Manasu Malligey

Manasu Malligey is a touching 2017 Kannada drama-romance film that was directed by S. Narayan, a renowned name in the Kannada film industry. The film features the talented Nishant and the marvelous Rinku Rajguru in the lead roles. These actors brought out the essence of the narrative beautifully with their stellar performances.

Set against the backdrop of a rural Indian village, Manasu Malligey unravels a compelling narrative that seamlessly blends themes of love, dreams, grassroots reality, and societal norms. The film is a Kannada remake of the Marathi blockbuster "Sairat", retaining the essence of the original while consciously adding a native touch, making it appealing to the Kannada audience.

In Manasu Malligey, Nishanth plays the role of Prashant, a fish trader's son, while Rinku Rajguru plays Archana, nicknamed "Archie", the strong-headed daughter of a local big-shot policymaker. They don't adhere to the conventional image of protagonists, they both are simply ordinary young adults. Nishanth brilliantly embodies the character of Prashant, bringing out a sense of rawness and innocence from his character that resonates with the audience. Rinku Rajguru as Archie, on the other hand, is a memorable character with her strong and fearless persona. The chemistry between the two young actors is so natural and intense that you cannot help but appreciate their performance.

Like the Marathi version, the film’s plot revolves around the complications and dilemmas that beset this young, rebellious couple as they grapple with their nascent love in the face of a society that thrives upon division and disparity. It’s a love story that transcends the barriers of caste, class, and societal norms, but it's also a commentary on the harsh realities of casteism and honor-related prejudices still prevailing in parts of India.

The director, S. Narayan, has beautifully captured the rawness and intricacies of rural life, from the authentic costumes to the colloquial dialogues. Much of the film’s essence lies in its aesthetics and cinematography. The portrayal of the rural landscape and village life gives the film a realistic and visually appealing charm.

Accompanying this is the melodious soundtrack of the film composed by Ajay-Atul, which adds depth to the narrative and sets lifelike backdrops to the film's plot. The songs, with their soulful tunes, fit perfectly into the narrative and never feel out of place in the movie’s intriguing storyline. The song "Yad Lagla", for instance, beautifully portrays the protagonist's newfound affection and brings out the charm of first love.

Information around the development, pre-production, and casting of Manasu Malligey also make for fascinating anecdotes. The film was released by popular production studio Rockline Productions. The decision to cast Rinku Rajguru, who played the same role in the Marathi version, in the Kannada remake, added richness to the character representation in Manasu Malligey.

“Manasu Malligey”, with its strong narrative, captivating performances, and robust ensemble cast, takes the viewer through a whirlwind of emotions. It is an appealing film that tackles societal norms and prejudices with the backdrop of a heartfelt love story. The movie depicts a stark yet important reality that often goes unnoticed. In essence, the film is a brilliantly executed, thought-provoking, and soul-stirring remake that has a lot to offer, not just as a love story, but as a commentary on lingering social prejudices. It is a film that definitely raises the bar for promised future films from the Kannada film industry.