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Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu Review: Chiranjeevi Shines, Story Falters
Megastar Chiranjeevi’s first-ever collaboration with director Anil Ravipudi generated massive pre-release buzz, especially with Ravipudi riding high after a Sankranthi blockbuster. Naturally, expectations were sky-high for this festive entertainer aimed at Sankranthi 2026 audiences.
Story
Prasad (Chiranjeevi), a seasoned NSG officer, is assigned to protect a wealthy businessman (Sachin Khedekar) and his daughter Sasirekha (Nayanthara) after an attack by unknown assailants. The catch? Prasad is Sasirekha’s estranged husband. Using the assignment as an opportunity, he tries to mend broken relationships, reconnect with his children, and win back his former wife—all while tracking down the antagonist.
Performances
Post Bholaa Shankar, Chiranjeevi makes a visible effort to reinvent himself. He looks fit, stylish, and completely at ease in a role that relies heavily on humour. The film is undeniably a one-man show, with the Megastar carrying the narrative through his impeccable comic timing and effortless screen presence.
Nayanthara looks graceful as a strong, independent businesswoman. Their brief romantic flashback works reasonably well and adds emotional context. Venkatesh, appearing as mining tycoon Venky Gowda, functions more as a star attraction than a meaningful comic presence, with limited scope to leave a lasting impact. Catherine Tresa remains largely underutilized, while Sachin Khedekar delivers a familiar, dependable performance.
Technical Aspects
Music by Bheems Ceciroleo is one of the film’s strengths. Songs like Meesala Pilla and Sasirekha are catchy and well-shot. Sameer Reddy’s cinematography is a major highlight, presenting Chiranjeevi in a vibrant and flattering manner. Costume design further enhances the Megastar’s screen appeal, giving the film a polished, upscale feel. Production values are rich and festive.
However, weak writing proves to be the film’s biggest drawback. The comedy lacks sharpness, and the narrative feels thin and loosely constructed.
Analysis
Much like Anil Ravipudi’s earlier festive entertainers, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu is clearly designed for family audiences. However, unlike Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, this film falls short of delivering genuine laugh-out-loud moments. Instead, it banks almost entirely on Chiranjeevi’s charm and humour.
The storyline is wafer-thin and primarily serves as a vehicle to showcase Chiranjeevi in a series of comedy scenes and songs. The villain track, introduced in the second half, is weak and often feels forced. The family sentiment involving Chiranjeevi bonding with his children is predictable, though made watchable by his warm performance.
The second half introduces Venkatesh as Nayanthara’s prospective suitor, but this subplot feels superficial and adds little to the narrative. Dance-off sequences and comedy tracks involving Bebakka and the women’s gang feel more like fillers than organic storytelling elements. The villain’s motive and final reveal lack emotional depth and conviction.
Despite a few jokes working sporadically, most comedic sequences fail to leave a lasting impression. Loose narration and underdeveloped emotions prevent the film from fully engaging its audience.
Highlights
- Chiranjeevi’s fun-filled, likeable performance
- Catchy songs and strong visuals
Drawbacks
- Underdeveloped storyline
- Weak comedy writing
- Ineffective villain track
- Disjointed scene construction
Bottom Line
Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu is a festival-friendly entertainer that showcases Megastar Chiranjeevi in a familiar, playful avatar. While pleasant in parts, the lack of impactful comedy, a strong conflict, and solid writing makes it an underwhelming experience overall. A passable, time-pass watch for the festive season—powered mainly by Chiranjeevi’s screen presence.
Mrunal Thakur Stresses Fitness Over Excuses
Mrunal Thakur recently opened up about the importance of maintaining physical fitness and making exercise a daily priority. Emphasising that discipline matters more than excuses, she encouraged everyone to set aside at least an hour each day for workouts, regardless of how busy their schedules may be.
Sharing her perspective, Mrunal said, “Jisko karna hota hai, woh time nikaal hi leta hai,” highlighting that making time for oneself is essential for overall well-being. She believes regular exercise not only keeps her physically fit but also helps her stay mentally strong, focused, and balanced amid her demanding work commitments.
On the professional front, Mrunal is currently looking forward to the release of Dacoit, where she will be seen sharing screen space with Adivi Sesh.
