Manada Kadalu, a Hindi romance drama, hit theaters yesterday, June 20, 2025. Directed by Yogaraj Bhat, who also co-wrote the script with Gadda Viji and Amol Patil, the film has a runtime of 2 hours and 34 minutes. E. K. Entertainers presented and E. Krishnappa produced the movie.
Manada Kadalu 2025 Movie overviews
| Movie Name | Manada Kadalu 2025 Movie |
| Original Language | Kannada |
| Spoken Language | Hindi |
| Release Date | 20 June 2025 |
| Runtime | 2 hour and 34 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Genres | Romance Drama |
| Writer | Yogaraj Bhat, Gadda Viji, Amol Patil |
| Director | Yogaraj Bhat |
| Producer | E. Krishnappa |
| Production Co. | E. K. Entertainers |
Manada Kadalu 2025 Movie Screenshots
Manada Kadalu 2025 Movie Star Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Sumukha | Sumukha |
| Rashika Shetty | Rashika |
| Rangayana Raghu | Not specified |
| Anjali Anish | Anju aka Anjali |
| Nethra Jadhav | Not specified |
| Suraj | Not specified |
Manada Kadalu 2025 Movie Trailer
Manada Kadalu 2025 Movie Review
When it comes to timeless love stories in Kannada cinema over the past two decades, Mungaru Male stands unrivaled. Directed by Yograj Bhat, fondly known as Bhatru, this cult classic redefined the industry, setting a high bar for storytelling and emotional depth. Naturally, anticipation surrounds Manada Kadalu, which sees Bhat team up again with producer Krishnappa for a coming-of-age tale introducing fresh faces. The burning question, however, is whether it can replicate the magic of its predecessor and connect with today’s audience.
The story follows Sumukha (Sumukha), a medical student who abandons his studies after a tragic incident reshapes his outlook on life. This pivotal moment propels him on a soul-searching journey, confronting life’s harsh truths and questioning his purpose. Along the way, he crosses paths with Rashika (Rashika Shetty), a spirited young woman grappling with her own struggles. Their budding romance is complicated by the arrival of Anjali (Anjali Anish), an upbeat character who sparks transformative events in their lives. Through their intertwined journeys, the film delves into themes of love, grief, and redemption, probing deeper questions about existence, human connections, and resilience.
At its heart, Manada Kadalu is a love story enriched with explorations of tribal culture, traditional medicine, and philosophical reflections on life and death—hallmarks of Bhat’s filmmaking. Yet, the narrative stumbles with abrupt tonal shifts, making it feel disjointed rather than seamless. While the writing carries an earnest tone, it often feels dated, struggling to resonate with modern sensibilities. The humor, laced with crude slang in nearly every dialogue, misses the mark, and many scenes lack logical coherence. The portrayal of Adivasi communities is particularly problematic, reducing them to comedic stereotypes rather than meaningful characters.
The film’s familiarity with Bhat’s earlier works invites inevitable comparisons, particularly to Mungaru Male. However, Manada Kadalu tries to pack too much into its runtime, weaving in lessons on history, generational divides, relationships, and philosophy. This overstuffed approach overwhelms the audience, diluting the emotional impact. While it carries traces of Bhat’s signature style, the film falls short of recapturing the spark that made his earlier work iconic, leaving viewers nostalgic but unsatisfied.
