Manglish (2014)

Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Excellent characters with emotional depth. My wife, daughter and granddaughter all enjoyed it...and me, too! Very good movie! You won't be disappointed.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

Manglish starring Mammootty, however, sticks to the old practice and revolves around the persona of the super star. A movie that won't exactly turn a winner in that expected sense, 'Manglish' is a movie that is one time watchable, which could turn a hit but with intense marketing. Director Salam Bappu plays it safe by catering to the fan base of the star, putting in every ingredient that brought him a huge following. There are smart cooling glasses, peculiar lingo, some comedy scenes and action. His character of the hero is the focal point of the film and the story comes in a distant second. Mammootty is Malik Bhai, a classy fishmonger whose circle of friends include politicians and film-stars. He is said to be the uncrowned king of Kochi as no land deal can be made without his approval. He is divorced from his wife, a rich politician's daughter, who left him under pressure from her father. An Englishwoman named Michelle (Caroline Beck) comes under Malik Bhai's protection. Our man does not know a word of the Queen's language, thereby creating many so-called humorous situations that are worth hardly a chuckle. There is an effort to make the story interesting by giving Michelle's story a twist; she is something more than just an overstaying tourist. She has come to protect her ancestral property that was taken over by the caretaker after her ancestors left India. As this film is a star vehicle, there is no use dissecting the performances of the other actors. Tini Tom puts in an appearance as Malik Bhai's right hand man, Vinay Forrt as an English speaking tourist guide and Sudheer Karamana is the husband of Malik Bhai's divorced wife. Caroline Beck, the Dutch actress playing the blonde damsel in distress, just passes muster. Srinda Ashab as Mumtaz, the younger sister of Malik Bhai, gets a better opportunity to display her acting talent than the leading lady. All in all, this 'Manglish' is a safe family entertainer without any double meaning. The movie at 145 minutes may end-up as a hit among family audiences and will come as a solace for everyone looking for a better film from Mammootty.