles. In ‘Shilalikhitham,’ Biju Menon portrays Gopalan Kutty, who realizes he is inadvertently bound to a mindset he has been trying to escape. In his second film, ‘Olavum Theeravum,’ featuring Mohanlal and Durga Krishna, he reinterprets the classic film of the same name.

While the first film is engaging, the second falters due to a lackluster performance from the cast and feels disconnected from contemporary issues. Unfortunately, the emotional resonance in other films, such as Jayaraj’s ‘Swargam Thurakkuna Samayam’ and Rathish Ambat’s ‘Kadalkkaattu,’ is lacking. The straightforward narrative of a father abandoned by his children and the theme of infidelity fails to create the necessary emotional connection, leaving viewers with little empathy for the characters.

On the other hand, ‘Vilpana,’ directed by Aswathy V Nair and starring Asif Ali and Madhoo, struggles to captivate the audience with its predominantly conversational style, despite a heartfelt conclusion. Notably, Mahesh Narayanan’s ‘Sherlock,’ Shyamaprasad’s ‘Kazhcha,’ and Ranjith’s contributions also stand out.

Sherlock invites viewers to engage in self-examination and contemplate humanity from an animal’s perspective, while Kazhcha encourages individuals to connect with each other and embrace their authentic selves. Breaking away from conventional feminist themes, Kazhcha presents empowerment through the nuanced and strong character of Sudha, skillfully portrayed by Parvathy Thiruvothu.

Despite some minor shortcomings, Manorathangal shines brightly thanks to the stellar performances of its cast and stunning visuals. The camera glides through ancestral homes, lush green fields, quiet lanes, and charming cobblestone paths, immersing us in the warmth of the world brought to life by MT’s evocative words. As a song from Manorathangal beautifully captures, “Like a forgotten time, returning to me…”

**Series:** Manorathangal
**Showrunner:** Priyadarshan
**Cast:** Mohanlal, Mammootty, Fahadh Faasil, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Nadiya Moidu, Biju Menon, Indrajith Sukumaran, Asif Ali
**Streamer:** Zee 5
**Rating:** 2.5/5