Rash Production Pvt. Ltd. and Fakt Ani Fakt Entertainment’s Mangla (Marathi; UA) is the story of a girl who is passionate about music.
Mangla Deshpande (Shivali Parab) was fond of singing right from childhood. Even before she could complete her studies, Mangla’s paternal uncle had got a marriage proposal for her, which he turned down because she was still studying in school. That very night, the prospective groom’s father had asked someone to throw acid on Mangla’s face. Because of her disfigured face, Mangla had left school and had instead trained in singing under a guru. Years later, Mangla completes her school and college education. After that, she takes up the job of a warden in her own college. Then, she becomes a music professor in the same college. What happens thereafter?
Saurabh Choudhary has written a story which is depressing more than emotional. The ending is not quite satisfying. His screenplay is ordinary and it often fails to evoke the right kind of emotions. Prathmesh Shivalkar’s dialogues are routine.
Shivali Parab acts well as Mangla Deshpande. Shashank Shende is quite good as Mangla’s father, Mukund Deshpande. Alka Kubal makes her presence felt as Mangla’s mother, Suhasini. Sanjeevkumar Patil is okay as Mangla’s uncle, Manohar. Adit Bhilare has his moments as Mangla’s brother, Kailash. Neil Rajureekar gets very limited scope as Mangla’s brother, Shankar; his performance is average. Sarika Jadhav (as the professor) and Vaishnavi Sanas (as the professor’s daughter) pass muster. Others fit the bill.
Aparana S. Hosing’s direction is routine. There’s nothing in her narration which would thrill the audience. Santanu Ghatak’s classical-based music has limited appeal. Vikas Satam’s lyrics are alright. Amit Satam’s background music should’ve been better. Arun Varma’s camerawork is functional. Satish Chipkar’s art direction is average. Rahul Bhatankar’s editing is loose.
On the whole, Mangla is a flop show as it is too depressing.
Released on 17-1-’25 at Plaza (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Sunshine Studios. Publicity & opening: poor.