MUMBAI: Sometimes, all it takes for a film to win your heart is a sense of honesty and warmth. Mannu Kya Karegga? delivers just that — a breezy, heartfelt story that celebrates love, friendship, and the journey of finding oneself. It is not flashy or over-plotted; instead, it leans into sincerity, humour, and small yet memorable life moments to create an experience that feels instantly familiar and comforting.
This is a coming-of-age narrative that enjoys dwelling on little joys — midnight walks on campus, deep conversations with parents, and those fleeting instances of clarity amid the everyday mess. At its essence, the film is a tender portrayal of youth trying to untangle love, family bonds, ambitions, and identity. The nine-song soundtrack underscores every beat of emotion, from the soulful Humnawa to the soaring Fanaa Hua, weaving seamlessly into the film’s mood and progression.
Produced by Sharad Mehra and directed by SsanJay Tripaathy, the story follows Manav “Mannu” Chaturvedi (Vyom), an all-rounder in college yet aimless at heart, unsure of his true passion. Enter Jiya Rastogi (Saachi Bindra), a sharp and determined student from Delhi, single-mindedly chasing her dream of Stanford or Harvard. She is everything Mannu isn’t — decisive, disciplined, and purposeful. Their chance encounter leads to sparks, but also nudges Mannu toward his own search for meaning.
The twist comes when Mannu, desperate to impress Jiya, concocts a fake start-up called “Nothing.” What starts as an innocent ploy spirals into absurd theatrics — false offices, fabricated teams, and lofty claims. It all unravels eventually, leading to shattered trust, emotional turbulence, and a humbling phase of introspection. It is through his eccentric mentor, Don (Vinay Pathak at his whimsical best), that Mannu stumbles into the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai, finally beginning to question what truly drives him.
The tone recalls classics like Wake Up Sid in the way it captures youthful uncertainty with charm and relatability. Vyom imbues Mannu with sincerity that makes him likeable in both his triumphs and missteps, while Saachi Bindra offers controlled brilliance as Jiya. Kumud Mishra and Charu Shankar as Mannu’s parents strike just the right balance of support and disappointment. Vinay Pathak shines as the wise yet quirky professor whose philosophy-laced humour stays with you. Even the extended ensemble, including Brijendra Kala and Rajesh Kumar, feel rooted in reality.
The screenplay by Saurabh Gupta and Radhika Malhotra avoids forced dramatics, moving organically through its characters’ journeys. Coupled with cinematography that lovingly captures the essence of Dehradun and its campuses, the film consistently radiates freshness. It makes you want to relive your student years, with all their chaos and discovery.
Backed by Curious Eyes Films, the project thrives on youthful verve, grounded confusion, and music that lingers long after the credits. It may appear as another college romance on the surface, but there is more at play — a tender reminder that figuring out who you are is its own kind of love story.
In the end, Mannu doesn’t just “decide what to do” — he learns to let go of pretence and listen to his own voice. And if you allow it, this little gem might inspire you to do the same with your own life.
4/5 stars
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