Maruthi who has successfully made a hilarious entertainer like Bhale Bhale Magadivoi with a protagonist suffering from ‘forgetfulness’, came up with another typical characterization in Mahanubhavudu. Here the protagonist suffers from OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), which puts his love to the ultimate test.
Story :
Anand (Sharwanand) is a software engineer who has OCD. He wants everything to be perfect and clean. He will not eat something made by his mother if she is suffering from illness. Anand falls in love with Meghana (Mehreen), who is okay with his obsession. But things get problematic as Anand’s obsession comes in the way of their love. He is thrown into a situation where he has to overcome his obsession to succeed in love.
Performances:
Sharwanand’s comedy timing is getting better with each film. He is at ease in a typical character that gives ample scope for comedy. He is the right choice for the lead character and did complete justice to it. Mehreen Kaur is alright as the female lead. Her performance is not up to the mark in key scenes. Nasser is decent as the heroine’s father. Vennela Kishore offers few laughs as the hero’s sidekick.
Technicalities:
Maruthi who has messed it up in his previous outing Babu Bangaram made sure to get the characterization and situations right this time. The film’s treatment is similar to that of his previous blockbuster Bhale Bhale Magadivoi. His way of creating subtle humor using the character’s obsession is laudable. Also he is good at creating emotional scenes without going away from the concept. He did a fairly decent job in making it a ‘clean’ entertainer.
Thaman’s music is good. A couple of songs are very good on screen. Background score also is impressive. Cinematography and the production design made it look like a costly project. Editing could have been better in second half. Production values are neat.
Thumbs Up:
- Comedy
- Concept
- Sharwanand
Thumbs Down:
- Predictable Ending
- Drag in second half
Analysis:
There are a handful films in various languages about OCD. None of our filmmakers made a film with the protagonist suffering from this disorder. Maruthi likes to create humor with unusual characterizations. He is a fine storyteller who has a firm grip over commercial elements. Like Bhale Bhale Magadivoi, the protagonist in Mahanubhavudu faces problems with his disorder that comes as the greatest obstacle for his love.
Director took his time to establish the lead character’s obsession with cleanliness. He goes overboard at times, but the free flowing comedy keeps the viewers entertained. Later the love story also is dealt in a decent way. The conflict comes at the intermission point where the heroine realizes that it is absolutely impossible to lead a happy life with the OCD guy. The conflict point is predictable and later on it takes the predictable route where the hero goes to the heroine’s village to win her back.
Despite being predictable, the situations in the village are hilarious. Maruthi used the OCD concept very well in making this part an enjoyable one. Every scene in the beginning of the village episode is extremely hilarious. However, things get too predictable as the story moves towards the climax. Electing the village Sarpanch by conducting wrestling match is so nineteen eighties kind of stuff. Climax of the film is not up to the mark. Maruthi should have taken care of the ending that is very much cliched and predictable.
Mahanubhavudu has its share of flaws and weaknesses, but also has ample entertainment to keep the viewers entertained for most part. It is a clean entertainer that can be enjoyed with the families during this festive season. With weak opposition, this film should make the most of festive advantage at the box office. On a whole, Mahanubhavudu is a satisfactory comedy that offers a few genuine laughs. You may watch it.
Verdict: Clean Fun.
