Love and laughter come in unexpected forms, and in Manmadhudu 2, a romantic comedy set in the scenic city of Lisbon, we are treated to a cocktail of both. Directed by Rahul Ravindran, this 2019 film stars Nagarjuna Akkineni and Rakul Preet Singh, among others. The film takes place in a picturesque, modern setting, mostly in Portugal, where culture and beauty meet romance and humor. It falls into the rom-com genre, but with a twist—a protagonist who actively avoids emotional commitment while navigating a series of comic and romantic mishaps.
The plot centers on Sam, a successful businessman who lives in Lisbon and is notoriously commitment-phobic. He’s charming but jaded, and has sworn off relationships, opting for flings instead. However, his life takes a turn when his family pressures him to get married, leading to a series of amusing circumstances. To avoid the idea of marriage, Sam hires Avantika, played by Rakul, to pretend to be his fiancée for a short period. What follows is a series of humorous misunderstandings, emotional developments, and self-discovery for both characters. Sam’s witty charm is balanced by Avantika’s bold and free-spirited nature, and as the charade continues, the lines between pretense and reality blur.
One of the most talked-about aspects of Manmadhudu 2 is Nagarjuna’s performance. Playing a middle-aged bachelor who is averse to long-term commitments, he brings his signature suave charm to the role. While Nagarjuna excels in comedic timing and carries the film with his screen presence, there’s a sense that his character could have been more layered. Sam’s character arc feels somewhat predictable, and though Nagarjuna adds depth with his effortless acting, the script limits how much he can truly evolve. Rakul, on the other hand, brings a refreshing liveliness to the film. Her portrayal of Avantika, a woman who is confident, carefree, and unconventional, is both captivating and relatable. She manages to balance the film’s lighter moments with more poignant ones, particularly in her interactions with Nagarjuna. The chemistry between the two leads is engaging, though the age difference at times feels glaring.
Rahul’s direction is visually impressive, especially in the way he captures the beauty of Lisbon. The city’s stunning landscapes and vibrant streets become a backdrop for the romance and comedy to unfold. The cinematography by M Sukumar is lush, with the warm tones of Lisbon enhancing the film’s breezy, romantic vibe. From the narrow, colorful alleyways to the serene beaches, each shot is composed with attention to detail, adding a picturesque quality to the film. However, despite the beautiful cinematography, the direction falls short in terms of pacing. The film struggles with maintaining momentum, particularly in the second half, where the plot becomes repetitive and predictable. Rahul, while strong in visual storytelling, misses the mark when it comes to keeping the narrative engaging throughout its runtime.
The music by Chaithan Bharadwaj is catchy but largely forgettable. The soundtrack features a blend of light-hearted, peppy tracks and emotional melodies, but none of the songs stand out as particularly memorable. While they do serve their purpose in the film, enhancing key moments and adding to the overall mood, they don’t leave a lasting impression. The background score complements the comedic and romantic beats well enough, though it doesn’t elevate the film beyond the expected.
Cinematography, as mentioned earlier, is one of the film’s biggest strengths. The visuals are rich and colorful, making the most of the scenic European backdrop. Sukumar uses vibrant colors and natural light to his advantage, creating a feel-good atmosphere that is perfect for a romantic comedy. There’s an emphasis on aesthetic beauty, whether it’s in the setting or the way characters are framed, and this adds to the movie’s overall charm. However, while the visuals are strong, they can’t compensate for the lack of substance in certain parts of the storyline.
The film’s humor is hit-or-miss. There are moments where the comedic timing is spot-on, particularly in the interactions between Sam and his eccentric family members. However, some of the jokes fall flat or rely on clichés that we’ve seen many times before in rom-coms. The screenplay, written by Rahul, attempts to balance humor with emotion, but the emotional depth feels shallow at times. Certain subplots, particularly involving Sam’s family, feel underdeveloped, and while they provide comic relief, they don’t contribute much to the overall narrative.
On the thematic front, the film explores commitment, fear of relationships, and personal growth, but it doesn’t delve deep into these subjects. Sam’s arc, though charming, feels somewhat superficial, and the film doesn’t fully explore the reasons behind his commitment issues. Avantika’s character, while bold and independent, is also reduced to being part of Sam’s journey of self-realization, rather than having her own fully fleshed-out storyline. The film could have benefited from stronger character development, particularly in terms of making the protagonists’ transformations more meaningful.
In terms of special effects, the film doesn’t rely heavily on visual effects, which is typical for a rom-com. Instead, the emphasis is on the chemistry between the leads, the setting, and the comedic situations that arise. The editing by Chota K Prasad is competent, though at times the transitions between scenes feel abrupt. The film could have used tighter editing to trim some of the slower parts, particularly in the second half where the plot meanders.
Overall, Manmadhudu 2 is an entertaining yet flawed romantic comedy. It offers a visual treat with its stunning European backdrop, and Nagarjuna’s charisma keeps things interesting. However, the predictable plot, uneven pacing, and lack of emotional depth hold it back from being a truly memorable film. Rakul’s lively performance is a highlight, and she adds a spark to the otherwise formulaic storyline. Fans of Nagarjuna will likely enjoy seeing him in a more light-hearted, playful role, but the film doesn’t quite live up to the expectations set by its predecessor or the potential of its talented cast.
If you’re looking for a breezy rom-com with some light humor and pretty visuals, this film is a decent option. But if you’re hoping for something more profound or innovative, Manmadhudu 2 may leave you wanting. It’s a film that’s easy on the eyes and fun in parts, but ultimately lacks the substance needed to make a lasting impact.
