Moggina Manasu
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| Moggina Manasu | |
|---|---|
Film poster | |
| Directed by | Shashank |
| Screenplay by | Shashank |
| Produced by | E. Krishnappa |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | K. S. Chandrasekhar |
| Edited by | Suresh Urs |
| Music by | Mano Murthy |
Production company | E. K. Entertainers |
Release date |
|
Running time | 149 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Kannada |
Moggina Manasu (transl. A bud's heart) is a 2008 Indian Kannada-language romantic drama film directed by Shashank and produced by E. Krishnappa under the banner E. K. Entertainers. It stars Radhika Pandit and Shuba Punja in lead roles. The supporting cast features Yash, Jadi Akash, Skanda, Manoj, Sangeetha Shetty, Manasi and Harsha.
The film was a critical and a commercial success at the box-office having received appreciation from critics and audience alike. The film also completed a 100-day run at a theatre in Bangalore.[1] The film was remade in Telugu as Lokame Kothaga.[2][3]
Plot
[edit]This article's plot summary may be too long or excessively detailed. (June 2020) |
The plot revolves around the concepts of love, friendship and its impact on life. It follows the journey of the female lead, Chanchala and her experiences once she pursues further studies in a college. The opening scene shows Chanchala seated in a train, reading a letter from her college friend, Deeksha about attending the college reunion function. She observes the exchange between a teenage daughter and her mother about the first day at college. This takes her back to remembering her first day, when her parents were supportive and told her to stay focused on her studies. Upon entering college, she is stopped by two senior girls who tease her to do a task as told by them. She does the task but ends up crying, while one of them offers her to be friends with them in consolation. These two senior girls go on to become her mentors and best friends in the movie, whom she calls as Akka/Deeksha and Didi. The movie shifts its view to another girl, Renuka Devi a small-town girl whose father drops her off to her first class where Chanchala is. Chanchala befriends her and hears that Renuka comes from a far away village and wants to study in this college to become a doctor in the future. When asked why doctor, Renu shares that she lost her mother at a young age as there was no doctor nearby and so she wants to become one and save lives in rural areas. Their first class is held by an English male teacher, Ramesh who later plays a big role in influencing Chanchala. Over time, Chanchala and Renu spend a lot of time with Didi and Akka who tell them about the perks of having a boyfriend and how to dress up to woo boys. Chanchala and Renu undergo a major makeover, leaving an impression wherever they go. Chanchala ends up getting dropped by her teacher, Ramesh when she is caught in heavy rains, and here she starts to have feelings towards him. On teachers day, she decides to confess her love to him but before she can do so, she finds another student doing the same. She overhears Ramesh explain to the student that it is not love, but mere infatuation that the student feels towards him. He also encourages the student to love him as a teacher and perform well in studies. On hearing this, Chanchala realises her feelings were wrong and changes her mind about revealing anything to the teacher. In the meantime, Renu has been enjoying herself with the two seniors and met Akash through their boyfriends. She falls in love with him and wants to make him her boyfriend. She manages to gain his attention and enjoys his company, while Chanchala feels left out for not having a boyfriend. She is constantly followed by a boy who claims he loves her a lot. She initially denies any interest in him but then is persuaded when he tries to take his own life in front of her. She later agrees and he becomes part of her group of friends. As time goes by, the boy constantly tells Chanchala what to do and not to do, while she follows all his requests. He finally tells her not to hang out with Akka, Didi and Renu as they are not nice girls. He tells her she has to choose between him and them, she says she cannot choose as both are equally important. He walks away, breaking Chanchala's heart. She ends up being unwell and taken care by her parents during this time and realises she doesn't need a boy like him and tells him to forget her. Deeksha, tired of her father's constant controlling behaviour walks out of the house, while her mother requests her to stay. Renu has been spending a lot of time with Akash, though Chanchala tells her that she is moving too fast with him and needs to slow down and focus on her studies. At the same moment, Renu's father visits them and says he has sold their land so that he can finance Renu's education and needs her to sign the papers. Renu signs and right after meets Akash and spends time with him at a resort, partying. The movie shows the positive side of Deeksha and her boyfriend's relationship with Chanchal admiring him for