Review: Mano Ya Na Mano — A Remake Resonating with Indian Emotions and Sensibilities

The 2007 Hollywood film The Man From Earth told the story of a departing university professor who claims to be more than 14,000 years old. Set entirely in and around the professor’s home during his farewell gathering, the film unfolds through a series of profound and thought-provoking conversations among his colleagues.

Director #YogeshPagares Mano Ya Na Mano is the official Indian remake of this cult classic, adapted beautifully to align with Indian beliefs and cultural sensibilities. The concept of “Chiranjeevi” — an immortal being — is deeply rooted in Indian mythology, making the idea both relatable and fascinating for the audience. While the thought of a man surviving for 14,000 years and witnessing multiple eras may sound unbelievable, the film explores it with emotional depth and philosophical curiosity.

In Mano Ya Na Mano, Manav (played by #HitenTejwani) reveals during his farewell party that he has lived for over 14,000 years. His friends are stunned — some curious, some skeptical — but one of them, Vansh (#RajivThakur), persistently questions and challenges his claim. The film’s narrative builds on this intellectual tension and culminates in an engaging, thought-provoking climax.

The writing is strong and attempts to balance reason with emotion. Though the screenplay moves at a measured pace, the dialogues are intelligent and keep the audience engrossed. Director Yogesh Pagare succeeds in infusing an Indian emotional connect into a globally conceptual story.
Technically, the film could have benefited from stronger production values and a more polished execution. However, the performances more than make up for it. Hiten Tejwani delivers a calm yet deeply expressive portrayal of Manav; his voice modulation adds authenticity and gravitas to the character. #ShikhaMalhotra, Rajiv Thakur, Hansi Shrivastava, Pournima Navani, and Nihar Thakkar lend credible support, each bringing their own nuance to the ensemble.

Overall, Mano Ya Na Mano is an intriguing cinematic experiment — one that dares to blend philosophy, science, and emotion. It’s a film that deserves appreciation from true lovers of meaningful cinema.

Rating: ***

By Keerti Kadam