Release Date: January 12, 2026 | Director: Anil Ravipudi | Starring: Chiranjeevi, Nayanthara, Venkatesh (Cameo)
Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu Movie Review: The much-awaited Sankranti release Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu hit theaters today, bringing megastar Chiranjeevi back to the big screen in a family entertainer that blends comedy, emotion, and action. Directed by Anil Ravipudi, known for his knack for commercial entertainers, the film casts Chiranjeevi as an NIA officer dealing with marital troubles alongside Nayanthara. Early reviews suggest a mixed bag of entertainment that works in parts but stumbles in others.
Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu Movie Story
Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu follows the journey of an NIA officer navigating the complexities of a broken marriage while balancing his professional responsibilities. The film attempts to strike a chord with family audiences through its relatable middle-class backdrop and emotional core, peppered with Anil Ravipudi’s trademark comedy.
Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu Movie Review
The Highs
Critics have unanimously praised Chiranjeevi’s performance as the film’s biggest asset. His energetic comedy timing and vintage charm shine through, with reviewers calling this his most entertaining avatar since his comeback. The megastar’s ability to pull off comedy with effortless ease while maintaining his mass appeal has won hearts.
123Telugu awarded the film 3.25 out of 5 stars, highlighting the fun-filled first half, Nayanthara’s charming presence, and Bheems’ musical score as major positives. The family portions, particularly scenes involving kids, have been appreciated for their warmth and relatability.
Telugu360 gave it 3 out of 5, commending Anil Ravipudi’s self-deprecating humor and the film’s family-friendly appeal, making it suitable for festive theatrical viewing.
The Lows
However, the film isn’t without its shortcomings. GreatAndhra’s 2.5 out of 5 rating reflects concerns about an underwhelming plot and age-inappropriate casting choices for Chiranjeevi, despite acknowledging Nayanthara’s solid performance.
The second half appears to be the film’s Achilles heel, with multiple reviews pointing to a stretched narrative, repetitive sequences, and a routine villain track that dampens the momentum built in the first half. Logical gaps, over-the-top scenes, and a predictable climax lacking the required punch are other common complaints.
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What Works and What Doesn’t
Strengths:
- Chiranjeevi’s relatable middle-class characterization and comedy timing
- Engaging first half with solid entertainment quotient
- Nayanthara’s charming screen presence
- Bheems’ catchy music and background score
- Anil Ravipudi’s humor in family-oriented sequences
- Venkatesh’s entertaining cameo appearance
Weaknesses:
- Weak and predictable storyline
- Stretched second half with repetitive elements
- Routine villain track
- Logical inconsistencies and over-the-top moments
- Climax that fails to deliver the expected impact
Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu emerges as a decent Sankranti offering that banks heavily on Chiranjeevi’s star power and Anil Ravipudi’s commercial sensibilities. While it may not be a groundbreaking cinematic experience, it delivers enough moments of entertainment to satisfy fans looking for a festive family watch.
The film works best when it focuses on comedy and emotional family moments but loses steam when it ventures into predictable commercial territory. For Chiranjeevi fans and those seeking light-hearted entertainment during the Sankranti season, this film offers a reasonably enjoyable theatrical experience, despite its narrative flaws.
Verdict: A one-time watch for fans and families looking for festive entertainment, with Chiranjeevi’s performance being the main draw.
Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu Movie Rating
Our Rating: 2.75/5
Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu is now playing in theaters worldwide.
Referances
[1](https://www.123telugu.com/reviews/chiranjeevis-mana-shankaravaraprasad-garu-movie-review-and-rating.html)
[2](https://www.123telugu.com/telugu/news/chiranjeevi-venkatesh-mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu-movie-review-in-telugu.html)
[3](https://telugu.greatandhra.com/movies/reviews/mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu-movie-review.html)
[4](https://www.greatandhra.com/movies/reviews/msg-movie-review-pleasant-but-underwhelming-152084)
[5](https://www.telugu360.com/mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu-review/)
Chaitan Limkar is a tech and entertainment writer passionate about innovation, media, and the stories shaping the digital world.
