The film was officially announced on 12 November 2022, initially titled Manapmaan. Principal photography began a year later in September 2023 and wrapped by late November 2023. The film features music composed by the trio Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, cinematography handled by Sudheer Palsane and editing by Ashish Mhatre.[7][8]
The film released worldwide on 10 January 2025 and garnered widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike for its performances, music, production appeal, screenplay, and cinematography.
Bela Shende in a guest appearance in the song "Hrutu Vasant"
Production
"My favorite place where I get a lot of positive energy, inspiration and do good work in life is FTII Pune. Katyar Kaljat Ghusali, Ani... Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar and one of my web series muhurat was done here under this very tree."
The film marks Bhave's return to direction after nearly a decade, following his acclaimed 2015 debut with the musical drama Katyar Kaljat Ghusali. Initially announced in 2022 on the seventh anniversary of Katyar Kaljat Ghusali under the title Manapmaan, the film's cast was kept under wraps, with only Bhave confirmed to play the lead role.[14][15] The script for the film took about three and a half years and went through 26 drafts to be finished, making sure the story was perfect.[16] The ceremonial mahurat shot took place at the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune in September 2023.[13] The costumes for the film were designed by the renowned designer Nachiket Barve.[17]
The production later moved to scenic locations across Maharashtra, capturing the beauty of the state in areas such as Bhor, Mahabaleshwar, and Kolhapur.[5] To maintain the serene atmosphere of the era depicted in the story, mobile phones were banned on set, allowing the cast and crew to fully immerse themselves in the calmness of that time period.[18] The fourth schedule wrapped up at the end of November 2023.[19] In mid-November, the trio of singers Shankar Mahadevan, Rahul Deshpande, and Mahesh Kale, who had previously worked together in Bhave's directorial debut film, shot the promotional music video for the song "Vandan Ho" in Mumbai.[20][21] The film version of "Vandan Ho" was shot over two days in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh.[22]
On 12 March 2024, marking the 113th anniversary of the original play's stage debut, the makers announced that the film will release on 1 November 2024, coinciding with Diwali.[26][27] The first look of Bhave in the film was unveiled through a motion poster on the occasion of Gudi Padwa.[28] However, the release date was later postponed to 10 January 2025, with the new date revealed in a poster featuring the three main leads.[29] The film's teaser was released on 1 November 2024 and was attached to Rohit Shetty's multi-starrer Singham Again in theaters.[30][31] On 21 November 2024, the team released their first song "Vandan Ho", featuring the three singers Shankar Mahadevan, Rahul Deshpande, and Mahesh Kale.[20] A music launch event was held on 28 November 2024, in the presence of the film's musicians, choreographers, and the cast and crew, at the Lok Shaheer Anna Bhau Sathe Auditorium, Byculla.[32] The event also showcased a harmonium that was over 125 years old, once used by Govindrao Tembe, who had composed the music for the original play.[23][33] Subsequently, songs "Shura Mee Vandile", "Neet Paha", "Sangu Kasa Me" and "Hrutu Vasant" were released, which generated much hype for the film.[34] On New Year’s Day 2025, the grand title track "Vandan Ho," featuring Amruta Khanvilkar and choreographed by Deepali Vichare, was unveiled. Four days before the film’s release, a romantic song picturized on the characters Dhairyadhar and Vanmala, sung by Sonu Nigam, was released, further amplifying anticipation for the film.[35][36]
Santosh Bhingarde of ESakal described the film as a "great gift of art" and praised its elements, saying, "This musical love story is beautifully complemented by magnificent, divine sets, strong and effortless acting, exceptional art direction, stunning costumes, and melodious music."[40] Jaydeep Pathakji of The Times of India rated the film 3 out of 5 stars, comparing it to Bhave’s directorial debut, Katyar Kaljat Ghusali (KKG), he noted, "One thing that stands out is the mix of new and old songs which happened seamlessly in KKG, but not here. That said, the songs in themselves are beautiful." Summing up his review, he wrote, "This is a film that you can savour with your eyes and ears, albeit with a little amount of patience."[41]Maharashtra Times appreciated the film's production values, performances, music, and technical aspects, stating, "The grandeur of the film is the strong point of the film."[42] Amol More of Latestly praised the film's performances, music, screenplay, and cinematography, stating, "While the film excels in several technical and artistic aspects, its flaws overshadow its strengths, leaving audiences with mixed feelings."[43] Rajiv Vijayakar of News India Times described Sangeet Manapmaan as "a showcase of all-round brilliance" and wrote, "The film may come across to detractors as something very 1960s to 1980s, or TV serial-ish, but when the emotions connect and you feel for the characters, the filmmakers’ victory lies in making a movie that even today’s viewers will adore and take back home," he rated the film 4.5 stars.[44] Ashish Ningurkar of MyMahanagar praised the film in his positive review, stating, "With a grand ensemble of talented artists and exceptional singers, Sangeet Manapman has the potential to resonate worldwide, much like Baahubali."[45] Reshma Raikwar of Loksatta wrote, "The combined efforts of acting, screenplay, and music make the fairy tale in Sangeet Manapaman, though not perfect, definitely an innovative experience."[46]
Devendra Jadhav of Lokmat Filmy awarded the film 3 out of 5 stars, criticizing its predictability and length, he wrote, "The hard work and creativity are appreciated but somewhere after the movie ends, there is a disappointment in the mind."[47] The reviewer from Film Information found the story intriguing but felt the screenplay dragged, particularly in the first half, he remarked, "The pace does pick up after interval but even then, the drama appears too long-drawn," while the performances were highly praised.[48] Nandini Ramnath of Scroll.in also criticized the film's length but acknowledged its musical strengths, stating, "Bhave leans heavily on composers Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy to bring Sangeet Manapmaan to life on the big screen. However, the overall lack of attention to the fundamentals of period productions is evident."[49] Sameer Ahire of Movie Talkies gave the film 2.5 out of 5 stars, calling the story outdated, he noted, "Sangeet Manapmaan has some good moments, but it is dragged down by overly dramatic scenes and the utter expressionism that we witnessed in silent movies."[50]
Box office
The film released in approximately 350 screens in Maharashtra, Bangalore, Indore and other places across India.
