Mukta Arts has unveiled the first look of its upcoming film Manya, marking a special moment as the production house celebrates its 48th anniversary on October 24, 2026. The film also brings Shreyas Talpade and veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai together nearly two decades after their acclaimed collaboration on Iqbal. Adding to the significance of the announcement, the project coincides with Ghai completing 50 years in cinema. Directed by Sameer Joshi, Manya promises a heartfelt drama centred on a young boy who finds himself in conflict with the law, exploring the story behind his circumstances and the experiences that often go unnoticed.
Sharing the first-look poster on social media, Mukta Arts introduced the film with the words, “Presenting the first look of Manya.” The production house described it as a heartfelt story about a boy in conflict with the law, adding, “This is the part of his story nobody stopped to ask about.” The announcement also highlighted the film's association with Mukta Arts' 48th anniversary and Subhash Ghai's 50th year in cinema. The poster offers an early glimpse of the film's emotional world, featuring Shreyas Talpade as a lawyer addressing a young boy in a courtroom setting. The visual hints at a narrative that looks beyond the legal circumstances surrounding the boy to explore the human story behind his situation.
According to the available details, Manya follows a 15-year-old boy from a slum whose life brings him into conflict with the law. The film appears to place empathy and understanding at the heart of its storytelling, encouraging audiences to consider the experiences that may have shaped the boy's choices. By focusing on a character whose side of the story has seemingly gone unheard, the drama aims to explore themes of social circumstances, childhood and the search for understanding. Although the makers have kept much of the plot under wraps, the first look establishes an emotionally grounded premise that could give the film considerable scope for powerful performances.
For Shreyas Talpade and Subhash Ghai, Manya marks a reunion after their memorable association with Iqbal, released in 2005. The National Award-winning film featured Talpade as a hearing-impaired aspiring cricketer determined to pursue his dream despite the obstacles in his path. It remains one of the actor's most recognisable performances, making the new collaboration particularly noteworthy. Nearly 20 years later, the two return with a story that appears to focus on another young protagonist navigating difficult circumstances. While the themes and settings differ, both projects place human resilience and the challenges faced by individuals at the centre of their narratives.
Manya is directed by Sameer Joshi and produced by Mukta Arts Ltd, Puneet Aggarwal and Rahul Puri in association with Slow Burn Entertainment. Subhash Ghai presents the film, with Jayant credited as an additional writer. The ensemble cast includes Samvedna Suwalka, Amharshit Mahawar, Divyaa Sharma, Kumar Jaihind, Anjali Gupta, Priyadarshini Pooja, Zohaeb Farooqui, Micky Makhija, Pandit Krunal and Rajneesh Kaushiq alongside Talpade. The technical team includes cinematographer Nachiket Pangare, production designer Saloni Dhatrak, costume designer Anjali Gandhi, editor Sanjay Koli and sound designer Keydroid Music. The makers have not yet announced the film's release date, describing it as coming soon.
With the first look of Manya, Mukta Arts has chosen a story-driven project to mark a landmark year in its history. The film brings together Shreyas Talpade and Subhash Ghai once again, while introducing audiences to a young character whose story deserves to be heard beyond the circumstances that place him before the law. As the production house celebrates 48 years and Ghai reflects on five decades in cinema, the upcoming drama adds a meaningful new chapter to their journey. Further details about the film and its release are awaited.