Manisha Koirala's shocking comeback this Friday 
By Joginder Tuteja, January 16, 2008 - 18:06 IST
Now this one would go down as one of the most shocking comebacks of not just the current year but for a much longer time period. Imagine a top actress from the past returning to celluloid after a hiatus and let aside any hype or hoopla, there is not enough the slightest hint of awareness created amongst the audience. To top it, the film even has the actress playing the central protagonist in the title role but surprisingly there is zilch buzz around the project.
Well, the film in question is Tulsi - Mathru Devo Bhava, the release day is this Friday i.e. 18th January and the actress is, hold your breath, none other than Manisha Koirala.
Yes, that's right. 3 years after she was last seen as a lead actress in Mumbai Express (2005), Manisha Koirala is returning as a leading lady in Tulsi - Mathru Devo Bhava sans any fanfare. In between she was seen as a supporting actress in films like Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story (2005), Anjaane - The Unknown (2005), Darwaza Bandh Rakho (2006) and Anwar (2007) but each of them met with a disastrous fate at the box office.
Now even as she returns with Tulsi - Mathru Devo Bhava this Friday, there are as good as minimal chances for the film to fare any better since as it is clearly suffering from poor marketing, patchy promotion and haphazard release. What a pity because the film has none other than Irrfan Khan as Manisha's on-screen husband.
Surprisingly, no one associated with the project seems to be showing any inclination towards making audience aware about the film. Neither of the two actors has spoken a word about the film so far whereas the quality of promos also lacks the kind of finesse which could attract audience towards the theaters.
Also, if one tries to read between the lines, it is quite apparent that Manisha has been totally sidelined from the film's publicity. Promos which are currently on air at a select few satellite channels have Irrfan Khan in focus with Manisha conspicuous by her absence. Ironical, since it is Manisha who is supposed to be the central protagonist of the film while playing the title role.
Many moons ago when the film's shooting was completed, Irrfan had declared, “It is a highly emotional film, something which will hit you in your face. I like working in such movies, which have a strong script." He was also mighty impressed by Manisha and commented that he had become a big fan of hers after seeing her act. Calling her a natural actress, he also complimented her for being a fabulous human being.
However, currently it is a sad situation for producer C H Padmavathi and director K. Ajayakumar who have set Tulsi - Mathru Devo Bhava as the remake of 1993 Telugu hit Mathru Devo Bhava. Incidentally, K. Ajayakumar was the director of the original version as well. Madhavi had bagged a National Award for the role which is being played by Manisha in the remake.
The film also features yesteryear actor Vikram (Julie, Swami) who plays the character of a man who runs an 'ashram' which takes care of orphans. Says Vikram, "The film revolves around three characters - Manisha Koirala, Irrfan Khan and myself. It is a very hard-hitting subject."
Coming back to Manisha, she would be seen in yet another delayed project, God Tussi Great Ho, later this year. Hope she is more visible once this Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra starrer film gets ready for release.
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