Andamaina Manasulo... Review

From a music director, RP Patnaik had turned an actor and then he takes the next logical step to direct a film. For starters, we will talk about the pros of 'Andamaina Manasulo'. The comedy track is really very good. RP Patnaik comes up with something original and funny. He makes the most of the comic timing of Sunil and Lakshmipati and it is really nice to watch a fresh track after a long time. Both Sunil as music and dance school owner Emmannuel and Lakshmipati as his cook, fit into their parts perfectly. Another plus point of the movie is the message it carries. Without being too preachy, Patnaik manages to put forth his argument about love and child homes.

So, now we move over to the cons. The film lacks a tight script and fails to hold your attention for most of the second half. While what he wants to show is fairly commendable, he takes a round about and that gets a bit tiresome after a point. The film begins with Tushar (Rajeev) remembering his past. This takes us back to his college days and his first day on campus. He bumps into Sandhya (Remya) on the very first day and it's not long before Cupid does his job. An orphan, Tushar is happy finding a partner. But his joy is not long-lasting as Sandhya goes home for holidays and ends up getting married. Our jilted hero gets busy with his Ph D thesis, after a little lecture on love from his professor.

As years go by, the little girl he once befriends on the campus grows up. And with her, her love for Tushar grows too. However, Bindu (Archana) does not get herself to tell him about her feelings as she fears losing him as a friend. So in true filmi style, there are way too many twists and turns and the film ends on a rather sober note. Of course, Patnaik does unite his lovers at the end.

When it comes to comedy, Patnaik comes across as a real pro. He should really look to making comedy films. As for the rest of the film, it feels as if you were watching a daily soap. Probably, the all new lead cast is to be blamed for this. Unfortunately, Patnaik fails to come up with good music for his own film. Songs like the Nuvve nuvve are just about okay. Then of course, there is the much spoken about song Ammayi navvindi, where industry's leading music directors have given their playback. But this he saves for the end credits and is played as they roll in. Many Bollywood songs have become huge hits in recent times and Patnaik tries the same, but we wonder if it will work with Telugu audience, as they walk out as soon The End frame comes up.

But Patnaik does remain true to his story and does not succumb to providing cheap thrills in the form of campus romance, which is a real blessing.

As for the cast, Rajeev and Remya are camera friendly, though Archana still has a long way to go. Remya reminds you of Raasi, especially in the second half. Both Gollapudi Maruti Rao and Vadde Naveen put in special appearances after a long time and it is pleasant to see them. Of course, another surprise is the `blink and go' guest appearance by R Narayana Murthy.

All in all, the film is just about average, though the comic track with Sunil and Lakshmipati is something that one will remember for a long time.

Cast: Rajeev, Remya, Archana, Sunil, Lakshmipati, Gollapudi Maruti Rao, among others

Special appearance: R Narayana Murthy, RP Patnaik

CREDITS:

Producer: Babu

Director, music director: RP Patnaik