leaving his studies to help support Deeksha's dream of pursuing Basketball. Chanchala while spending time at the beach, hears a child playing a beautiful tune on a handmade violin, selling them to finance her education. Chanchala is touched and ends up buying as many as she can from the child with her entire pocket money. This is captured in photos by Rahul. Chanchala gets to meet Rahul, who apologises to her for taking her pictures without her permission and invites her to an event. At the event, which is Rahul's parent's 25th anniversary, it is seen that his family have sponsored the same child that Chanchala bought the wooden violin toys from. Rahul drops Chanchala off and asks her out. She doesn't respond and thanks him for letting her attend the event. Rahul and Chanchala spend quality time with each other where he runs his upcoming album's songs for her. Deeksha's mother passes away and she tries to attend the funeral but her father doesn't let her and slaps her boyfriend in front of everyone. Deeksha goes into depression and their relationship ends due to a lot of arguments. In next scenes, Renu is seen talking to Akash, where she mentions to him that she is pregnant and would like to get married. Akash laughs it off, saying that it is not practical or the right age to be getting married. He asks her to abort the child to which she disagrees. She later is found sharing this information with Chanchala and Akka. Both of them end up scolding her for her actions, with Akka telling her to get an abortion rather than be fixated about having the child. Renu wonders aloud how can she who wants to save lives in the future kill one now? Akka tells her Akash will not agree to be a part of her life and that all men are the same who use women and throw them away, giving the example of her sister. Hearing this, Chanchala has a chat with Rahul about life and love, he professes his love for her and that he would never let go of her. At that moment, Chanchala receives a call and she rushes to the college hostel to find out that Renu has committed suicide. Chanchala mourns for Renu and assumes all men are the same, she makes the decision to let go of Rahul. She meets him at their favourite spot and breaks up with him without any explanation. In present day, Chanchala is picked up by Deeksha from the train station and taken home where she meets Deeksha's daughter, father and boyfriend (now husband). Chanchala is thrilled to see that everything is sorted for Deeksha. They both head to the college reunion where they meet Akka who is also married happily. Chanchala is happy to see them all settled and the three remember Renu. The event is about to start but Chanchala notices her teacher, Ramesh and heads out to meet him. She overhears the music and realises it is Rahul singing one of the songs he had back in the day to her. She runs to the auditorium where the event is happening and sees Rahul on stage. She rushes to hug him but he doesn't hug her back, telling her that her memories only remain in his songs and not his heart. She is heartbroken and walks away. He continues to sing while she cries her heart out in a separate scene, she cleans up and comes back to watch the show. Rahul, declares that he has found his one true love again and would like to propose to her with the blessings of the audience. While the audience cheers on, Rahul ends up next to Chanchala and asking if she would love him as much as he has all these years. Both their parents are present in the audience and give their approval, saying that young love always is the true one.
Cast
[edit]- Shubha Poonja as Renuka Devi
- Radhika Pandit as Chanchala
- Manasi as Deeksha
- Sangeetha Shetty as Sanjana
- Yash as Rahul
- Harsha
- Jadi Akash as Akash
- Manoj
- Skanda
- Rajesh Nataranga as Ramesh, professor
- Sharan
- Achyuth Kumar as Chanchala's father
- Sudha Belawadi as Chanchala's mother
- Jai Jagadish as Deeksha's father
- Tulasi as Deeksha's mother
- Vijay Kashi as Krishnamurthy
- Chitra Shenoy as Krishnamurthy's wife
- Kishan Shrikanth as Chanchala's brother
Soundtrack
[edit]| Moggina Manasu | |
|---|---|
Soundtrack cover | |
| Soundtrack album by | |
| Released | 12 July 2008 |
| Genre | Feature film soundtrack |
| Length | 47:56 |
| Language | Kannada |
| Label | Anand Audio |
| Producer | Mano Murthy |
Mano Murthy composed the music for the film and the soundtrack. The soundtrack album consists of eleven tracks.[4]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Gari Gari" | Shashank | Chetan Sosca | 4:19 |
| 2. | "Geleya Beku" | Jayant Kaikini | K. S. Chithra, Priya Himesh | 5:01 |
| 3. | "I Love You" | Shashank | Sonu Nigam | 4:37 |
| 4. | "I Love You (Bit)" | Shashank | Sonu Nigam | 1:01 |
| 5. | "Male Baruvahaagide" | Jayant Kaikini | Shreya Ghoshal | 4:43 |
| 6. | "Moggina Manasali" | Shashank | Shreya Ghoshal | 5:09 |
| 7. | "Moggina Manasali (Pathos)" | Shashank | Vijay Prakash | 5:04 |
| 8. | "O Nanna Manave" | V. Nagendra Prasad | Sonu Nigam | 5:16 |
| 9. | "Om Namha Om" | Sini | Kumar Sanu | 4:26 |
| 10. | "Teenage Teenage" | Shashank | Chaitra H. G., Inchara | 3:12 |
