ZEE5’s Manorathangal is one of the most anticipated releases of the year, gearing up to premiere this Friday. This Malayalam-language anthology series brings together nine distinct segments, each adapted from the celebrated short stories of Jnanpith Award-winning author MT Vasudevan Nair.
With an impressive lineup of South Indian cinema’s top talents and acclaimed directors, Manorathangal promises to deliver a unique and compelling viewing experience. As the release date nears, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming series.
What is ZEE5’s Manorathangal release date?
Manorathangal will be available for streaming exclusively on ZEE5 starting August 15, 2024. This series marks a major addition to Malayalam cinema, celebrating MT Vasudevan Nair’s storied career and his contributions to literature. In addition to its original Malayalam version, the anthology will be offered in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.
The anthology has been eagerly anticipated due to its impressive roster of directors and actors. It’s gearing up to showcase a variety of stories, each exploring different facets of human experience and emotion against the rich backdrop of Kerala. This project not only honors Nair’s literary contributions but also represents a collaborative effort among prominent South Indian filmmakers and actors.
The recently released Manorathangal’s trailer, featuring glimpses from all segments, emphasizes the series’ diverse storytelling approach. With each segment set in different periods and locations, the trailer promises a visual and emotional cinematic experience through Nair’s literary world. Mohanlal’s black-and-white segment and Mammootty’s intense clip highlight the series’ varied stylistic approaches.
Mammootty, reflecting on the project, praised MT Vasudevan Nair’s ability to remain relevant across generations. He described Manorathangal as “a piece of M.T.’s soul” and emphasized the rarity of anthology films in Malayalam cinema. The series, which includes scenes shot in Sri Lanka, is expected to evoke nostalgia among fans of Nair’s literary works and provide a fresh perspective on his storytelling.
Manorathangal cast: Kamal Haasan, Mammootty, Mohanlal & more
Manorathangal features an all-star cast, including some of the biggest names in Malayalam cinema. Priyadarshan directs the episode titled Olavum Theeravum, which stars Mohanlal. It tells the poignant story of a couple struggling to overcome obstacles to be together. Furthermore, Priyadarshan also directs Shilalikhitam, featuring Biju Menon. This episode focuses on a man’s struggle to persuade his mother to sell their ancestral home.
In Kadugannawa Oru Yathra, helmed by Ranjith, Mammootty takes the lead. This episode follows a journalist’s quest in Sri Lanka to reunite with his estranged stepsister. Whereas Sherlock, directed by Mahesh Narayanan and featuring Fahadh Faasil, explores the impact of a pet cat on a brother, revealing unexpected consequences.
Vilpana, directed by Ashwathy Nair and featuring Madhoo and Asif Ali, centers on a woman who forms an unlikely connection with a prospective buyer while selling her possessions. Rathish Ambat directed Kadalkkaattu, starring Indrajith and Aparna Balamurali. This segment centers on a man juggling his commitments to his love, his job, and his family.
Kazhcha, directed by Shyamaprasad, features Parvathy Thiruvothu. This episode deals with a singer grappling with marital and familial challenges. Furthermore, Abhayam Thedi Veendum, directed by Santosh Sivan and featuring Siddique, delves into the relationship between a tenant and a house owner. The final episode, Swargam Thurakkuna Samayam, directed by Jayarajan Nair, stars Kailash and Indrans. It will depict a family gathering as they reflect on legacy and mortality while a patriarch lies on his deathbed.
All in all, Manorathangal is not just a celebration of MT Vasudevan Nair’s literary legacy but also a significant contribution to the world of anthology series. With its diverse stories, top-tier cast, and acclaimed directors, the series is gearing up to be a must-watch release when it premieres on ZEE5 on August 15, 2024.
