Director - SsanJay Tripaathy

Cast - Vyom, Saachi Bindra, Kumud Mishra, Vinay Pathak, Charu Shankar, Rajesh Kumar, Brijendra Kala, Naman Gor, Aayat Memon, Dimple Sharma, Lavina Tandon

Writer - Saurabh Gupta, Radhika Malhotra

Duration – 141.35 Minutes

Rating – 4

Every film does not need action, glamor or twists to make an impact on the audience. Sometimes, a very simple, real story which is presented with honesty and warmth leaves an everlasting impact on the audience. 'Manny Kya Karega' is one such film. 

Directed by SsanJay Tripaathy, this film doesn’t  have any loud drama or flashy visuals to impress the audience. Instead, it very quietly finds a place in your heart. The story is simple and it will make you relate to it. 

The story of the film revolves around Manav “Mannu” Chaturvedi (played by debutant Vyom Yadav) who is a bright, friendly college student in Dehradun. He’s good at many things — whether it’s football, drama, or coding, but he doesn't have focus and is confused on what he will do in future. 

Things change when he meets Jiya Rastogi (Saachi Bindra), a smart and focused girl. Jiya is very clear with her life goals. Their friendship turns into love and soon Jiya questions Mannu about his future. In an attempt to impress her, he lies — he says he’s running a startup called “Nothing”, which is supposed to help people manage their free time by doing… Well, nothing. At first, the lie feels harmless. But soon he falls into a trap of his own lies. 

That’s when his professor DON, played brilliantly by Vinay Pathak introduces him to the Japanese concept of Ikigai, the idea of finding purpose by doing what you love and what adds value to the world. This moment became the turning point in Mannu’s life. 

Talking about the performances,  Vyom Yadav delivers a warm and sincere performance in his first film.He portrays all the emotions perfectly and adds depth to the role of Mannu.  Saachi Bindra as Jiya is strong, confident, and convincing. She doesn’t overact — she lets the emotions speak naturally. Their chemistry is also good. Vinay Pathak as Don Sir is fantastic. His humor, wisdom, and unique presence make his character truly memorable. Kumud Mishra and Charu Shankar, as Mannu’s parents, bring emotional weight to the film. The supporting cast, including Rajesh Kumar and Brijendra Kala, add moments of humor and realism that balance the emotional tone.

The music of the film is a special highlight. It has nine original songs, and almost all of them are worth listening to on repeat. Tracks like “Mannu Tera Kya Hoga,” “Fanaa Hua,” “Humnawa,” and “Teri Yaadein” are beautifully composed and deeply connected to the story. They feel a part of the journey of the film. Background music is also apt. 

Director SsanJay Tripaathy deserves credit for keeping the film grounded. There is no over the top drama.Every character has been given space to breathe  The writing by Saurabh Gupta and Radhika Malhotra is smooth and realistic. Conversations feel natural, emotions feel earned, and even the slower moments add meaning.

The pacing is gentle but never boring. You stay with Mannu through his ups and downs — cheering for him, getting frustrated with him, and finally feeling proud of him.

The cinematography captures the peaceful locales of Dehradun. The visuals give the film a calm and nostalgic vibe that perfectly matches the tone of the story.

Produced by Sharad Mehra under the banner Curious Eye Films ,“Mannu Kya Karega?” is not a big, loud film — it’s a soft, honest story about growing up, making mistakes, and finding your way back to yourself. It’s for anyone who has ever felt lost, pressured to succeed, or unsure about what they really want.

“Mannu Kya Karega?” leaves you with a full heart, a gentle smile, and maybe, a few questions about your own path. And that’s what makes it special.

Go watch it with your family this weekend.