Manasarovar, the movie : laugh and sigh. Review on Manasarovar

It is a crazy, fun film with underlying serious overtones. The whacky dialogues penned by writer-director Anup Kurian will keep you in splits. “All the world loves a lover ……” The theme of unrequited love has a universal appeal. This award winning movie, showcases one-sided affection in a lighter vein, but does a double take and ends on a somber note. The male protagonist of the film has attained his inner peace. The female protagonist, seeks it too. Both eventually go “far from the madding crowd” to Manasarovar,a lake in the Himalayas, where all souls attain nirvana.

The verdant backdrop of the backwaters of Kerala and other scenic locales (Dharamsala) are a visual treat. The music score is excellent. The movie is about two brothers who meet the same girl on different occasions. The two siblings are as different as chalk from cheese, like a town mouse and country mouse. Anup Kurian,in his debut film, already has his own signature style of film-making, which makes delightful viewing. He conveys the comradeship and camaraderie between the two brothers,who not only cook together but also pass out together after sharing a bottle of rum . That was neat (pun intended). This is indeed, sibling revelry of the Indian kind!

Another scene, where the country bumpkin (played by Atul Kulkarni), meets the corporate goon in the restroom, is truly hilarious. Kulkarni’s exaggerated expressions of exasperation will certainly send the viewer into peals of laughter. And yet another scene, actually a soliloquy, is shown instead as a very engaging conversation with a pachyderm! Although the language is ‘Indian English’ with Indian accents as well, this film will appeal to a global audience. Atul Kulkarni is a gifted actor who can emote very well with his eyes. He is very convincing as a Malayalee, but for his Marathi accent.

Neha Dubey is petite,personable,well groomed and very talented. Zafar Karachiwala and Yadu Sankhalia play their parts well.Definitely worth a dekko, even though it is rather slow. The film does not have a happy ending . . . .it is left open to the viewer. This film was made on a shoe-string budget and relies heavily on word-of-mouth publicity. It is certainly worth your while, as well as your money. The home DVD is available by mail order.