The show perfectly translates the nine stories, penned by the legendary writer MT Vasudevan Nair before the 1990s, onto the screen.
The 'Manorathangal' anthology series is streaming on ZEE5. (X)
The Malayalam anthology series Manorathangal generated significant buzz even before its release, thanks to its star-studded cast.
The anthology series, helmed by eight directors, boasts an ensemble cast, including Mohanlal, Mammootty, Fahadh Faasil, Asif Ali, Indrajith Sukumaran, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Durga Krishna, Siddique, Mammukkoya, and to mention a few.
The show perfectly translates the nine stories, penned by the legendary writer MT Vasudevan Nair before the 1990s, onto the screen.
Set against the backdrop of Kerala, the anthology series pays a rich tribute to the Jnanpith awardee by capturing the essence of human emotions through diverse themes, which his stories reflect.
Let’s take a closer look at how each segment of this anthology fared:
Olavum Theeravum
Vasudevan Nair’s Olavum Theeravum is one of his most celebrated works. It was previously adapted into a 1970 film by PN Menon, starring veteran actor Madhu in the lead role.
Mohanlal and Durga Krishna take on the roles of Baputty and Nabeesa in this new version of Olavum Theeravum. The segment is shot in Black and White by Priyadarshan, with cinematography by Santosh Sivan.
In an interview, Priyadarshan said he aimed to capture the original feel of the story and hence chose to shoot it in monochrome. Vasudevan Nair trimmed the script to keep it crisp.
This segment is about Baputty and Nabeesa’s love story and how their romance ends in tragedy. Priyadarshan presents it without any melodrama, thus making a courageous choice to explore a tragic love story in modern times.
Mohanlal and Durga Krishna’s performances are noteworthy. Surabhi Lakshmi is commendable in the role of Beepathu.
This is also one of the last films featuring Mammukkoya, who passed away last year.
Mammootty is also part of the anthology series. (Supplied)
Mammootty stars in Kadugannawa, Oru Yathra Kurippu, directed by Ranjith.
Set in 1994, the story follows Venugopal, a journalist played by Mammootty, who searches for his sister in Sri Lanka.
She was brought home as a child by their father, who worked in Sri Lanka at the time.
This story is inspired by Vasudevan Nair’s visit to Sri Lanka.
Mammootty delivers a subtle and nuanced performance as Venugopal. He effectively conveys the character’s childhood memories and emotional journey.
Kazhcha is a women-centric story, showcasing Vasudevan Nair’s ability to create strong female characters.
Directed by Shyama Prasad, the segment features Parvathy Thiruvothu as Sudha, a married woman who lives in Chennai.
During a visit to her native village in Palakkad, she faces questions about her troubled marriage. Sudha, who is passionate about music, pursues her dreams in Chennai with the help of her friend Sethu (Harish Uthaman).
Parvathy Thiruvothu and Narein, who play her husband, deliver compelling performances in Kazhcha. The story highlights the deep-rooted patriarchy in society.
Shilalikhitam is the second segment helmed by Priyadarshan in the Manorathangal series. It stars Biju Menon as Professor PKG Nair.
The story explores how people change when they leave their village, with new lifestyles altering their behaviour. It also reveals how they forget their roots and fail to maintain healthy relationships in life, including with their parents.
Here, Vasudevan Nair challenges the conventional belief that villages are devoid of evil. Biju Menon shines in his role. Shanthi Krishna, as Biju the professor’s mother, also delivers a strong performance.
The female cast of the anthology series. (X)
Vilpana is directed by Aswathy V Nair, the daughter of Vasudevan Nair. This segment focuses on the oppression of women under patriarchy.
Madhubala plays Gita Parekh, who realises that everything in life, including herself, seems to have a price. She even remarks that her husband Parekh might try to sell her.
Asif Ali plays Sunil Das, who comes into contact with Gita after seeing an advertisement for items for sale at her house.
Gita, in her attempt to assert independence, tries to sell furniture from her home to prove her capabilities. Both Asif Ali and Madhubala fit into their respective roles in this thought-provoking story.
In Sherlock, Fahadh Faasil plays Balu, a young Malayali who travels to America and struggles with the challenges faced by immigrants seeking employment abroad.
Balu stays with his sister (played by Nadia Moidu), whose husband works in another city. She finds comfort in her cat, Sherlock.
Frustrated after three months of joblessness, Balu forms a reluctant bond with the cat.
In this segment, Vasudevan Nair brilliantly captures Balu’s sense of entrapment in the big city, with the cat becoming his sole companion.
Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the film successfully conveys the essence of Vasudevan Nair’s writing, thanks to the brilliant performances by Fahadh Faasil and Nadia Moidu.
Kadal Kattu, directed by Rathish Ambat, stars Indrajith Sukumaran and Aparna Balamurali as a married couple. Indrajith’s character Unni engages in an extramarital affair.
Unni seeks to escape the realities of life by indulging in a romantic liaison with a character played by Ann Augustine. Kadal Kattu does justice to the segment, with commendable performances by the actors.
Mohanlal in ‘Olavum Theeravum’. (Supplied)
Abhayam Thedi Veendum, directed by Santosh Sivan, explores the theme of man versus nature.
Siddique plays a character who returns to his village in search of a small place to rent. The story delves into the ongoing struggle between man and nature, reminding us that humans are merely tenants on Earth.
Siddique delivers a fine performance as the old man grapples with these existential questions.
Swargam Thurakkuna Samayam, helmed by Jayaraj, addresses the abandonment of parents in their final days as their children become preoccupied with their own lives.
It casts Indrans, Nedumudi Venu, and Kailash. This poignant story is elevated by their awesome performances.
Manorathangal offers a rich cinematic experience to today’s film buffs, who may not be familiar with the works of MT Vasudevan Nair. This anthology series serves as a heartfelt tribute to one of Kerala’s literary giants.
(Views expressed here are personal.)
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
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