Manihara is a fascinating character to observe. And I’m confident you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
Former CBI officer and private investigator Rudrajit Roy (Chiranjeet) is hired by industrialist Arun Chowdhury (Neel) to investigate his wife Monideepa’s inexplicable disappearance (Sohini). His research reveals an unsettling story of anguish and betrayal.
Manihara holds you captive for more than two hours, giving you shivers at times and drawing you into the story at others. And if it’s a first-time director, I suppose we need more of them. From the opening credits until the final jolt, the picture moves smoothly and easily, stunning just when necessary. That makes it a genuinely good watch, even if the plot has some flaws. Read more: Bhoy (2011)
It’s technically competent, and the editing, in particular, is great, adding a lot of information to the story. The rapid cuts to Monideepa’s jewellery, or the way the images move between the floor indicators and Rudrajit as he travels down a lift, provide almost ad-like energy to the narrative. Some of the pictures, particularly those involving Monideepa, are also fantastic. The utilization of light and shadows effectively heightens the tension. However, the music, particularly the background score, takes the cake. Bob Stevens has done an excellent job of jolting you out of your seat whenever the plot deviates into the uncanny. Even the few songs have been expertly woven into the plot. The usage of digital effects has also been very well handled. Also read: Link: Eat, Love, Kill : Ending Explanation
When it comes to performances, each performer has more or a justified character. Chiranjeet looks and acts like the sleuth he is, minus the ‘I’m a super sleuth’ air so prevalent on the big screen. Sohini, on the other hand, has delivered a muted and delicate performance that fits her role wonderfully. She portrays her seductive femininity, insatiable longing for jewellery, and thirst for real love admirably. Argha Deep, who plays Moni’s ex-boyfriend, has also done a good job. But it’s Biplab Chatterjee’s portrayal as Argha’s landlord that steals the show. He not only adds a touch of comedy to the story, but he does so with natural flair.
When it comes to the plot, it appears that the script needs some tweaking. For example, Rudrajit always carries Moni’s last letter with him, but its contents are never divulged. Why does it pique his interest? What’s the big deal about it? Second, the plot spans two years without explaining what happens in the interim. Why have things suddenly changed after two years? There is no logical explanation. Such flaws are not to be expected in a film that is supposed to be a completely new take on an old narrative. But, as I mentioned earlier, Manihara is an excellent watch. And I’m confident you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
Hi! Saheli Banerji is a writer and novelist who has been featured on a variety of platforms for her distinct way of depicting real-life stories as well as the exotic and supernatural creatures of the earth. She likes to write poetry and sketch cartoons. You can contact her on LinkedIn. You can also follow her on https://xngrilaproductions.com