| 11. | "Yakhing Hadtharo" | Shashank | Akanksha Badami | 5:08 |
| Total length: | 47:56 | |||
Critical reception
[edit]Upon its theatrical release, Moggina Manasu received generally positive response from critics. Sify.com gave the film a rating of three out of five and praised the roles of music, cinematography and the acting departments in the film writing, "The spectacular cinematography and music for this film is good. Each and every frame is taken with utmost care and all the songs are tolerable and soothing to the ears. A new promising heroine Radhika Pandit is the surprise element who is extraordinary in her first film." and further added writing, "Shubha Punja has also done a neat job and the other two girls Sangeetha Shetty and Manasi also fit the bill perfectly. Among the boys, it is Yash who stands out, though the performances of Skanda, Harsha and Manoj is good."[5] R. G. Vijayasarathy of Rediff too gave the film a 3/5 rating and wrote, "Great performances from the new talents, superior technical work by cameraman, great work by Chandrashekhar and good editing by Suresh Urs, enhance the film." However, he called for "more attention should have been paid to the screenplay."[6]
Awards
[edit]| Award | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56th Filmfare Awards South | Best Film | E. Krishnappa | Won | [7][8] |
| Best Director | Shashank | Won | ||
| Best Actress | Radhika Pandit | Won | ||
| Best Supporting Actor | Yash | Won | ||
| Best Supporting Actress | Shubha Poonja | Won | ||
| Best Music Director | Mano Murthy | Nominated | ||
| Best Female Playback Singer | Shreya Ghoshal | Nominated | ||
| Best Actor | Yash | Nominated | ||
| Best Lyricist | Shashank | Nominated | ||
| 2008-09 Karnataka State Film Awards | Best Actress | Radhika Pandit | Won | [9] |
References
[edit]- ^ "'Moggina Manasu' 100 Days". indiaglitz.com. 24 October 2008. Archived from the original on 15 June 2016. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
- ^ "Lokame Kothaga is a remake of Kannada movie". July 2010.
- ^ "Lokame Kothaga Movie Review - Shivaji, Aditi Agarwal and others - 123telugu.com". www.123telugu.com.
- ^ "Moggina Manasu (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". iTunes. 4 May 2008. Archived from the original on 3 October 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
- ^ "Moggina Manasu review". Sify. Archived from the original on 21 August 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
- ^ "Moggina Manasu works". Rediff. 21 July 2008. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
- ^ "Moggina Manasu team on a five-high". The Times of India. 3 August 2009. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
- ^ "56th Filmfare Awards South". ReachoutHyderabad.com. 10 October 2011. Archived from the original on 31 July 2009. Retrieved 17 August 2014.
- ^ "Yogesh, Radhika best actors". Deccan Herald. 4 December 2010.
External links
[edit]Moggina Manasu
View on GrokipediaProduction
Development
The development of Moggina Manasu began under producer E. Krishnappa of E.K. Entertainers, who collaborated with director Shashank and writer Yogaraj Bhat to craft a coming-of-age romantic drama set in a college environment.[6] The script emphasized youthful relationships and personal growth, drawing from Bhat's narrative style that later influenced other Kannada successes.[7] Actor Yash, then early in his career following a supporting role in Jambada Hudugi (2007), joined the project during pre-production after insisting on reading the full script—a demand that led contemporaries to label him arrogant but earned Krishnappa's trust.[8] Yash later credited this faith as pivotal, noting the producer's willingness to involve him upfront despite his limited experience.[9] This phase also marked the introduction of Radhika Pandit in her debut lead role, setting the stage for the film's central on-screen pairing.[4] Pre-production focused on assembling a youthful cast and crew aligned with the story's themes of transition from adolescence, though specific timelines or budget details from this period remain undocumented in available production accounts.Casting
Yash was cast in the supporting role of Rahul after the originally selected actor sustained an injury and broke his leg, rendering him unable to perform.[10] Director Shashank, having observed Yash's performance in the Kannada television serial Preeti Illada Mele, approached the then-television actor for the part on short notice.[11] This opportunity marked Yash's transition from small-screen roles, including his debut in the 2005 serial Nanda Gokula, to his first significant film appearance.[10] The female lead roles of Chanchala and Renuka Devi were portrayed by Radhika Pandit and Shubha Poonja, respectively, with Pandit's performance in Moggina Manasu serving as her feature film debut following prior television work.[12] Supporting cast included Sangeetha Shetty as Sanjana, Manasi as Deeksha, and veteran actors such as Sudha Belawadi, Achyuth Kumar, and Jai Jagadish in key parental and advisory roles.[13] Shashank's casting emphasized naturalistic portrayals of college-aged characters, drawing from emerging talents to reflect the film's focus on youthful experiences in educational settings.[14]Filming
