The much-awaited festival treat for Telugu cinema fans, 'Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu', starring Megastar Chiranjeevi, finally premiered in theatres on Monday, January 12. Directed by Anil Ravipudi and featuring Nayanthara in a key role, this action-comedy promised to bring back the vintage charm of its leading hero. Early reactions from moviegoers on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) suggest the film has largely delivered as a wholesome festive entertainer.
Netizens' Verdict: A Triumphant Return for Chiru
The initial wave of audience reviews confirms that the film has successfully entertained its target demographic. A recurring theme in the feedback is the appreciation for Chiranjeevi's commanding screen presence and performance, with many declaring it a solid comeback. One X user highlighted that the film is unequivocally Chiranjeevi's show, effectively supported by a well-placed cameo from Venkatesh and Nayanthara's reliable act.
The user elaborated, praising the actor's impeccable timing in comedy, humour, sarcasm, and action sequences. The review also noted the film's clarity of purpose, stating that despite following a routine commercial template, it avoids the pitfall of forced scenes that have plagued other recent big releases. The direction was deemed fresh enough to render it a passable and engaging commercial drama.
High Points: Emotions, Comedy, and Big-Screen Appeal
Several viewers emphasized the emotional core of the film as its winning element. One netizen pointed out that the heartwarming family emotions and the historic first-ever on-screen combination of Chiranjeevi and Venkatesh created big expectations, which the film met as a perfect festive watch. Another user strongly advocated for the theatrical experience, asserting that the movie proves that when Chiranjeevi's grace leads, theatres transform into venues of celebration, blending pure mass appeal with class.
The comedy, a trademark of director Anil Ravipudi, received mixed but generally positive feedback. While some felt a majority of the jokes landed well and helped maintain the pace, others believed only a handful truly hit the mark. However, the consensus is that the humorous moments, especially in the second half, played a crucial role in salvaging the narrative flow when it occasionally dipped.
A Balanced View: Strengths and Shortcomings
Not all reviews were uniformly glowing, offering a more measured perspective. One cinephile appreciated the very good first half, filled with what they described as 'free-flowing BOSS energy,' an engaging flow, and a killer interval block. However, they found the second half to be uneven, though smartly saved by hilarious comedic moments.
Another viewer echoed a similar sentiment, acknowledging that while most comedy might not leave a lasting impression, the film ultimately succeeds as a festival-centric entertainer. It effectively showcases Megastar Chiranjeevi in a likeable, playful, and familiar avatar that his fans have been yearning to see. The film's plot revolves around Prasad, a security officer for a central minister, striving to reunite with his family.
Overall, the debut of 'Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu' has sparked positive conversations online, with Chiranjeevi's performance and the film's intent as a family-friendly package emerging as the biggest takeaways for the audience during this festive season.
