Subhash Ghai and Shreyas Talpade are working together again on Manya, returning to a creative partnership that began with Iqbal two decades ago. The new drama comes as Ghai marks 50 years in cinema and Mukta Arts celebrates its 48th anniversary on October 24.
Directed by Sameer Joshi, Manya is produced by Mukta Arts and Puneet Aggarwal. It follows a young boy from the slums who turns to theft, examining the circumstances that shape his choices and the course his life takes.
Ghai spoke warmly about collaborating with Talpade again, praising the actor’s versatility and the emotional depth he brings to the film. “Working with Shreyas Talpade for this film has been a wonderful experience,” he said.
Pointing to Talpade’s work in Iqbal, Apna Sapna Money Money and Golmaal, Ghai said his performance in Manya had reminded him of the actor’s ability to make a character feel authentic. He also indicated that the reunion could lead to more films together.
The project is part of a wider slate taking shape at Mukta Arts. Alongside theatrical films, the company is preparing animation features, OTT series and documentaries as it enters another year.
Ghai’s upcoming projects also include Khalnayak Returns with Sanjay Dutt and a courtroom drama featuring Anil Kapoor. Further announcements about the films and their casts are expected in due course.
Across his career, Ghai has been associated with films including Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Pardes and Taal. His production work has also included Iqbal, Black & White and Joggers’ Park. With Manya, his latest collaboration with Talpade brings that history into Mukta Arts’ next slate.