Film Review: Manuneedhi

FILMS IN general have always banked quite heavily on the emotion of revenge. Be it between siblings or mafia dons or scions of business houses, revenge somehow seems to appeal to audiences. Remember ``Sholay''? GR Gold Films' ``Manuneedhi'' too is about love and revenge. Set in a rural ambience, the hero Chinnakannu (Murali) plays the obedient nephew of a rich landlord uncle (Nasser).

The `maama' asks the `mappillai' to woo and later wed the neighbour landlord's (played by Napolean who sports a snow-white wig) daughter, Poongodi (newcomer Prathyusha).

Maama's wish is mappillai's (that is how Nasser addresses Murali) command. Chinnakannu wins the heart of not only the girl but also her aged parents and is all set to marry. Just at that point, maama gatecrashes into the party and stops the wedding.

But why? For that you have to see the flashback that is set in the pre-Independence era and even features a British officer with an American accent! You can guess what the rest of the story would be like!

``Manuneedhi'' is directed by Thambee Ramiah, who has also penned the story and dialogue. The story hardly moves in the first half and most part of the second half is taken up by the flashback and the long-winding climax. The songs (music by Deva) along with Vadivelu's comedy track (as always, it is below-the-belt humour, if you can call it humour) rudely interrupt the plot.

As far as acting honours go, Napolean delivers a subdued performance while it is a routine role for Murali. For an actor of Nasser's calibre, this is a role he can do in his sleep! Others in the cast include Sitara and GR, who incidentally happens to be the producer of the film.

``Manuneedhi'' has nothing new to offer. Just the same old plot handled in just about the same old way!

SAVITHA PADMANABHAN

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Section  : Entertainment
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