Jeetz Filmworks’ Manush (dubbed from the Bengali film of the same name; UA) is about cruelty to human beings by people who forget humanity. Arjun Chakraborty (Jeet) is an honest and upright police officer who works in the Narcotics Control Bureau. But he is forced to become a dreaded and wanted drug lord, Victor (Jeet), to save the life of his only daughter (Ayanna Chatterjee).
Sanjoy Somadder has written a story which is oft-repeated. His screenplay is interesting in parts only. Even otherwise, the drama does not have the desired impact on the Hindi film-going audience because of the unrecognisable faces in the cast. Dialogues are ordinary.
Jeet shines in a double role. He is very good as NCB officer Arjun Chakraborty. As drug lord Victor, he is pretty convincing. Saurav Chakravarti plays the main antagonist ably. Ayanna Chatterjee does well as Arjun Chakraborty’s daughter. As Arjun’s wife, Susmita Chatterjee lends good support. Jeetu Kamal leaves a mark as Mannan. Bidya Sinha Saha Mim is quite nice as police officer Mondira.
Sanjoy Somadder’s direction is alright. Music (Savvy, Aneek Dhar and Ahmed Humayun) is so-so. Lyrics (Shloke Lal, Prashant Ingole and Panchhi Jalonvi) are quite nice. Imran Sardhariya’s choreography is functional. Anbu Selvan’s background music is quite effective. Prosenjit Chowdhury’s cinematography is nice. Ravi Varma’s action and stunt scenes are fiery and thrilling. Ranajit Ghoroi’s art direction is okay. Malay Laha’s editing could’ve been tighter. Dubbing is fair.
On the whole, Manush does not stand much of a chance at the Hindi box-office.
Released on 24-11-’23 at Metro Inox (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru AA Films. Publicity & opening: poor. …….Also released all over.