Zinemaya Blog

In a busy world we often forget to live. To experience the joy of the sun on our face. Of letting ourselves be one with nature. Of being like Ravi Roy. The central character of the film Manasarovar, Ravi, is a passionate young man with a rawness that appeals to one’s mind. With a motto that ‘Certainty makes life stagnant’ Ravi makes you want to redefine insanity.

An offering by debutante director Anup Kurian, Manasarovar is bound to enchant you. Ravi Roy (Atul Kulkarni) meets Malathy Chandran (Neha Dubey) in Pune and falls in love with her. A few years later, Ravi’s brother George Nair (Zafar Karachiwala) happens to meet Malathy and she learns that Ravi has disappeared.

She goes back and forth in time with an end that leaves you thinking. Encapsulating the youth of today, these three make you laugh and think about your decisions, ambitions, priorities and love. Made in seven months and shot in 30 locations in India, Manasarovar leaves you wanting answers. It questions you and yet places the answers right in front of you.

Anup Kurian with scenes from his film.Called Manasarovar to indicate ‘the quest for clarity’, the film uses locales in Kerala, Maharashtra and Dharamsala so eloquently that they do not distract you from the main action. The overcast skies at Mulshi Lake, the boats of Kerala and the monks at Dharamsala are offered to you in a span of 90 minutes.

Visually attractive with excellent use of hues and colours, the movie is a refreshing change from the otherwise large sets and bright costumes. The music sounds fresh as different foreign artists come together.

The theme song Falling through the Clouds is by an Irish group Random who have added a soothing effect to the film. Use of the lampshades as lights, well-etched characters and the narrative flow makes it an absolute delight to watch.

Neha Dubey as Malathy speaks through her body language. Be it her eyes, her hair or her silence, Malathy conveys the confusion and the determination of an ambitious girl. Zafar as George is honest and true to his character. But the one who leaves a mark is Atul Kulkarni who plays Ravi.

Unassuming, wild yet so adorable, Ravi tugs at your heart with an innocence that is rare to find. Portraying a rural Malayali man, Atul seems absolutely comfortable with himself. The film does reflect the rawness of a first time director but the actors captivate your attention.

It is no surprise that it has won numerous awards at film festivals across the globe including Best Film and Special Jury prize at the International Film Festival of Mumbai in 2005. Readying itself for the Fukuoka International Film Festival in September 2005 in Japan, the film has the privilege of being one of 20 movies to be selected for the festival from Asia. An honest effort by a team that believes in what they are doing

You can download the full DVD of the movie from zinemaya.com
Click here to download and DVD and watch the trailer.

Review contributed by cybernoon.com