269. Anni Manchi Shakunamule; movie review

 

ANNI MANCHI SHAKUNAMULE

Cert PG

154 mins

BBFC advice: Contains  mild bad language, sex references, threat, brief violence

When I first started my journey of trying to watch every film, I was full of anticipation and was excited by every new cinematic experience. 

However, as time has gone on, I have become more cynical because I am rarely presented with something truly original on the big screen. 

During B. V. Nandini Reddy's Anni Manchi Shakunamule, I found myself checking off elements that I had seen before. 

There is a spark when the film begins with two previously close families fighting over the estate of a coffee plantation in a generations-old court case. 

But the remainder of the film is overflowing with déjà vu.

For example, the opening minutes involve babies being given to the wrong parents. It is a very familiar scenario, most recently seen in Pedro Almodóvar's Parallel Mothers. 

Inevitably, the swap is between children of the two warring families. 

One child grows up to become the archetypal spoiled, wealthy layabout son (Santosh Sobhan), while the other develops into a super-bright, beautiful young woman (Malvika Nair) who is adored by everyone. With the stage set, everyone knows where this is headed. 

Despite having next to nothing in common and coming from fathers who hate each other, love is bound to be on the horizon.  

However, there are many obstacles to overcome, misunderstandings to resolve, lively songs to sing, and gratuitous backdrops of ski slopes in Europe to see. 

If you haven't seen an Indian romance before, then Anni Manchi Shakunamule may not be too bad. Unfortunately, I have seen many such films, and I found it rather unremarkable.

Reasons to watch: Malvika Nair is delightful

Reasons to avoid: Limp romance

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 5/10

Did you know? India's oldest litigation at 72 years was finally disposed of by the Calcutta High Court in January 2023. The case pertained to the liquidation of Berhampore Bank Ltd which wound up operations in 1948.

The final word.  Swapna Dutt: "How would someone feel when he/she visits their grandmother’s house in the Summer season? Anni Manchi Sakunamule would give that kind of feeling. We shot the whole film in the hill station Kunoor." 123 Telugu

Share this post