Story: Mannu Kya Karegga follows Mannu (Vyom Yadav) on a heartfelt journey. What begins as a simple attempt to win the affections of the free-spirited Jiya (Saachi Bindra) soon takes him into a deeper exploration of life, responsibility, and self-discovery.Review: The film opens on a breezy, lighthearted note, introducing the lively world of campus life and Mannu’s carefree antics. The first half moves at an easy pace, though it could have benefited from sharper humour and more engaging moments to fully capture the youthful energy it sets up. That said, it never drags, and the tone remains pleasant. The narrative gains real momentum in the second half, when Mannu is compelled to face the realities of adulthood, responsibility, and love that goes beyond infatuation. A surprise twist at the end ties the journey together with emotional resonance.Performances are a major strength. Vyom Yadav, in his debut, brings an affable, boy-next-door charm to Mannu, convincingly portraying both his playful immaturity and his eventual growth. Saachi Bindra, also making her debut, is refreshing as Jiya — confident, natural, and effortlessly believable as the spirited young woman who pushes Mannu to evolve. Together, they exude a relatability that feels very next-door rather than larger-than-life. Importantly, while comparisons with Saiyaara may arise due to the fresh faces and Gen-Z vibe, Mannu Kya Karegga carves out its own space. In many ways, it recalls Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa’, where an underdog learns to chart his own path toward love and life.The script consciously taps into Gen-Z sensibilities — from slang and banter to themes like AI, live-in relationships, and parental clashes. At times, this feels slightly overstuffed, but it does keep the film rooted in a contemporary setting. Despite the modern references, the film remains a clean, family-friendly entertainer. In fact, it feels like a blend of Karan Johar’s glossy worlds of college campuses with the traditional warmth of the Barjatyas.The supporting cast shines. Vinay Pathak adds gravitas in a restrained role, Kumud Mishra lends emotional heft and some much needed comical moments, and Rajesh Kumar is convincing in a refreshing departure from his comical Sarabhai vs Sarabhai image. Brijendra Kala and Charu Shankar too bring credibility to their parts.Technically, the film stands strong. Lalit Pandit’s music is tuneful and situational, though it doesn’t quite achieve chartbuster status. The background score, however, elevates key moments. Editing is crisp, and Ssanjay Tripaathy’s direction balances youthful vibrancy with emotional undertones.In the end, ‘Mannu Kya Karegga’ is a lighthearted, heartfelt film that never feels overbearing. It touches upon social issues and the dilemmas of today’s youngsters. With sharper writing and more consistent humor, it could have soared even higher. As it stands, it’s a sweet, clean entertainer anchored by confident debut performances.