Puri Jagannadh–Vijay Sethupathi Film: A Unique Love Story
Director Puri Jagannadh is gearing up for a fresh comeback with a new Telugu film, and this time he has joined hands with acclaimed actor Vijay Sethupathi. The project has already generated considerable buzz, as it marks a crucial phase in Puri Jagannadh’s career.
The film has wrapped up its shooting, and the makers have slowly begun revealing intriguing details about the storyline. According to the latest reports, Vijay Sethupathi will be seen in a completely unconventional avatar. He is said to be playing the role of a beggar, a character rarely explored by a lead actor, making the role all the more interesting.
The story reportedly centers on an emotional love tale between this beggar and a woman who has endured several hardships in life. The female lead is played by Tabu, whose character is said to have a deeply painful past that forms the emotional backbone of the narrative. This unusual pairing and the film’s sensitive backdrop have drawn significant attention from movie lovers. Interestingly, the film is expected to present a refreshing shift for Puri Jagannadh, who is typically known for his mass-oriented, high-octane entertainers.
The movie is co-produced by Charmme Kaur along with Puri Jagannadh. Charmme, who has been closely associated with Puri’s recent ventures, plays a crucial role behind the scenes. With Puri Jagannadh facing a series of box-office setbacks in recent years, expectations are riding high on this project. Industry circles are keenly watching to see if this film will mark a strong comeback for the director.
Mokshagna’s Grand Tollywood Debut Takes Shape
The much-awaited Tollywood debut of Nandamuri Mokshagna is finally taking shape, with preparations for his first film progressing at a brisk pace. According to the latest reports, the project is nearing its formal launch, sparking excitement among Nandamuri fans and Telugu cinema circles alike. Mokshagna’s debut is expected to be a high-profile one, firmly rooted in legacy while offering a fresh cinematic experience.
Interestingly, the film is said to be a sequel to the cult classic Aditya 369, with the tentative title Aditya 999 Max. By revisiting the iconic concept of the original, the makers aim to connect nostalgia with a contemporary narrative, presenting Mokshagna in a powerful and meaningful introduction as a lead actor.
The film will be directed by Krish, known for his strong command over historical and concept-oriented subjects. Reports suggest that the script has already been locked, and an official pooja ceremony is planned for the end of January 2026. Regular shooting is expected to commence in the first week of March. Casting is currently underway, with special emphasis on assembling a strong supporting cast to enhance the film’s impact.
Considerable attention is also being given to Mokshagna’s look and screen presence. Sources indicate that his styling will be both modern and distinctive, crafted to appeal to youth as well as family audiences. Earlier, Nandamuri Balakrishna had expressed confidence about his son’s launch, stating that he has a clear vision on how Mokshagna should be introduced and that multiple scripts were being considered. Adding further strength to the project, noted writer Sai Madhav Burra is penning the dialogues.
With a respected director, a legacy-driven storyline, and careful planning, Mokshagna’s debut film is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated launches in recent times.
Manchu Vishnu Launches 100% Sports Scholarships to Nurture Future Indian Olympians
Actor–producer Manchu Vishnu has unveiled a significant new initiative focused on shaping India’s future Olympic champions. He announced that Mohan Babu University (MBU) and Sree Vidyaniketan International School will begin offering 100% sports scholarships from the 2026–27 academic year, aimed at identifying and nurturing exceptional sporting talent.
The scholarship program will initially cover key sports such as cricket, basketball, and badminton. Selected athletes will receive complete support, including academic education, professional coaching, advanced training facilities, nutrition, and accommodation, allowing them to concentrate fully on their development without financial pressure.
To ensure world-class standards, the institutions will partner with experienced coaches from both India and overseas, providing athletes with global-level exposure and guidance. Speaking about the vision behind the initiative, Manchu Vishnu said his long-term dream is to see Olympians emerge from MBU by 2036, a year when India is aspiring to host the Olympic Games.
He emphasized that the program is designed to break financial barriers and create an environment where young sportspersons can pursue excellence in sports while continuing their education, ultimately contributing to India’s Olympic ambitions.
Sukumar at 56: From Pushpa Fame to Creative Powerhouse
Director Sukumar, who turns 56 today, rose to national prominence with the Pushpa franchise, earning recognition as a cult filmmaker well beyond the Telugu-speaking states. However, for Telugu audiences, his stature goes far beyond box-office numbers and star-driven spectacles.
