Geethanjali

Geetanjali, a great movie by Mani Ratnam with arguably the best music album of Ilayaraja...

This is the only Telugu movie directed by mani ratnam till date and he has ensured that his place in the annals of telugu movie history is safe with this movie.

Ilayaraja, that maestro of Indian movie music is known for providing his best to Mani Ratnam. Even considering this, Geetanjali was Ilayaraja's greatest single album ever.

Both Mani & Ilayaraja were at a great advantage, working in this movie because they were unencumbered by living up to the expectations of their native Tamil movie background.

As it emerged both of them reached heights they never did before or after with this movie... (yeah, i know the entire series of maniratnam's movies and most of Ilayaraja's music...)

The main protagonist's death is but a matter of ti me, and the leading lady is in a similar situation. But as it happens, the protagonist learns to live his life "in the now" from the leading lady and in the process they grow together. I wont say they fall in love because the movie never considers the romantic side of their life.

Despite there being a whole song showing them kissing each other, it does not appear that they are sexually involved. That song depicts them getting together as companions in their struggle against their destiny, rather than sexually involved.

Other aspects of the movie worth mentioning are the great photography and fabulous screenplay. Despite being saddled with a large number of songs, and no real story to speak of, viewer will never feel the time ticking by during the movie.

And at the end of the movie, you think if only this movie lasted longer... That probably is the best compliment you can give a movie.

The comedy track interspersed with the movie is the only part that sticks out like a sore thumb and i think that was mani's way of taking care of the commercial interests of the producer. Luckily in most versions on television that i saw eliminated this track and i never missed this piece. But i detest this track and so the movie gets only 8 out of 10.

this perhaps is the best movie I have ever seen.The slender portrayal of the lead characters just doesn't leave you for a long time. Locales are very good, so is music and direction.

A must-watch.

"Geethanjali," directed by Mani Ratnam, is a timeless romantic drama that weaves a tapestry of love, destiny, and sacrifice. The film's narrative, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Nilgiri Hills, unfolds as a poignant love story between Prakash (Nagarjuna) and Geethanjali (Girija Shettar). Ratnam's masterful direction brings forth the emotional depth of the characters, making their journey a compelling and relatable experience.

Nagarjuna delivers a stellar performance, capturing the nuances of Prakash's character with a perfect blend of charm and vulnerability. Girija Shettar's portrayal of Geethanjali is equally captivating, adding layers to the romantic narrative. The chemistry between the lead pair is palpable, creating an on-screen magic that resonates with audiences.

Ratnam's storytelling is enriched by Ilaiyaraaja's soul-stirring music, with iconic tracks like "O Priya Priya" becoming timeless classics. The film's cinematography, handled by P. C. Sreeram, paints a visual masterpiece, capturing the breathtaking landscapes.

Gitanjali / Geethanjali (1989) : Brief Review -

An Immortal Romance with Cult Music! What if told you that 'The Fault In Our Stars' was adaptation of this Mani Ratnam Classic and this Original Telugu Feature has better metaphors. By this time i mean 2021, i assume that many moviegoers have seen Hollywood Flick 'The Fault In Our Stars' or have read the Novel of 2012 or have seen its Bollywood Adaptation 'Dil Bechara' recently. And i also assume that many Indians must have over-praised the Hollywood flick. Well, here is the better version of the same story and it was made 25 years before Hollywood adopted the novel of the same name on screen. Or i can say that 23 years before that Novel was written. And i proudly state that this Mani Ratnam Classic has got everything which was missing in the Novel and the Hollywood film. My review of TFIOS is there on IMDb and you can read i have clearly said in my review that, TFIOS has missed metaphors. And i have found it here. I regret that Why i didn't see this film before watching that Hollywood film. *Slapped Myself* Gitanjali is one of the highest rated Telugu Film at IMDb, Rank #26 to be precise and I also learnt that it is quite popular among Telugu Audience. I don't wonder why.. It deserves all the Love and fan following. A film which had cult music and immortal love saga and made Nagarjuna a sensation and a heart-rob among Telugu Audience. The story we all know-On a fog swept chilly hill station, a terminally ill young man (Prakash) meets a boisterous girl (gitanjali). Love blossoms, but there's a shadow behind the light she radiates and the emotional climax follows. Young Nagarjuna and Girija both look very fresh and theirs characters are awfully lovable. Both make a solid chemistry out there. Ilaiyaraaja's memorable Music and Mani Ratnam's Terrific Writing and Direction makes this film a Must Watch. So, don't miss it. Start admiring our original gems than praising Hollywood Copies for a change, at least for a while.

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest.

I have shed a tear watching this movie on more than one occasion. And all I need say is this: If a movie makes you a shed a tear, the movie has moved you to a point emotionally or tapped into something emotionally which the vast majority of things in life do not manage to do. It has managed to get past all the defenses that seek to protect us and get to you!

The performances, direction, music, and choreography are simply exceptional. Sure one can poke holes in elements if they really tried, and this is the case for most movies, but the key is this -- if it managed to hook you and caused you shed a tear or be moved emotionally, its won you over and done its job.

Outstanding movie and one I will continue to watch during my lifetime.