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Jimmy Sheirgill stars alongside Kulraj Randhawa of Kareena Kareena fame in Mannat, a love story set amidst the turbulent events of 80s Punjab. Based on a true story, the film has everything from high emotion and tear-jerking drama to stoic characters who capture the spirit of the Punjab. On the downside, the film is characteristic of the tendency of Indian cinema towards the maudlin. Mannat will probably appeal to a mature audience who perhaps enjoy indulging in an emotionally laden sob-fest.

Enlisted to seek out militants in the Punjab, army officer Nirpal Singh (Jimmy Sheirgill) encounters local village girl Parsanno (Kulraj Randhawa). Wrongly suspected of militant activity, her brother is in hiding and her family are persecuted by the police. Lending his support to the family, Nirpal quickly falls in love with Parsanno. The two marry and share a brief period of happiness before tragedy strikes.

"WEIGHS YOU DOWN WITH EMOTIONAL INTENSITY"

It's been a good month for Punjabi cinema, with three quality releases taking centre stage. Mannat offers further evidence of the improved standard of filmmaking. It's a touching story, well-told and cinematically well-executed. Though it's not an especially demanding role, Kulraj Randhawa makes the transition from the small screen to big screen seamlessly. Jimmy Sheirgill delivers a characteristically sincere performance and the two convey a tenderness between them that makes the love element convincing. Based as it is on a true and tragic story of one man's life, the film may weigh you down somewhat with its emotional intensity. But if heavy drama and a dose of harsh reality is your thing, then Mannat will certainly hit you in the emotional jugular.