Mana Manthana (Kannada)
Cast: Kiran Rajput, Arpita, Suresh Heblikar, Ramesh Bhat, Suman
Direction: Suresh Heblikar
Making a film on a psychological theme is not an easy task. While the filmmaker is expected to treat the subject with sensitivity, backed by research, very few films meet these standards.
Suresh Heblikar, known for taking up this tricky subject, has tried his hand at it again with Mana Manthana .
Heblikar, who earlier tackled psychological issues through Kaadina Benki , Prathama Ushakirana and Aghata returns to direction after nearly 20 years with Mana Manthana .
In a liner narration, Heblikar succeed in his attempt to interpret the maladies of the mind with a perfect blend of elements such as human relationships, love, friendship and socal issues.
Like his previous films, Mana Manthana is based on a real story that a psychiatrist, the late Dr. Ashok Pai, came across. Dr. Pai had penned the story, while Heblikar handled script, dialogue and direction.
The story revolves around Ajay (Kiran Rajput), who is passionate about mathematics, violin and is perusing his studies in genetic engineering. Much against his wishes, Ajay is forced to engage in family business. His dreams sprout again after he meets his relative Madhuri (Arpita).
However, Madhuri deserts him. A broken-hearted Ajay survives after failed attempt at suicide. During his treatment, Ajay gets emotionally close with psychiatrist Sushma (Suman). This results in medico-ethical questions faced by mental health professionals because of the emotional and interpersonal relationship and the conflict of personal and professional life.
Those who have followed Heblikar can find his signature style in the narration. It takes some time for narration to take off, as too much emphasis is laid on establishing relationships. Textual and needless “poetic” dialogues take the life out of the lead characters and dilute the intensity of the subject. Both Kiran and Arpita struggles hard to carry the weight of their characters and Suman is no exception. Heblikar could have focussed more on chiselling characters who carry the message. Heblikar himself, in the role of psychiatrist, Ramesh Bhat (father of the protagonist), Sridhar (his friend) and Sangeetha (Madhuri’s mother) save the film with their professional performance.
Cinematography by P. Rajan offers a perfect background of small town and verdant Malnad region. Music (Praveen Rao) could have played a major role in lifting the emotional part.
