Manoharam(2000)
Manoharam is a 2000 Indian Telugu-language action drama film directed by Gunasekhar. The film stars Jagapati Babu and Laya in lead roles. The story follows a bank employee who is framed as an ISI terrorist by corrupt police officers. His wife fights to prove his innocence while uncovering a larger plot to assassinate the Prime Minister. The film won four Nandi Awards including Best Actor and Best Actress. It was praised for its blend of romance and patriotic thriller elements. The runtime is 2 hours and 35 minutes.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Sun NXT, YouTube (TVNXT), Airtel Xstream Play
- Theatrical Release
- 13 May 2000
- Director
- Gunasekhar
- Language
- Telugu
- Runtime
- 2h 35m
- Rating
- 4.7/10
Storyline
A newly married bank employee witnesses a terrorist planting a bomb. He is wrongly arrested and sentenced to 14 years in prison. His wife must uncover the real conspiracy to save him and protect the country.
“Love. Terror. One man's fight for truth.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Manoharam
Cast reunions in this film: Prakash Raj & M. S. Narayana (27 films together), M. S. Narayana & Chandramohan (15 films together), Prakash Raj & Brahmaji (14 films together), Jagapathi Babu & M. S. Narayana (12 films together), Prakash Raj & Jagapathi Babu (11 films together), and M. S. Narayana & Brahmaji (11 films together).
Trivia
- The film's title 'Manoharam' means 'charming' or 'beautiful' in Telugu, which contrasts with its intense action-thriller plot.
- This was one of the early major film roles for actor Srikanth, who played the lead character Anand.
- Director Gunasekhar is also known for the epic film 'Rudhramadevi', but 'Manoharam' was a contemporary political thriller.
- The movie was released during a period when Telugu cinema saw several films dealing with espionage and national security themes.
- Actress Laya, who played Usha, was a popular actress in the late 1990s and early 2000s known for her girl-next-door roles.
- The film's plot involving ISI agents was inspired by real-life tensions between India and Pakistan at the time.
- Despite its serious subject, the film included commercial elements like songs and romance typical of early 2000s Telugu cinema.