Manjadikuru

This is a coming-of-age story starring Master Sidharth and Rahman in key roles.

Prithviraj Sukumaran as the Sutradhar also plays a key role.

The film revolves around the experiences of a young Vicky who - when visiting his ancestral home upon the death of his Muthachhan - is exposed to various facets of relationships.

The character sketches are very well written and relatable. No one is completely good. And no one is completely bad. And despite knowing right from wrong, no adult is able to stick to it. And even though doing what is right, inexperience has the better of the young children - at a heavy price.

Even with so many stories woven into one - most of them depicted only to the extent needed and to get the full context of the character, ending in an inevitable tragic developement of events - the ending is heart warmingly happy.

Rahman as the "wronged" son - who then does a wrong to earn respect from his father - shines in a restrained performance. His last scene where he blesses young Vicky, eyes welled up speak of his untold grief at how things have ended up. A scene that will definitely choke you.

Do not miss this film by writer-director Anjali Menon, definitely her best!

It is rather baffling why such a wonderful work of art would not be allowed to be enjoyed by the viewers for a long time after its creation. Because that's what Manjadikuru is: a genuinely enjoyable, memorable and poignant movie. Anjali Menon has proved what a true film director she is. Because good movies are always the products of good directors. All the others come later. It was so reassuring to have watched this film in theatre after all the fatigue and frustration one normally endures as a result of watching circus that some misguided filmmakers dare to call a feature film. The storyline of Manjadikuru is something anybody can connect to; in fact, I think even the non-Malayalis would appreciate this beautiful film. The performances by the seasoned actors- Murali, Urvasi, Kaviyur Ponnamma, Rahman, Jagathy etc. are superlative. Thilakan imposes his presence like no other, even if he doesn't have a single line to utter. The children virtually steal the show from the seniors. In the end, the emotional flow of the movie did manage to bring a smile on one's face as well as a lump in one's throat. Ms. Menon, Thank you.

Anjali Menon tries to see a lot of goodness around us which are otherwise left unnoticed. Her close observation of a typical Kerala society is beautifully manifested in the film. She could portray shades of relationships in a single family impressively. The perspective she selected to tell the story(that of children at a funeral) is interesting. I always wondered what goes in the mind of the 'happy' children at a funeral where the elders are sad or pretending to be sad and serious. The special care she took to unveil the plight of women characters is outstanding. The film is able to make the audience think with its mild satire of the life around us.

Watched Manjadikkuru today ! It was one of the finest movie experience.

The movie really looked at the world from a child's perspective. Every single scene is inundated with sweetness and the innocence of children. It is such an extraordinary work of movie-making that it is in a realm of movies that are able to connect with anyone who remembers their childhood. It is a children movie which will be equally enjoyed by adults, and that's simply because it will take any adult back to their childhood days,

There are so many things that I liked about the movie , which includes a great cast ,The characters were believable and immaculately portrayed. Especially the kids, they will definitely tug at your heartstrings with their innocence, and their performance is stunning to say the least and only the hardest of souls will not be moved. Rest Everyone did their role beautifully , the whole cast was superb . Now about the crew, Cinematography is beautiful , the images are haunting, Make up and Art deserves special mention ! The Score is superb and music is used wisely , the simplicity of the movie is maintained in the music as well .

What captivated me most about the film was that the story was told so well. the pacing is perfect,It's hard to find a good story teller, and it seems that we can trust Anjali with this.The story is simple, but its spellbinding and so riveting, that it takes us right into the world of those kids .This movie has a soul and every frame emotes such innocence that I have never seen much in Malayalam movies.

I was extremely impressed with the movie and moved by the simplistic and powerful effect the film had on me. This shows that the simple things in life are often more important. I was thinking, If we embraced the Kid in all of us the world would be a better place .

So go and grab your seat and watch this movie , I assure it will keep you entertained with a nice story , lot of funny moments, some silent smiles,a journey back to your childhood and a good climax.

Manjadikuru (2008) : Brief Review -

An exceptional debut for Director Anjali Menon. Majadikuru brings a childhood nostalgia with life lessons and easily beats her own overhyped 'Banglore Days'. Sadly, i came to know about this film after watching 'Banglore Days' and 'Ustad Hotel' (Menon's writing). I would have probably bashed Banglore Days more if had seen this film before it because this one is much better and i never thought that such a gem film would remain unpopular. I mean, seriously, how are we going to produce more quality films if our audience is not watching such a great quality films just because it doesn't include big stars and commercial elements. At the same time our youth audience who call themselves Movie buffs are busy overstating films like Banglore Days but don't even know that something called 'Manjadikuru' exists. Anyways, this brief review is not about Banglore Days, i have already written a separate review of that so let's talk only and only about Manjadikuru. So, the film is about a 10-year-old boy who attends his grandfather's funeral in rural Kerala. During this 16 days period, his life changes as he learns more about his family, culture and himself. The film takes you back to those nostalgic childhood days and leaves you with mesmerized. Some scenes are so relevant to all of us as we all have done such funny things in childhood. Gradually, it becomes a very sensitive film when it shows that realisation of the boy and then how his maturity level is grown is even more interesting part. It also shows some terrible facts done by adults and how childrens acknowledge the things despite lower IQ level. In short, Manjadikuru is highly matured and sensible and children oriented drama made for Adults. Don't Miss it, if you really have a taste for quality cinema then believe me you'll love it more than Banglore Days. Well acted, well executed.

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest.