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Manithan backdrop

Manithan

29 April 2016Tamil2h 26m
ComedyDrama
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 8 scored reviews · 2 not rated

A courtroom drama that satisfies emotionally but strains against its source's shadow.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: courtroom climax and performances
  • Criticised: inferior to Hindi original

Audience

User score 6.5 out of 10 from 2 ratings, not enough ratings for a verdict yet

Not streaming in India

Top cast

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Critic consensus

What 10 critics are saying

Critical reception for Manithan is mixed-to-moderate, with most reviewers finding it a watchable, crowd-pleasing court drama that works on an emotional level. The film's strongest praise centers on its performances, particularly Prakash Raj and Radharavi, and the intensity of its courtroom climax. However, several critics note it falls short of its Hindi source material, with specific comparisons highlighting weaker lead performances and a slower, less nuanced execution. Structural issues such as a sluggish first half and intrusive songs in the second half were also flagged as drawbacks.

How the 8 scores spread

2 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 10 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (10)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    The Hindu

    Film review ·

    Manithan generally hovers in the hmmm-not-all-that-bad-zone because it's such a crowd-pleasing script.

  2. BehindWoods

    Film review ·

    Climax dialogues, especially long ones loaded with sentiment are a sure winner with audience. You will spot a similar closure in this drama. In case of Manithan, if that dialogue had been coupled with convincing judicial aspects, the output could have been even impacfful. Nevertheless, overall an enjoyable fare!

  3. CinemaLead

    Film review ·

    Looking into the major plus of the film is last 15 minutes of the movie that happens in court room with more serious and intense situation. Visuals by DOP Madhi is really outstanding. We get to see Chennai in a different and new perspective. Prakash Raj and Radharavi are the greatest showstoppers. On the flip side, the first half is really slow with unwanted portions and songs in second half hamper the screenplay.

  5. DNA India

    Film review ·

    Manithan works because of the casting and the fact that one lawyer from nowhere decides to fight for justice for the have-nots. It's a feel-good film that has you rooting for the weak and shows you that being a manithan (human) is important.

  8. Hindustan Times

    Film review ·

    While Prakash Raj outshines Irani in the Hindi version with his extraordinarily power-packed dialogue delivery, which greatly enlivens the dramatic events in court, Stalin is no match for Warsi, whose bumbling, dream-driven guy in a black jacket was such a pleasure to watch. And, Radharavi too pales in comparison to Shukla, whose characterisation of a bored judge was so nuanced with hitherto unseen mannerisms that I was floored.

Credits

Cast & crew

Cast

Director

Screenplay

Cinematography

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