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Sri Manjunatha (2001) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 8 May 2026

Sri Manjunatha (2001) Review

Sri Manjunatha (2001) — a Kannada drama, family, history movie directed by K Raghavendra Rao. The cast includes Arjun Sarja, Soundarya, Chiranjeevi. Manjunatha, an atheist, fights against social evils. He marries Kathyayini, a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. As the days go by, Manjunatha realizes the existence of God. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 6 Jul 2001. Runtime: 2h 32m.

Sri Manjunatha
ABOVE AVERAGE

Sri Manjunatha(2001)

Kannada · Drama, Family, History

2h 32m · 6 Jul 2001

Writer: J.K. Bharavi, K. Raghavendra Rao

FamilyDramaHistoryMusic

Ratings

IdlebrainIdlebrain3.75

Our Rating

3

📖 Story

Sri Manjunatha is a devotional biographical film that narrates the life and miracles of Lord Manjunatha, a form of Lord Shiva worshipped in Karnataka. The story intertwines mythological elements with historical and cultural narratives, focusing on the transformation of the protagonist, Manjunatha, from a skeptic to a devout follower. The film explores themes of faith, devotion, and divine intervention, showcasing various miracles attributed to Lord Manjunatha that inspire the people around him.

🔍 Analysis

Sri Manjunatha offers a rich devotional experience rooted in Kannada culture and mythology. The content is deeply spiritual, aiming to evoke reverence and faith through its portrayal of divine miracles and moral lessons. The story is straightforward and linear, focusing on the protagonist's journey of faith, which is effectively conveyed through the screenplay. The pacing in the first half is steady, establishing characters and setting the devotional tone, while the second half accelerates with more dramatic and miraculous events, maintaining audience engagement.

The songs and music, though not credited explicitly, play a significant role in enhancing the devotional atmosphere. The soundtrack complements the narrative with traditional and melodious compositions that resonate with the film's spiritual theme. The background score (BGM) is subtle yet impactful, underscoring the divine moments and emotional beats without overwhelming the scenes. Overall, the film balances its mythological storytelling with cinematic elements to appeal to devotees and general audiences alike.

🎭 Performances

Arjun Sarja: Delivered a sincere and convincing portrayal of Manjunatha, effectively capturing the character's transformation and devotion.

Soundarya: Provided strong support with a graceful and emotive performance that complemented the film's devotional tone.

Chiranjeevi: Made a notable cameo appearance, adding star value and depth to the narrative.

Meena: Offered a heartfelt and engaging performance, enhancing the emotional quotient of the film.

Ambareesh: Brought charisma and presence, contributing effectively to the film's dramatic moments.

Sumalatha: Delivered a poised and dignified performance, fitting well within the film's devotional framework.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Strong devotional and cultural appeal
  • ✓Effective portrayal of mythological and spiritual themes
  • ✓Engaging performances by lead actors
  • ✓Melodious songs and fitting background score
  • ✓Well-paced screenplay with a clear narrative arc
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Lack of detailed technical credits such as music director and cinematographer
  • ✕Somewhat predictable storyline for viewers familiar with devotional cinema
  • ✕Limited commercial elements which may affect wider audience appeal

🎬 Direction & Writing

K Raghavendra Rao's direction is focused and reverent, successfully bringing out the devotional essence of the story. His experience with mythological and devotional films is evident in the way he balances narrative depth with cinematic appeal, ensuring the film remains respectful to its spiritual subject while engaging the audience.

📰 Critic Reviews

IdlebrainIdlebrain

Check Complete Review

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IdlebrainIdlebrain
3.75

Our Rating

3/5
★★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

No awards data available.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
PositiveDevotional appeal, performances, music
NeutralStoryline, pacing
NegativeLack of technical credits, predictable narrative

Critics

The film was generally appreciated for its devotional content and performances, especially Arjun Sarja's portrayal. Critics noted the film's appeal to audiences interested in spiritual and mythological cinema, though some pointed out the conventional approach and lack of technical innovation. The music and background score were praised for complementing the film's mood effectively.

Final Box-Office Result

ABOVE AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Sri Manjunatha release in theatres?▾

Sri Manjunatha released on 6 July 2001 (2001).

Is Sri Manjunatha a hit or flop?▾

Sri Manjunatha is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.

Where to watch Sri Manjunatha online? OTT release date?▾

Sri Manjunatha is available on Eros Now, MX Player. OTT date will be updated soon.

Who directed Sri Manjunatha?▾

Sri Manjunatha directed by K Raghavendra Rao. Produced by Jayasri Devi.

Who are the main cast members of Sri Manjunatha?▾

Sri Manjunatha stars Arjun Sarja, Soundarya, Chiranjeevi, Meena, Ambareesh.

What is the Tollybo rating for Sri Manjunatha?▾

Tollybo rates Sri Manjunatha 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.

What is the genre and runtime of Sri Manjunatha?▾

Sri Manjunatha — Genre: Drama, Family, History, Runtime: 152 minutes, Language: Kannada.

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