The highly anticipated film ‘Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu’ has hit theaters today, January 12, 2026, during the festive Sankranti season. Starring the megastar Chiranjeevi alongside Venkatesh, Nayanthara, and Catherine Tresa, the film has already generated significant buzz, thanks to its catchy songs and engaging trailers. Produced by Shine Screens and Gold Box Entertainments, under the direction of Anil Ravipudi, the film aims to captivate audiences following Chiranjeevi’s two-year hiatus since the disaster ‘Bholaa Shankar’.
The story revolves around Shankara Vara Prasad, played by Chiranjeevi, who works as a National Security Officer. His team, consisting of characters portrayed by Catherine, Harshavardhan, and Abhinav Gomatham, is tasked with protecting the Home Minister, Nitesh Sharma (portrayed by Sharath Saxena). Despite his dedication to his job, Shankara struggles in his personal life after his wife, Shashirekha (Nayanthara), leaves him and takes their children to live with her wealthy father, GVR (Sachin Khedekar). Left heartbroken for six years, Shankara’s life takes a turn when the Home Minister offers him a position at a boarding school to reconnect with his children, but how will he manage to bridge the gap created by their mother’s absence?
The film’s narrative is typical of Anil Ravipudi’s style, which often prioritizes humor and the star’s charisma over a strong plot. While the storyline remains simple—focusing on a husband’s attempts to win back his wife—the film’s charm lies in how Chiranjeevi’s character is portrayed. The director effectively utilizes Chiranjeevi’s comedic timing and action sequences to keep the audience entertained. Although the plot lacks depth, the film successfully delivers moments that highlight the megastar’s appeal, making it a special watch for his fans.
From the outset, the film delivers its signature comedy with a routine introduction scene that sets the tone for the humor to follow. The flashback episodes detailing Shankara and Shashirekha’s love story and subsequent marriage offer both laughter and emotional moments. However, the pacing slows down during the school episodes, only to regain momentum with the introduction of supporting characters like Bulli Raja (Revanth), who bring back laughter and engage the audience effectively.
As the film progresses, the introduction of Venkatesh’s character, Venky Gowda, reinvigorates the narrative. His comedic chemistry with Chiranjeevi is a highlight, providing fans with much-anticipated moments. Although the climax follows a predictable route, the film’s timing during the festive season allows it to resonate well with audiences seeking lighthearted entertainment.
Technically, ‘Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu’ excels with impressive cinematography and a vibrant soundtrack by Bheem’s Sisirouli, which features popular tracks like ‘Meesala Pilla’ and ‘Hook Step’. The film’s editing is satisfactory, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The production values reflect a high standard that aligns with the film’s expectations.
In conclusion, while ‘Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu’ may not perfectly align with the storytelling standards expected from a megastar like Chiranjeevi, it successfully delivers on entertainment, humor, and star power. This film is a delightful watch for fans and families during the festive season, providing a light-hearted escape without the need for deep narratives or complex logic.
