Rating:**1/2

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Directed by: Sandeep A Varma

Starring: Sasho Satyiish Saarthy, Yashpal Sharma, Seema Biswas, KishorKadam, Anjorie Alagh, Faisal Rashid

What's it about:Based on the true story of Shanmugham Manjunath, the film attempts tothrow light on the reasons leading to his death and how his attempt toexpose the corrupt business of selling adulterated diesel cost him hislife. There are episodes that tell us why he grew up to be the personhe was, as Sandeep Varma brings in supporting characters who create adramatic interpretation of events leading to his final hours. If yougoogle up his name and read up some material before watching thisfilm, it will be more impactful and interesting.

What's hot:Full marks to the research team for putting together the script. Giventhe subject it is commendable that they have managed to also showcasethe sometimes complex yet subtle relationships Manjunath had with hisparents and friends. Seema Biswas does a fantastic job of playing hismother and we wonder why we don't get to see more of her in suchstrong author backed roles. Sarathy too is a great find to play thelead role and he does it with ease. Varma despite the dangling swordof making his film commercially viable is able to get his audienceengaged in the somewhat uneven storyline.

What's not:Parts of the film seem forced and rehearsed. Especially portionsleading up to his death and the after math needed a better graph. Italso tests your patience and there is no instant gratification. Youhave to wait till the very end to get a bird eye view of the filmsmotive. Sequences involving the court case, police enquiry, candlelight vigil marches seem like a bad cut paste job.

What to do:Manjunath is a story that needs to be told in a time when corruptionhas seeped into every tiny crevice of our society. We wish the effortwas more hard hitting than its attractive posters.