Early Tollywood: NENU MEEKU TELUSA

10.10.2008

Manoj's Nenu Meeku Telusa? Review

Film: Nenu Meeku Telusa
Rating: 3/5
Banner: Lakshmi Prasanna pictures
Cast: Manchu Manoj, Sneha Ullal, Riya Sen, Nasser, Sunil, Brahmanandam, Uttej, Thanikella and others
Music: Santosh – Shakti
Cinematography: Suneel Reddy
Director: Ajay Shastri
Producer: Lakshmi Prasanna
Release date: 10/10/2008

Story

A simple problem but quite complicated, the story is about Aditya (Manoj) who suffers from a problem, he does not remember what happened the day before or himself so he ensures that he switches on the tape recorder every morning he wakes up, this memory issue is due to an accident. The tape tells him not to discuss his problem with anyone and his uncle (Nasser) and doctor know the issue. Aditya works in the same company where his uncle is the MD but no one knows that relation too. He starts liking Madhumita (Riya) and she reciprocates his feelings. However, an incident takes place leaving his uncle dead and Aditya's tape recorder also gets spoiled. He is arrested on charges of murder and for investigating the case, police officer Anjali (Sneha) arrives in the scene. What happens after that forms the rest of the story.

Performances

Manoj has surely gone through some rigorous training before he hit the screen and his efforts can be seen. However, there is still a glitch in his expressions at emotional scenes and his dialogue delivery. Sneha Ullal was absolutely stunning and fresh faced with her captivating eyes but then her hairstyle was hassled. Riya has proved why she is known as the sex kitten and despite no skin show she oozed out enough glamour and its all in her eyes and innocence. Brahmanandam was just okay, Sunil was regular, Nasser was professional, the others did their bit as required.

The director has come up with a modern presentation and he made best use of the graphics and the technical teams. However, he missed out on the focus of his story and especially the narrative, there was not enough magnetism to make the audience think and in mystery.

Music was above average, cinematography deserves full credit. Editing could have been sharp at few edges, the dialogues lacked punch and they were straight and simple, screenplay was excellent.

Analysis

The first half of the film was more on the lighter side trying to introduce the characters to the audience but the second half is more on the murder plot and the flashback of romance. A lot of time was spent on these two aspects that the momentum required for a gripping climax was not there. In this age of IPODs and MP3s, using a tape recorder might be a bit old fashioned. The stunt sequences were good especially the chase sequence of Manoj where he does few Jackie Chan sequences. The mild pace of the movie dragged the energy out and though there were two hot girls to spice up the events, they were around in style and glamour but without enough oomph or passion in them.

The idea of coming up with the memory loss concept was good but then it was essential to include the commercial angles like the comedy and the content aspect which would be the revenue grosser. The technical side of the film is definitely worth a treat and this is actually a breath of fresh air when it comes to presentation. But that alone is not good enough to bring the audience, there needs to be a spine and that too a strong one which was missing. Since there are no mass elements, the makers need to focus on their promotion and publicity to make this a profitable affair.

8.30.2008

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Download Nenu Meeku Telusa? Audio Songs

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Nenu Meeku Telusa? Audio Release Function - Coverage

Music launch of Manoj Manchu’s latest film ‘Nenu Meeku Telusa?’ was launched at a function organized in Prasad Labs preview theater on the night of 29 August. Bala Krishna, Mohan Babu, K Raghavendra Rao, YVS Chowdary, Keeravani, A Kodandarami Reddy, Ashok (Sony BMG) and Sanjay Reddy (Zee Telugu) were the guests. Manoj Manchu, Sneha Ullal, Ajay Sastri, Sunil, Tanikella Bharani, cinematographer Sunil K Reddy, editor Naveen, executive producer Ashok Raju and producer Lakshmi Manchu attended the function from the unit.

Bala Krishna and K Raghavendra Rao jointly released the music album (both audiocassette and audio CD) in Bollywood style. International music label Sony BMG is entering Telugu market with Nenu Meeku Telusa music.

Mohan Babu is like my brother – Bala Krishna
Speaking on the occasion Bala Krishna Nandamuri said, “I am happy to have to honor of releasing this music. Sri Lakshmi Prasanna Pictures is like my own banner. I and Mohan Babu have similar ideologies. We learn the same kind of discipline and frankness from the legend NTR. Mohan Babu is like my brother. Music plays important role in the success of any film and Mohan Babu is known for tremendous taste for good music. The entire team of Nenu Meeku Telusa is young. I came to know that Mohan Babu did not involve in the production of the film and left the entire onus to his kids. I wish the unit a great success.”

MM Keeravani said that the music director Achu is son of his guru Rajamani.

Nenu Meeku Telusa is a result of perfect team work – Ajay Sastri
Debutant director Ajay Sastri said, “Manoj asked me to narrate a good subject and I told him this script. It was of experimental nature with good scope for commercial success. The next day I got a call from Mohan Babu’s office. He enquired about me and my education qualifications. Then he said that I could direct the film. From then, Manoj has taken very good interest in the project. He went to Hollywood, changed his looks and got trained. He also brought Hollywood stunt masters to work for this film. My contribution towards the film is the newness in the story. The rest is a result of perfect team work.”

Manoj performed stunts without ropes and special effects – Sunil
Actor Sunil said, “Manoj worked really hard for this and he executed lot of fight sequences in the film without using ropes and special effects. There is also a tremendous chase sequence in Nenu Meeku Telusa. I and Brahmanandam are having very good comedy roles in this film. Brahmanandam’s entry in this film is going to be a highlight. My role is very good in the second half.”

YVS Chowdary said, “I have already listened to the music of the film. Music will be a big hit. There is hunger and burning desire in Manoj. It will be a trendsetting movie. Ajay Sastri will be a big director. I also saw the theatrical trailer shot before the movie is started and it was excellent.”

Producer Lakshmi Manchu said, “Though I am the official producer, it was Manoj who also looked into and executed the project.”

Actress Sneha Ullal said that she worked really hard for this film.

Editor Naveen said, “My debut film was Krishna Vamsi’s Danger. I knew Ajay Sastri since then. I am happy that we are working together for this film.”

Thanks to dad - Manoj
Hero Manoj Manchu said, “I would like to thank my dad for encouraging us to do this project. My brother Vishnu’s company 24 Frames is presenting it. Sunil supported me on the sets. I would like to thank Sony BMG for making Nenu Meeku Telusa their first project in Telugu. Initially they were reluctant. But they got impressed after seeing the song visuals we sent them. I hope that all of you will like the film.”

Ajay Sastri delivered what he had promised – Mohan Babu
Mohan Babu said, “This project is completely handled by my kids Manoj and Lakshmi. I came to know about this music launch yesterday. I would like to thank all my guests for coming to this function at such a short notice. Ajay Sastri has delivered what he had promised. NTR is an amazing actor and gutsy hero who did Bruhannala character during the high time of his career. I am so happy that his son Bala Krishna is like my own brother.”

Audio Launch Photogallery