Rating: na Presenter: Artha Motion Pictures Pvt. Ltd Producers: Jaya B Patil, Ramila R. Gori, M.K. Sundaram, Chandresh J. Bhanushali Director: Sangramsinh Gaikwad Story, Screenplay: Harish Nayar Camera: Aakashdip Pande Music: Nilesh Moharir Cast: Rajesh Shringarpure, Amitriyan, Mayuri Wagh, Madhvi Juvekar, Vignesh Joshi, Uday Nene, Rishiraj Pawar, Sakshi Medgeri, Gayatri Sathe Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke

Marathi film industry is in the process for a change. And, the best example is the latest released film ‘Manya’ – the wonder boy made by director Sangramsinh Gaikwad. The film presents a subject that is much needed to inspire the rural youth and at the same time open the eyes of the authorities to promote committed sportspersons from this neglected area. If provided with the right coach and facilities, the rural youth can aim at not only national level but also at international level. We have seen this happen in the case of wonder girl Kavita Raut, who excelled at international level.

Manohar Sonavne, known as Manya is one such schoolboy, who studies in 8th standard in a rural school. His father is an ex-army soldier now bedridden , having injured his limbs in Kargil war, while fighting for the country. The family’s responsibility lies on the shoulders of young hard working Manya, who not only delivers the milk to the centre but also attends school. He has to run miles to reach school after delivering the milk, to avoid getting late. When the school organizes a race to promote the only son of a Sponsor, studying in the same school, Manya also takes part in the race.

His talent is noticed by the Coach, who is appointed by the sponsor and he takes interest in Manya. The committed Coach dedicates himself to make Manya a state level athlete. When he realizes that Manya needs special training, he boosts his confidence to attain that level. To make it possible, he also sells his car. Finally, Manya attains all that what his father had expected from him and also makes his Coach happy.

To give a cinematic look to this film totally based on sports, director Sangramsinh Gaikwad and screenplay writer Harish Nayar have included the characters like Jai- playing Manya’s childhood friend, besides his best friend Omya. There is a Patil who plays a negative role of a selfish father. There is a school teacher, a kind hearted principal and Manya’s supportive parents and sister.

The film takes off well, handling the emotion filled sequences well till the interval. But, it tries to deviate from the main theme by paying attention on Manya’s love story and the gimmicks played by the villain. The film does end with a sequence to inspire
today’s kids and youngsters. This little more than two hour long film, should have been edited to fit into two hour length. Few flaws in the film can be ignored for the sincere effort of the film maker to make a film on the backdrop of sports training and to motivate young rural sportspersons.

Rajesh Shjringarpure does very well in the role of a Coach. Vighnesh Joshi and Madhavi Juvekar perfectly fit into the characters of Manya’s parents. Amiitriyan is a perfect choice to play the senior Manya, but it is Rishiraj Pawar as young Manya, more impressive. Mayuri Wagh , Abhijeet Chavan and others have supported well. Music by Nilesh Mohrir is fine for two songs. But, it is the photography by Akashdeep Pande that captures the attention. It is indeed disheartening that the film has not received much response at multiplexes in Mumbai, with some of the shows cancelled for the reasons best known to the theatre owners. But, the film should click at small towns, if promoted and marketed properly by the makers and distributors. The film should be made tax free by the Maharashtra Government.