The highly anticipated anthology series Manorathangal, now streaming on Zee5, pays tribute to the literary works of legendary Malayalam writer MT Vasudevan Nair. The series, directed by an ensemble of acclaimed filmmakers, including Priyadarshan, Ranjith, Shyamaprasad, Mahesh Narayanan, and others, explores various themes drawn from Nair's celebrated stories. Priyadarshan’s Olavum Theeravum sets the tone with a black-and-white aesthetic, delivering a technically impressive film with standout performances from Mohanlal and Durga Krishna.
However, the inconsistent dialect and some casting choices, such as Surabhi Lakshmi’s role, slightly detract from the overall impact. Ranjith’s Kadugannava, starring Mammootty, emerges as a standout. The segment, inspired by a real-life incident in Nair's life, is a masterclass in minimalistic storytelling.
Mammootty’s portrayal of a journalist seeking his long-lost sister is poignant, elevated by a soulful score and evocative visuals. Shyamaprasad’s Kazhcha and Priyadarshan’s second entry, Shilalikhitham, offer contrasting experiences. While Kazhcha benefits from strong performances by Parvathy Thiruvothu and a well-crafted narrative, Shilalikhitham falls short due to artificial staging despite Biju Menon’s solid performance.
Mahesh Narayanan’s Sherlock is a refreshing modern take that impresses with its crisp dialogues and standout performances by Fahadh Faasil and Nadhiya Moidu. The segment's titular character, an adorable c.