In the realm of Malayalam literature and cinema, few names command the respect and admiration that MT Vasudevan Nair, often affectionately called MT, does. At 91, MT has solidified his place as a literary giant whose stories encapsulate the multifaceted nature of life and human emotions. His narratives, steeped in the rich cultural and natural landscapes of Kerala, have influenced generations of readers and viewers alike. It is against this backdrop that the anthology Manorathangal, now streaming on Zee5, takes on the herculean task of bringing nine of his celebrated stories to the screen, each episode helmed by a different director and featuring some of Malayalam cinema’s most prominent actors.
The Anthology: A Star-Studded Affair
Manorathangal is introduced by none other than the legendary Kamal Haasan, who shares how deeply MT’s stories have impacted him. Haasan, who starred in the 1974 Malayalam film Kanyakumari, written by MT, credits the film for being a turning point in his career. This personal connection sets the tone for the series, which is a tribute to MT’s storytelling prowess.
The anthology features nine episodes, each approximately 45 minutes long, with narratives that traverse different periods and themes. Notable stars such as Mammootty and Mohanlal, icons of Malayalam cinema, play pivotal roles in two of the episodes, while other celebrated actors like Fahadh Faasil, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Indrajith Sukumaran, and Biju Menon bring to life the varied characters etched by MT.
Episodes of Note
One of the standout episodes is Kadugannawa: Oru Yathra Kurippu (Kadugannawa: A Travel Note), directed by Ranjith and starring Mammootty. Set in 1994, the story follows journalist Venugopal, played masterfully by Mammootty, as he embarks on a journey to Sri Lanka in search of his sister. The narrative, inspired by MT’s own experiences in a turbulent Sri Lanka, is a poignant exploration of familial bonds and the haunting memories of a troubled past. Mammootty’s performance is nuanced, capturing the introspective nature of a man grappling with the shadows of his childhood.
Mohanlal stars in Ollavum Theeravum (Ripples and the Riverbank), directed by Priyadarshan. In this episode, Mohanlal plays Vappootty, a Muslim trader who falls in love with his friend’s sister, Nabeesa, portrayed by Durga Krishna. The monochrome cinematography, occasionally punctuated by color to signify moments of intense emotion, adds a layer of visual poetry to the story. The performances are equally compelling, with Mohanlal and Durga Krishna delivering layered portrayals that resonate with the audience long after the episode ends.
Another episode that shines is Sherlock, directed by Mahesh Narayanan and featuring Fahadh Faasil. The story, set in Canada, follows a young Malayali man named Balu who navigates the challenges of immigrant life while caring for his sister’s cat, Sherlock. The narrative is a sharp commentary on cultural dislocation and the existential loneliness that often accompanies life in a foreign land. Fahadh Faasil’s portrayal of Balu is both charming and melancholic, capturing the essence of MT’s exploration of identity and belonging.
The Hits and Misses
While Manorathangal boasts several strong episodes, it is not without its shortcomings. Priyadarshan, who serves as the showrunner, directs two episodes: Shilalikhitam (Inscriptions) and Ollavum Theeravum. While the former, starring Biju Menon, succeeds in creating an atmospheric portrayal of a man returning to his roots, the latter feels somewhat anachronistic. The casting choices, particularly in Ollavum Theeravum, where age mismatches are evident, detract from the authenticity of the narrative.
Episodes like Kazhcha (Vision), directed by Shyamaprasad and starring Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Vilpana (Sale), directed by Aswathy Nair, tackle themes of patriarchy and personal freedom. However, while these stories hold promise, their execution falls short of fully capturing the depth of MT’s original texts. The artificiality of certain settings and dialogues in these episodes further hampers their impact.
A Poetic Yet Uneven Tribute
In sum, Manorathangal is a mixed bag—a collection of visually stunning and emotionally charged stories that, at times, struggle to do justice to the timeless quality of MT Vasudevan Nair’s writing. The anthology succeeds in showcasing the enduring relevance of MT’s narratives, but it also highlights the challenges of adapting such richly textured stories for a contemporary audience.
Despite its unevenness, Manorathangal remains a significant work, offering viewers a rare opportunity to engage with the cinematic retellings of one of Malayalam literature’s most revered storytellers. For those who cherish MT’s works, this anthology is a must-watch, flaws and all. For others, it serves as an introduction to the world of MT Vasudevan Nair—a world where human emotions, relationships, and the landscape of Kerala are intricately woven together in tales that are as timeless as they are universal.
