“If the flowers are beneath you – it’s your first night, if flowers are on or above you – it’s your last night”.
To describe Manasaare - The film is refreshing, entertaining and is full of such whacky, crazy and yet sensible one-liners. One of the best movies to come out of Kannada film industry in the last few years, for sure.
Manasaare is an uncomplicated story of an aimless, good for nothing youth Manohar (Diganth). Manoharfindsfault in each and every aspect of life. He has a mind of his own and doesn’t believe in the normal conventions of the society. The neighborhood beauty Bhamini (Neetu), though loves him, chooses to marry a well settled Software professional because of Manohar’s strange ways. Manohar is an orphan brought up by his uncle and aunt.
His uncle knows of Manohar’s ways yet supports him. Most of the times he is the one who bails Manohar out of troubles, which is not at all liked by his wife and son. Manohar has a close friend Satheesh, who is a cable operator. The common link between both these guys is the neighborhood beauty Bhamini (Neetu), on whom Satheesh had crush too.
One day after a booze party near the highway (NICE Road, Bangalore), Manohar is mistaken for a mental patient by a few Vans of a mental asylum passing through. This incident lands him in KamanaBillu, an asylum for mentally ill criminals. His pleas, claiming that he is sane are unheard. His aunt and cousin prevent his uncle from bailing him out. Manohar tries escaping from the asylum with the help of 2 of his friends he made in the asylum (Shankerappa and a mentally unstable software engineer). While escaping through the female wards he sees Devika (Aindritha Ray), in the glowing moonlight and falls for her. He escapes from the asylum through the supplies vehicle, but changes his mind midway and comes back for Devika. His friends are puzzled, but understand that Manohar is in love. Next Manohar plans and escapes with Devika in the hospital ambulance, while she is sedated. After the escape, Manohar comes to know of the disturbed childhood Devika had and her hatred towards men. Devika pleads to take her back to the asylum. On her insistence he again gets her back to the asylum. However, during the entire journey, things change. Devika starts trusting Manohar and maybe even starts loving him.
The story then takes a few twists and turns, about how Devika feels cheated again and Manohar losing out on his love. Watch the movie for a very tamed, yet one of the best climaxes.
Manasaare breathes fresh air. The story, treatment, music, cinematography, dialogues and all the performances make it a “Must Watch” experience. The film is lively and there is not even a single dull moment. The pace never slackens. The proceedings keep going on and the one-liners keep coming, which keeps you glued to the screen. There are many sequences that stand out: - 1. The beginning of the movie, the interaction between Sateesh and Manohar at Bhamini’s wedding is very good. 2) The sequence where Manohar and Sateesh try to produce electricity in public is hilarious. 3) Most of the sequences at the asylum between Manohar and his friends are too good. 4) Most of the sequences involving Shankerappa are sure to bring the house down. 5) And finally there is freshness and great chemistry in romantic scenes between Manohar and Devika.
Diganth gives his career best performance. Though the role looks to be suited for Bhat’s another protégé, Ganesh. Diganth proves otherwise. He fits into the character exceptionally well. In fact it’s hard to imagine anyone else essaying the role. Diganth looks good and fresh. His charm, dialogue delivery and mannerisms work big. His character is the focal point of the story and Diganth carries the movie very well on his shoulders. All in all an award worthy performance.
Aindritha gets less screen space but compliments Diganth amazingly well. She looks cute and acts better. She believingly portrays Devika’s character. Her chemistry with Diganth is superb.
All other characters in the movie are very well defined. The actors playing Manohar’s uncle, aunt, cousin, his friend Satheesh (hilarious), mentally ill software professional (again quite hilarious), the doctors at KamanaBillu all do a commendable job. Neetu, who had a full fledged role in Gaalipata, does a fine job in a cameo here.
But one supporting actor, who needs special mention, is Raju Thalikote. He is exceptionally brilliant as the motor mouth Shankerappa. He gets one of the whackiest lines and he delivers them with aplomb. In fact each and every line uttered by him are sure to bring a smile and sometimes even a huge laughter. Bravo!
Music by Mano murthy is brilliant. “Ello Maleyaagidhe Endhu”, “Kanna Haniyondhige Kenne Maathaadidhe” and “Naa Naguva Modalene” are superb compositions. The song “Khali Pili” in the titles just rocks. It sets the mood. The choreography is innovative.
Sathya Hegde’s cinematography is very good. He captures Bhat’s imagination amazingly well, which is no easy task. Other technical aspects are upto the mark.
Finally coming to the master of the ceremony – Yograj Bhatt. He proves yet again that “Mungaru Male” was no flash in the pan. Bhat has mastered the art. He has shaped up into a brilliant story teller. Manasaare is on par with Mungaru Male, if not less. Bhat gives a message too in the film with his crazy dialogues, but never gets preachy. He has extracted amazing performances from his actors. The writing is perfect. All in all, Yograj Bhat, take a bow! We really hope you keep churning such excellent movies.
My verdict – Do not miss this one at any cost. This is an example of refreshing cinema. This is a complete mainstream entertainer yet is rich in content and delivers (more in fact) what it promises.
4 out of 5