Manikanda Telugu Movie

Feature Film | 2007 | Drama, Action
Critics:
Jul 30, 2007 By Kishore


Undoubtedly Arjun is the action king. There is no exaggeration in saying that he is the best candidate for action scenes. And he has style in executing the action scenes.


Manikanta, his latest movie, is a typical one based on power politics with the background of caste hatred. The area on which the movie is based is famous for such incidents where the law remains a silent spectator and people get killed with disturbing regularity. Might is right in these areas of the state. But thankfully there are people like Manikanta (Arjun) who are deeply religious and yet have no caste or creed feeling. He is a ritualistic upper caste village nobleman. Yet he feels for the so called low-caste people of the village those who are not permitted to participate in elections or worship in the temple. His philosophy is simple: we are all human beings and humanity is the greatest religion.


Manikanta attempts to get a Dalit woman elected as the village president. He also attempts to allow Dalits in to the village temple. The person, who has been the village president for years and has assumed it to be his dynastic right, becomes very insecure about this. Obviously there is resistance from his camp. The consequences get serious. And nearly 20 years later his attempts materialize. How this happens – find out.


Arjun wins appreciation for his effortless macho acting. His fight scenes are enjoyable. Now the challenges were in making a movie that almost every big star has made and yet make it appealing. Director Selva has succeeded certain extent. But since many movies have been made on the same theme Manikanta doesn't stir much interest.


Jyothika is brilliant in the movie. Malavika has a lot of oomph and gets plenty of chance to showcase that. Ashish Vidyarthi's acting looks like the replays of his previous movies. Though his acting lacks nothing, unimaginative roles give him little chance to be different. Vadivelu attempts to be comical with colorless jokes. He manages somehow to make people laugh. This is a weak point of the movie. In comparison Jyothika's charming banters are more intelligent and humorous.


However, the strength of the movie lies in the action scenes. And for Arjun fans this movie is a must watch.


Kishore

   

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