“Manamey” (2024) is a Telugu-language romantic comedy-drama directed by Sriram Adittya, starring Sharwanand as Vikram and Krithi Shetty as Subhadra, with a toddler named Kushi at the centre of the story .
Plot Overview
Vikram, a carefree graduate student living in the UK, is shaken when his close friend Anurag and wife die in an accident, leaving behind their son, Kushi.
Subhadra, a friend of the deceased mother, is appointed alongside Vikram to care for Kushi under a temporary guardianship system in the UK.
They move into the late couple’s home and, despite having opposite personalities—Vikram being a playful flirt and Subhadra a responsible individual—they must learn to co-parent.
As they navigate daily challenges—childcare, cultural adjustments, and personal growth—they bond with Kushi and slowly develop affection for each other.
Highlights & Critique
What Worked:
Performances: Sharwanand’s charm and Krithi Shetty’s sincerity resonated with audiences.
Cinematography & Visuals: Shot across UK locations with glossy production design, the film is visually appealing.
Music: Hesham Abdul Wahab’s score enhanced emotional beats, though the frequent background songs got mixed reactions.
What Didn’t:
Predictable & Routine Plot: Critics pointed out the story feels familiar—like an Indian take on 2010’s Life as We Know It—with little surprise.
Underdeveloped Characters: Subplots—like a villainous business rival—and supporting roles lacked depth, and emotional arcs felt rushed.
Pacing Issues: While the first half is engaging, reviewers noted the second half drags, extending its runtime unnecessarily .
Mixed Audience Reception: Reddit users criticized it as “an expensive holiday trip” with unrealistic scenes and poor CGI
“It looked like the movie was made so the director could take his family on an extended vacation at the producer’s expense.”
“The comedy was just irritating, and emotional scenes were good only in some parts.”
Final Take
“Manamey” is a feel-good, visually pleasing family entertainer with engaging performances and a heartfelt kid-focused storyline. It works well as a light weekend watch, especially for fans of Sharwanand and Krithi Shetty. However, those looking for originality, tight writing, or emotional depth may find the plot too predictable and sprawling.
Rating Summary:
Critics: ~2.5–3 / 5
Box office: Earned around ₹21.85 crore
Extra Info
Released: 7 June 2024, runtime ~2h 35m
Scripted may feel inspired by Life as We Know It (2010) .
OTT Release:
Amazon Prime Video (Telugu) from 7 March 2025 .
Aha Tamil dubbed version from 16 May 2025
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