The film, written and directed by Anil Ravipudi, has a few things going for it. There will be plenty of comedy, even if much of it is extremely silly. Viewers familiar with his work know not to expect nuance or technical polish. In Man Shankar Var Prasad GaruHis first collaboration with Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi, Ravipudi builds on these qualities, filling the film with humor and fanboy moments that play up to the actor’s nostalgic appeal. The main joy is in seeing Chiranjeevi clearly enjoying himself, which also includes an extended cameo from Venkatesh Daggubati and the presence of Nayanthara.
The film, which starts off with almost a television serial aesthetic, takes time to find its rhythm. The opening section makes its intentions clear: This is not a story that invites scrutiny of the professional rigor of a national security official. Shankar Vara Prasad (Chiranjeevi), considered one of the finest in the country, is introduced as an amiable middle-class man who cheerfully tackles household chores, before easily transforming into a one-man wrecking crew.
Mana Shankar Vara Prasad Garu (Telugu)
Director: Anil Ravipudi
Cast: Chiranjeevi, Nayanthara, Venkatesh Daggubati, Zarina Wahab
Runtime: 164 minutes
Story: An officer separated from his wife has to win her and his kids back, and he stops at nothing.
When the opening action sequence unfolds in a library and Bheems Cecirollo’s score loudly announces that ‘the boss is back’, Chiranjeevi makes it count. At 70, playing a character in his mid-40s, he proved he still had the moves. Even the dance numbers are cleverly calibrated – nostalgic in taste, yet choreographed with enough restraint to feel age-appropriate. Overall, Chiranjeevi looks comfortable as a friendly family man who can shift into mass-hero mode with a touch of class when required.
The story treads familiar ground. Shankar is separated from his wife Sasirekha (Nayanthara), a successful businesswoman, and he wishes to get her and their two children back. There are no real surprises in a story that relies so heavily on comedy. A trope involving a television serial that mirrors Shankar’s life, as well as humor that pokes fun at his own personality, helps carry the film.
Shashirekha and her father (Sachin Khedekar) are written in broad strokes, reminiscent of how the elite business class was portrayed in films of the 1980s and 90s. Decades later, Anil Ravipudi presents almost the same ideals, only dressed in a contemporary style. If Shankar and Shasirekha had sat down to talk, this very thin story of 164 minutes could have ended midway. Some jokes – including ‘OTP’ jokes – fail. But then, the film seems to argue that does it matter as long as there’s a steady supply of jokes, no matter how uneven?
The school part and the matter-of-fact way in which Shankar recalls his past keeps things complicated for some time. However, the pace slows down after the interval as both the comedy and drama become predictable. A subplot involving an antagonist sticks out like a sore thumb, and Ravipudi brings back his lucky charm, actor Venkatesh Daggubati.
Chiranjeevi-Venkatesh’s part is a bit weak, as if the film is burdened by the expectations that come with pairing two superstars. However, there are also moments that work. Chiranjeevi’s restrained portrayal of a worried family man contrasts Venkatesh’s gleefully over-the-top turn, and once the two enjoy full-blown Sankranti in a dance number, the theater predictably explodes. The nostalgia of their hit songs from the 80s and 90s is also played well.
Venkatesh Daggubati and Chiranjeevi in ​​the film. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The staunch anchor here is Nayanthara. Her role doesn’t break any new ground and carries an overwhelming sense of déjà vu, but she walks the thin line between playing a perfect upper-class snobbery and a confident woman with grace. The character deserved more depth, yet she plays it with grace.
Catherine Tresa, Harshvardhan and the rest play supporting roles that are not meant to be taken seriously. after Raja SaabThis is another film where Zarina Wahab dignifies her limited screen time while leaving a cool impact.
The film’s biggest flaw is its cinematography, which remains merely functional. The music is also hit and miss. Given Ravipudi’s stellar box-office track record, perhaps it’s time he demands more not only from his writers, but also from his technical crew.
Man Shankar Var Prasad Garu Provides enough enjoyment to brighten up the dull parts of it. And it teaches you at least one unexpected lesson: the next time you hear ‘Sundari’ Thalapathi By Mani Ratnam, starring Rajinikanth, you can just smile.
published – January 12, 2026 02:53 PM IST