Farhan was impressed with Porbazaar script: Manava Naik

Actress-director Manava Naik says Bollywood star Farhan Akhtar, who will be seen in a special appearance in Marathi film Porbazaar, agreed to be a part of the movie just after reading the script.

Manava is making her debut as a director with the film, which deals with child trafficking.

"We needed somebody who is a thinker. We needed an actor who spreads social awareness. We were looking for someone more than just an actor. We approached Farhan looking at the great work he has been doing. The content that he puts across through his movies represents my thinking too. When we approached him with the script he agreed to work on the film. He was impressed with the content and that's why he agreed to work," said Manava, who helmed two short films in the past.

Porbazaar stars Ankush Chaudhari, Sai Tamhankar, Chitra Nawathe, Swanand Kirkire, Chinmayee Sumeet, Prajakta Kulkarni, Swarangi Marathe and Satya Manjrekar. It is set for release on September 19.

Manava started her career in showbiz as an actress in popular shows on TV like Special Squad and Baa Bahu aur Baby. She also tried her luck in Bollywood with a small role in Jodhaa Akbar and later shifted to Marathi cinema.

"Acting was always a hobby for me. I have done all kinds of theatre and roles - right from children theatre to mainstream television. Direction was more like a conscious decision. I did two short films before directing Porbazaar." Manava said she is looking for great support from the audience for her film.

"The film has a great content and it is entertaining too. We want more and more families to watch the film because of its content. It speaks about the necessity of security to your family. It is a sugar-coated pill," she said.

The director said the story was outcome of her mother's experiences while working with children. "My mother (co-producer of the movie) works with children. She has also worked with children who were trafficked and had first hand experience of dealing with the subject. We got associated with NGOs too," Manava said.

The filmmaker said the movie is planned to be screened in Singapore next weekend.