Recent Reviews by Manoj Kumar
Desi Martini, HT Media
Manoj Kumar R, a seasoned film writer, began in digital journalism in 2010. He honed his skills at Deccan Herald, The Week, and The Indian Express, focusing on the South Indian film industry. Proficient in four South Indian languages, Manoj delves deep into regional cinema with insightful coverage. In 2023, he joined OTTplay.
Films reviewed on this Page
Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale
Bhairathi Ranagal
Kanguva
Amaran
Lucky Baskhar
Bougainvillea
Vettaiyan
Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale
Not a wedding video
Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale celebrates the superstar’s rise from humble beginnings to cinematic stardom.
On Nayanthara’s 40th birthday, Netflix unveiled a documentary series, Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairy Tale, chronicling her journey in the film industry. The series opens with her disappointment over not securing permission to hold her dream wedding at the Tirupati temple and transitions to her eventual wedding at a picturesque beachside glasshouse, attended by the who’s who of Indian cinema.
Bhairathi Ranagal
Shivarajkumar shines in a predictable origin story
Bhairathi Ranagal is an origin story that explores the transformation of an ordinary man into a feared leader.
Shivarajkumar’s portrayal of Bhairathi Ranagal in the 2017 movie Mufti was a monumental success. His iconic look—featuring coloured khadi vestis and shirts—became a trendsetter, even inspiring Nandamuri Balakrishna’s style in Veera Simha Reddy. It’s no surprise that the filmmakers were tempted to delve deeper into the character and cater to the audience’s appetite for more. After all, the market rarely gets it wrong, right? Fast forward seven years and director Narthan brings us Bhairathi Ranagal, the origin story of this beloved character.
All 2 reviews of Bhairathi Ranagal here
Kanguva
Suriya leads this grand spectacle with heart amidst primal chaos
Set against a primitive landscape, Kanguva tells the story of a warrior-leader who balances his people’s survival instincts with his own vision of compassion and integrity.
A characteristic in all of director Siva’s movies that I strongly dislike is the lack of subtlety in emotions and reactions. Everything is loud—and sometimes even louder than Boyapati Srinu’s films. But if you can look past this trait, Kanguva might just be one of the most cinematic spectacles you’ve experienced in theatres in a long time.
All 5 reviews of Kanguva here
Amaran
Sivakarthikeyan, Sai Pallavi anchor a fine movie on Indian Army
Amaran brings to life the heroic story of Major Mukund Varadarajan, an officer of the Indian Army who sacrificed his life during a crucial anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir in 2014.
Amaran is based on the life of Major Mukund Varadarajan, who died during an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir in 2014. Biopics like this come with a unique challenge: since audiences already know the outcome, there’s little room for surprises. Directors often leverage the emotional depth of such stories to create resonance, sometimes stirring complex emotions or evoking our deepest fears. Filmmaker Rajkumar Periasamy, as expected, focuses on these emotional elements, ultimately leaving the audience with a deeper understanding of the human conflict hidden beneath layers of turmoil.
All 6 reviews of Amaran here
Lucky Baskhar
Dulquer Salmaan elevates a solid, safe take on ambition
Lucky Baskhar follows the story of Baskhar Kumar (Dulquer Salmaan), a diligent bank employee in late 1980s Mumbai who embraces a morally ambiguous path to gain financial security.
While promoting his latest movie, Lucky Baskhar, director Venky Atluri claimed that one of his biggest strengths is his talent in screenwriting. However, those closely following his filmography would tell you that his ability to assemble a stellar cast is his greatest asset. He once again showcases this strength with Lucky Baskhar.
All 3 reviews of Lucky Baskhar here
Bougainvillea
Amal Neerad's film has flaws and a gut-wrenching twist
Bougainvillea tells the story of Reethu Thomas, an amnesiac woman whose fractured memory places her at the centre of a high-stakes investigation.
Director Amal Neerad’s latest movie Bougainvillea is a slow-burning thriller that offers more strengths than weaknesses in its entertainment value. Set against the backdrop of an unreliable memory, the film borrows elements from classics like Memento and The Usual Suspects, while crafting a uniquely Malayalam narrative.
All 5 reviews of Bougainvillea here
Vettaiyan
This Rajinikanth movie lacks emotional punch, a strong villain
Vettaiyan tells the story of a celebrated cop, known for encounter killings, who strives to correct a grave error in his judgment.
Vettaiyan brings together two cinematic legends—Rajinikanth as Athiyan, a top cop delivering swift justice, and Amitabh Bachchan as Justice Sathyadev Bramhadutt Pande, who questions the very foundation of that justice. Director TJ Gnanavel sets up a thought-provoking premise that wrestles with themes of morality, justice, and redemption, but unfortunately, the film struggles to deliver a compelling narrative.