Even while continuing to direct big-budget films with top stars, Sukumar has quietly built a distinct creative identity through Sukumar Writings. Under this banner, he has backed a wide range of concept-driven and pan-India projects known for their originality and strong storytelling. Over the last decade, he has co-produced several notable films in collaboration with major production houses, including Kumari 21F, Uppena, Virupaksha, 18 Pages, Pushpa 2: The Rule, and Gandhi Thatha Chettu.
Among these, Pushpa 2: The Rule stands as the banner’s most prestigious success. The film shattered box-office records across India and overseas and went on to become a cultural phenomenon. Industry insiders note that the film perfectly reflected the scale of Sukumar’s creative vision while reinforcing the consistent production quality associated with Sukumar Writings.
At present, Sukumar is deeply engaged in scripting and pre-visualisation work for his next directorial venture starring Ram Charan. He is also co-producing the film under the Sukumar Writings banner. After the massive success of Rangasthalam, the reunion of Ram Charan and Sukumar is widely expected to result in yet another major box-office success.
Sreeleela’s Tamil Debut Parasakthi Opens to Mixed Reviews
Sreeleela’s long-awaited entry into Tamil cinema came with Parasakthi, but the beginning hasn’t been as smooth as expected. The film opened to mixed responses, with the slow and dragging narration emerging as the biggest drawback. Though the core idea and setting showed promise, the pacing—particularly in the first half—diluted the impact. Performances, including Sreeleela’s, have been acknowledged, but the screenplay lacks depth and grip, resulting in an uneven and slightly exhausting viewing experience. For a debut, it feels like an opportunity that didn’t fully click.
However, off screen, Sreeleela is very much winning hearts. Her recent beachside photos have been creating a buzz for all the right reasons. Draped in a soft lilac saree, barefoot on the sand, she looks effortless and graceful. There’s nothing loud or overly posed—just natural expressions, gentle playfulness, and calm confidence. The appeal lies in its subtlety, where mood matters more than glamour, making the pictures quietly captivating.
So while her Tamil debut may seem like a shaky start and 2026 has begun on a low note, the bigger picture remains hopeful. With major Telugu projects like Ustaad Bhagat Singh alongside Pawan Kalyan and a few Bollywood films in the pipeline, Sreeleela still has plenty of scope for a strong comeback. One solid film is all it takes to turn the narrative around.
Legal Trouble Clouds Karthi’s Vaa Vaathiyaar Pongal Release
Kollywood’s much-hyped Pongal season is fast turning into a nightmare. What was expected to be a festive box-office bonanza has instead been marred by postponements, legal hurdles, and underwhelming openings.
Thalapathy Vijay’s highly anticipated Jana Nayagan was pushed out of the Pongal race due to legal complications, while Sivakarthikeyan’s Parasakthi opened to mixed responses. Now, fresh trouble looms over another major release.
Just when everything seemed set for the release of Karthi’s long-delayed cop drama Vaa Vaathiyaar (Annagaru Vostaru in Telugu) on January 14, new legal obstacles have surfaced. According to Kollywood sources, Karur-based Dhanesh Associates has filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking a stay on the film’s release in both Tamil and Telugu.
Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy is scheduled to hear the plea on Monday, and the verdict will be crucial in determining the film’s fate. If the release is postponed yet again, it would be a significant setback for the makers, especially since the film stood to benefit from the relatively empty Pongal window following Jana Nayagan’s exit and Parasakthi’s average performance.
Vaa Vaathiyaar was initially slated for release on December 12 last year but was stalled after the High Court’s Official Assignee filed an execution petition against producer K.E. Gnanavel Raja of Studio Green, demanding settlement of dues amounting to ₹21.78 crore. The dispute relates to payments owed to businessman Arjunlal Sunderdas, who was later declared insolvent.
After prolonged negotiations and delays, Studio Green finally secured court permission to proceed with the release. However, the fresh legal filing has once again cast uncertainty over the film’s release plans. If the issue is resolved swiftly, the film may still hit theatres on January 14; otherwise, audiences may have to wait longer.
Directed by Nalan Kumarasamy, Vaa Vaathiyaar features Karthi as a principled police officer inspired by the ideals of late superstar and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran. Krithi Shetty plays the female lead.
