We all have a reason to watch a particular film; it may be for the director, actor or the music composer. But Manam is a film we would watch for a family, who have made an indelible mark in the Telugu film industry. Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Akkineni Nagarjuna and Akkineni Naga Chaitanya – The three generations of the Akkineni family have acted in a film together for the very first time. It is also unfortunate that this was the legendary ANR’s last film.
Now that the Akkineni family has got our attention, the film gets even more interesting. ANR plays Nagarjuna’s son, who in turn plays the role of Naga Chaitanya’s son. Sounds interesting, right? Manam is a period film spanning for about 100 years, where love is the central theme. How these interesting characters encounter each other, forms the crux of the story. Many films have dealt with the subject of reincarnation, but Manam is certainly unique in its own way.
ANR, who at the age of 90, gives us an exuberant performance. One is sure to envy him for his high-spirited energy. The ever-stylish Nagarjuna has underplayed his role in this film, while Naga Chaitanya is at his charming best. Both Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya have played dual roles in the film. Bollywood superstar, Amitabh Bachchan has made a cameo in the film. It’s interesting to see Akkineni Amala and Akkineni Akhil have also made a cameo. That’s not all, there are many more surprises in store for you. And as for the comic relief, we have the regulars like Brahmanandam, Ali and M. S. Narayana tickling the audience’s funny bone.
Manam is an out-and-out family entertainer by director Vikram Kumar. After his commendable success with Ishq, the director has brought the vision of the Akkineni family on screen. Overall, Manam is a film by the family (Akkineni) to the families (audience). The movie has many delightful moments to cherish and is the summer family entertainer to look out for.
Why you should watch this film?
Watch it for the legend ANR and the charm his family spells on you. It can be rightly said that the legend ANR lives on, with Manam.
By Charles Britto