Joining a debutant’s vision
Actress Sai Tamhankar is all set to feature in the upcoming Marathi film Tumbadchi Manjula, directed by debutant Vividh Korgaonkar. The project marks Korgaonkar’s first feature, and Tamhankar couldn’t be more excited to be part of it.
Speaking about her decision to work with a first-time director, Tamhankar shared, “Working with someone new and being a part of their first project is always special. It constantly reminds me that when I was new to the industry, many people and directors placed their trust in me.”
She added, “That feeling is incredibly inspiring and empowering. If I can pass on that same sense of confidence and encouragement to someone working on their first film, it becomes truly meaningful and impactful.”
Why fresh voices matter
The actress, who has worked across Bollywood and Marathi cinema, has collaborated with a range of directors including Nagraj Manjule on Matka King, Hitesh Bhatia on Dabba Cartel, Rahul Dholakia on Agni, Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar on Ground Zero, and Laxman Utekar on Mimi. Despite her experience, she finds working with new directors uniquely rewarding.
“I also enjoy working with directors who have different working styles and creating in varied environments,” she said. “Being part of someone’s first and most important project is always special, and I genuinely love that feeling; it is enriching. There is a unique sense of satisfaction in supporting new voices and fresh talent in any form.”
Tamhankar’s comments highlight a growing trend in the industry where established actors are increasingly backing debut filmmakers, bringing their star power and experience to fresh narratives.
What to expect from ‘Tumbadchi Manjula’
While details about the plot remain under wraps, Tumbadchi Manjula is generating buzz as a promising Marathi debut. Directed by Vividh Korgaonkar, the film is expected to showcase a unique storytelling style, with Tamhankar’s performance being a major draw.
With her track record of choosing diverse roles—from the fiercely independent Barkha in Matka King to her nuanced performance in Mimi—fans are eager to see what she brings to this new project. The film is yet to announce a release date, but insiders suggest it could hit screens later this year.
For now, Tamhankar’s words serve as a reminder that in an industry often driven by big budgets and star power, there’s still space for mentorship and creative collaboration. As she puts it, supporting new voices is not just about giving back—it’s about enriching the art itself.