Principal photography for Moggina Manasu occurred primarily in coastal areas of Karnataka and neighboring regions, marking a departure from typical urban Bangalore-based shoots for Kannada films of the era.[15] Key locations included Mangalore, Karwar, and Kasaragod, which provided picturesque backdrops that aligned with the film's narrative focus on youthful transitions and emotional growth.[15] These sites were selected to capture authentic regional flavors, enhancing the story's realism without relying on studio sets.[16] The production schedule details remain sparsely documented, with filming wrapping up ahead of the film's theatrical release on June 23, 2008.[17] Cinematographer K. S. Chandrasekhar employed natural lighting and on-location techniques to emphasize the coastal ambiance, contributing to the film's visual appeal and critical notes on its empathetic portrayal of characters. No major production delays or logistical challenges were publicly reported, allowing director Shashank to maintain a focused shoot emphasizing character-driven scenes over action sequences.[15]Story and Themes
Plot Summary
Moggina Manasu follows the lives of four teenage girls transitioning into college: close friends Chanchala, portrayed by Radhika Pandit, and Renuka Devi, played by Shubha Poonja, who enroll at Queens College after completing tenth standard.[18] They are subjected to ragging by senior students Sanjana, enacted by Sangeetha Shetty, and Deeksha, performed by Manasi, sparking initial enmity that gradually transforms into a profound bond among the quartet.[18] [19] The narrative examines their encounters with romance and adversity, as Chanchala develops feelings for aspiring singer Rahul, depicted by Yash, while Renuka endures betrayal in a fleeting affair, culminating in her suicide.[18] [20] Shaken by the loss, Chanchala severs ties with Rahul to prioritize academics, prompting his persistent attempts to rekindle their connection.[18] The storyline addresses adolescent relational confusions, incorporating elements of teenage pregnancy and the consequences of campus ragging.[14] [17]Central Themes
Moggina Manasu explores the complexities of adolescent romance through the lens of four teenage girls navigating their first experiences with love, each embodying distinct approaches to relationships. The film portrays Renuka Devi's impulsive infatuation, Chanchala's cautious idealism, and the contrasting attitudes of her friends toward boys, highlighting how peer perceptions shape young women's emotional landscapes.[21] This narrative underscores the theme of love's multiplicity, where youthful confusion leads to varied outcomes, from fleeting crushes to deeper commitments.[14] A core theme is the psychological turmoil of transitioning from girlhood to womanhood, emphasizing internal conflicts over autonomy, family expectations, and societal norms in relationships. The protagonists grapple with vulnerability in romantic pursuits, often influenced by friendship dynamics that amplify or mitigate risks.[19] The story delves into real-world repercussions, including unplanned teenage pregnancy as a consequence of unchecked emotions, portraying it as a pivotal moment forcing maturity amid judgment and support networks.[14] Additionally, the film addresses institutional challenges like college ragging, framing it as a microcosm of power imbalances that exacerbate personal insecurities during formative years. Through these elements, Moggina Manasu critiques the idealism of young love while advocating resilience, with female solidarity emerging as a counterbalance to relational pitfalls.[14] Critics noted its offbeat focus on female teenage perspectives as a departure from conventional romance tropes, prioritizing emotional authenticity over melodrama.[19]Cast and Crew
Principal Cast
The principal cast of Moggina Manasu centers on four female protagonists navigating adolescence, with Radhika Pandit portraying Chanchala, a central character whose storyline emphasizes personal growth and relationships. Shubha Poonja plays Renuka Devi, depicted as facing family pressures and romantic dilemmas following high school. Sangeetha Shetty enacts Sanjana, involved in themes of friendship and self-discovery, while Manasi embodies Deeksha, contributing to the film's exploration of youthful challenges like peer influence and emotional turmoil.[13][17] Yash appears in a key supporting male role as Rahul, whose interactions with the leads drive romantic subplots and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor in Kannada, marking an early career milestone that boosted his prominence in the industry. Additional supporting actors include Harsha, Jadi Akash, Manoj, and Skanda, who fill out ensemble dynamics among peers and family members.[22][4][17]| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Radhika Pandit | Chanchala |
| Shubha Poonja | Renuka Devi |
| Sangeetha Shetty | Sanjana |
| Manasi | Deeksha |
| Yash | Rahul |