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The glitz and gloss of Bollywood has attracted millions of aspirants to be part of the film industry and 'Manoranjan' is the story of such people who taste either success or failure during their period of struggle. In the past, films have been made on such subjects but they are just handful. It all started off with Hrishikesh Mukherjee's 'Guddi' where movie buff Jaya Bhaduri falls for the charm of superstar Dharmedra. From there the journey has been slow and subtle with films like 'Film Hi Film', 'Aadharshala' and the recently released 'The Film', 'Jigyasa' and 'Madhubala'. The subject of capturing the lifestyles of the film industry on celluloid has been poorly conceived with amateurish attempts. 'Manoranjan' falls into such a cadre where the unpopular concept has been handled poorly.

The film has much negative points that it becomes difficult to find out anything appealing. 'Manoranjan' narrates the story of aspiring actors from a small village to star struck novice producers, managers and assistants, casting couch and underworld nexus. It looks foolhardy as a director focuses on irrelevant aspects, such as, lewd film financer doing tomfoolery, struggling actress making silly comments and star secretary making mockery of the film industry. It could have been an innovative subject but it seems that the new crop of directors doesn't have the relevant script. The film industry has been making news for all these matters but the way 'Manoranjan' turns these concepts into script is pathetic and absurd. The film tries to unveil behind the scene truth but it derails from the subject completely. The film runs through the mindset of unsuccessful but manipulative star secretary (Vijay Raaz) who cons lewd star struck producer (Vishawajeet Pradhan). In between there is struggle of aspiring actors (Aryan Vaid and newcomer Kavitta) and the rags to riches dreams of small village boy (Sudanshu Pandey).

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Director Karan Choudhry minces all the news making aspects into script writing but falters at all places. It fails to paint the lifestyles of a Bollywood celebrity. In fact, the film moves through the director's weird perception that unfolds this forgettable melodrama. 'The Film' (Mahima Chaudhry) proved a suspense thriller whereas 'Madhubala' was loosely inspired from the Madhur Bhanderkar-Preeti Jain casting couch controversy. 'Jigyasa' was based on casting couch melodrama encapsulating drug addiction and underworld nexus with unimpressive presentation.

All four films were poorly baked and failed to create any impact or stir on viewers. Bollywood hasn't taken subjects dealing with film industry's intricacies seriously and it has never been the hot subject among noted filmmakers. It is ridiculous that such subjects have erupted from small budget filmmakers who have tried to paint film industry black.

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Mahesh Bhatt's forthcoming presentation 'Woh Lamhe' might prove path breaking for all those who aspire to conceptualize glamour world on celluloid. The film is proposed to be based on Mahesh Bhatt - Parveen Babi relationship. 'Manoranjan' starts off with film journalist (Rajesh Puri) interviewing star secretary Subbbu (Vijay Raaz) for an interesting story for his magazine. The film takes flight through flashbacks and focuses on two Bollywood aspirants -- Rahul (Aryan Vaid) and Priya (Kavitta). Rahul along with his ambitious friend Vicky (Sudhanshu Pandey) comes to Mumbai from Moradabad ( Uttar Pradesh) for a better life. Both of them hail from Subbu's native village, so Subbu shelters them. Priya, a Bollywood aspirant from Haryana, is a huge fan of noted film star Maya (Aditi Gowritkar). During the shooting of one song, Maya faints and Priya rescues her. Priya, an orphanage by birth is sheltered by Maya but her dreams of attaining stardom make her Maya's bitter enemy. Subbu employs Rahul as spot boy in his production company while Vicky becomes Maya's driver. Subbu hires script writer Karu Pandey (Makrand Deshpande) to pen script for him. The struggles of Priya and Rahul bring them closer resulting in their love relationship.

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Pappu Chowdhary (Vishwajeet Pradhan) is a Maya-obsessed financer, who has big plans to work with her. His aspiration brings him closer to Subbu but he is conned by him. Somehow the film is planned and Maya is signed in special appearance with Rahul and Priya in lead roles. Maya has stressed professional life as she is repeatedly threatened by underworld don Siddiqui for film proposals and grand parties. One day Vicky confronts Siddiqui that results in his termination from the driver's job. Vicky joins the rival gang and becomes Siddiqui's arch rival in the world of crime.

The proposed film is completed with success with Rahul and Priya attaining stardom and Vicky losing his life in gang war. Maya breathes her last in hospital after witnessing Priya's success. The film ends on a dull and dry note that it becomes difficult to single out its promising aspects.

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Besides script and screenplay, the film has many discouraging aspects. Among the acting departments, Sudhanshu Pandey and Aditi Gowritikar show some promise. Aryan Vaid is purely a semi-baked characterization. The film was proposed to be a comical satire and Aryan was supposed to provide a surprise package but it sinks without trace. Newcomer Kavitta is non actor by all standards. The actress neither has strong screen presence nor the flair for acting. She is the weakest link among actors.

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Aditi Gowritikar, an ex-Gladrags mega model, is one of the most underrated talents in Bollywood. The beautiful actress is relegated to such loosely packed ventures that one really questions her stature of being mega model. Aditi acts well and shows acting prowess in emotional scenes. Sudhanshu Pandey is another promising person but the poorly baked role has nothing to offer. He showed promise in 'Yakeen' and with 'Manoranjan' he comes up with another fine performance. Makrand Deshapande overacts in a hysterical role. Vijay Raaz gives some decent performance in couple of scenes where he narrates his heart-felt emotions about his experiences.

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Nayab-Raja's music is completely avoidable. Baboo Khanna's action scenes are contemporary. 'Manoranjan' takes off with zero publicity, low face value, poor music and low expectations from trade circuit, media and audiences. It has failed to capture theatres for its release and will prove to be a non-starter from the day one. It disappoints completely and will be a total washout as compared to three other releases this week. In short, 'Manoranjan' lacks entertainment and will breath shortest at the box office.