'Oka Manasu' is a love story set between two young professionals. Niharika has essayed role of doctor (Sandhya) and Naga Shourya has done role of a Politician. Rao Ramesh is the father of Surya and he is a small time politician. He wants his son to be a MLA. Surya who is a loving son is striving hard to make his father's dream come true. Sandhya expresses her concerns regarding Surya's risky life as she is in love ! And during an unexpected event Surya kidnaps home minister relative person who is a dalit. So he is thrown behind bars and he was given temporary bail later on. Once he returns he was forced to choose between the Lady he loves or his father. What decision Suriya takes is an emotional climax and that forms the rest of the story.
Naga Shourya and Niharika are the pillars of the movie and they shoulder the movie single handed. Most of the scenes are between the two lead pairs and that really, really, really annoys us ! The narration is also snail paced. Naga shourya has done an exemplary job and he fits the bill perfectly. Also Niharika is gorgeous and she has 'Girl Next Door' features. But she is stone faced even in emotional sequences. Dialogue delivery and modulation is good. But the expressions are zero. However she has passed for a debutante. Rao Ramesh as a caring and lovable father does his job neatly. Rest of the characters ? No idea who they are and what they are doing. Most of the frames are just dominated by the lead characters alone.
Music by Sunil Kashyap is the big time saviour. Some soul rendering melodious score has blended well with the visuals. The enchanting visuals compliment the mesmerizing music and it is the backbone of the movie. But at times, we feel the songs are an interruption too. In this kind of movie, dialogues matter a lot. But the dialogues are so dry and they never spark anything for the lovers or the audience who watches it. Director Ramaraju has done a good job in making a love story from a new perspective, but he has failed a lot in executing it. Also there are 'ZERO' entertaining elements for routine audience who prefer some light hearted comedies at least.
'Oka Manasu' is not just another run-of-the-mill romantic comedy. It is a new attempt which has to be appreciated. But this will definitely not bring money from Box-office. Niharika has made a promising debut. The 'Mega Princess' is gorgeous and has set her foot strong. With more movies, she can learn more in acting and she can be a better product. Love tracks are completely artificial and that is the biggest negative aspect of the movie. The emotional climax can attract few critics.
