Predictable But A Cute Romantic Comedy About the Marriage System

RATING – ⭐ ⭐ ✨ 2.5/5*

Mana Che Shlok Review movie Talkies:

Mana Che Shlok, the latest Marathi romantic comedy, doesn’t bring anything particularly new to the table, yet it manages to ignite a conversation around traditional marriage ceremonies and the social pressure attached to them. It’s a film that is highly predictable, often repetitive, but still sprinkled with moments of charm, smart dialogue, and genuine cuteness. While it never dares to reinvent the genre, it at least tries to question why marriage has to follow rigid customs and why two people in love must invite thousands to witness their union just to validate their relationship. That question alone gives it some merit in an otherwise formulaic film.

Mana Che Shlok Story:

The Story revolves around Shlok (Rahul Pethe), a simple, anxious young man searching for his perfect match. However, despite his best efforts, he fails to find the right girl. Shlok often imagines conversations with his own gut feelings—his inner voice that guides him through life. One day, he meets Manva (Mrunmayee Deshpande), a free-spirited, outspoken woman who doesn’t believe in marriage at all. The two meet by chance and gradually start enjoying each other’s company. They’re drawn to one another’s differences—his confusion versus her clarity, his caution versus her freedom. But complications arise when Shlok realizes his gut feeling has gone silent this time, leaving him uncertain about his emotions. Meanwhile, Manva refuses to give in to societal expectations or the idea of a traditional wedding. The film’s central conflict emerges from this ideological clash: can love exist without marriage, and must every relationship follow ritualistic traditions to be considered valid?

Unfortunately, Mana Che Shlok doesn’t go deep enough into its theme. The script feels dated, and the screenplay doesn’t even attempt to bring freshness to its storytelling. Every fifteen minutes, the film reminds you of old rom-coms with predictable misunderstandings, reconciliations, arguments, and emotional outbursts. The pattern is so familiar that even the well-written dialogues struggle to keep it engaging. The film’s rhythm and energy are decent, but it often slips into monotony. Despite all that, there’s something undeniably pleasant about watching Shlok and Manva’s chemistry develop through small, humorous interactions. Their conversations are peppered with light satire and occasional wit, which helps lift the tone whenever the film feels too traditional.

Vada Paav Review: A Taboo-Breaking Family Drama, But Still Unconvincing

What saves Mana Che Shlok from being entirely forgettable is its ending. Without revealing too much, it avoids the typical “marriage as a solution” climax seen in most Indian romantic comedies. The conclusion feels honest and slightly refreshing, and that’s perhaps the most courageous creative choice in the entire film. Ironically, while the movie questions old customs, it still plays it safe for most of its runtime. I’d say that’s a bigger reason to debate the film—not its title, which certain protestors have unnecessarily linked to Ramdas Swami. The outrage seems misplaced; there’s nothing remotely controversial in the film’s content.

Mana Che Shlok Cast:

On the performance front, Rahul Pethe does a decent job as Shlok, though he tends to overact in emotionally charged moments. His charm lies in the quieter scenes—those that involve natural conversations and awkward romantic exchanges. Mrunmayee Deshpande, as Manva, looks gorgeous and confident, but somehow lacks the depth and screen presence expected from a lead heroine. Personally, I’ve found her far more convincing in strong supporting roles. Pushkaraj Chirputkar’s comic character feels underwritten and immature, making his presence less enjoyable than usual. The familiar pairing of Leena Bhagwat and Mangesh Kadam brings some comfort, though their chemistry worked better in their earlier roles as a Vile Parle couple than here as Punekars. Shubhangi Gokhale and Uday Tikekar are steady, and the rest of the ensemble does what’s needed.

Alia Bhatt creates HISTORY! Beats Meena Kumari, Nutan, Nargis to win Most Filmfare Awards –

Technically, the film is competently made but not remarkable. The cinematography captures the mood and settings beautifully, offering a visually pleasing experience. The editing, however, falters and affects the film’s pace. The production design feels standard—nothing grand, nothing poor. Musically, Mana Che Shlok could have used a better soundtrack to elevate its emotional appeal; none of the songs stay with you once the film ends.

Mana Che Shlok movie Review:

As a writer and director, Mrunmayee Deshpande shows promise. Her attempt to combine modern questioning with traditional values deserves appreciation, but she needs to explore bolder and more innovative storytelling techniques instead of relying on decade-old clichés. With sharper writing and a fresher approach, she has the potential to deliver something truly special in the future. For now, Mana Che Shlok remains a cute, well-intentioned, but strictly average one-time watch—pleasant enough for a lazy weekend, but not memorable enough to revisit.

Stay tuned to movie Talkies’ website and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), along with our YouTube channel, for the latest updates, breaking news, box office reports, movie reviews, celebrity spotting, and interviews from Bollywood, television, OTT, Hollywood, and regional cinema, including South Indian films.