Beguru Colony fights for playgrounds: Manju

Manju, a former national-level kho-kho player known as the Flying King for his agility, has turned his focus to filmmaking with a purpose. His second film, Beguru Colony, following his farmer-centric debut Rajeeva, highlights the urgent need for playgrounds and physical activity among today’s youth.

Calling it a cult subject, Manju casts Bigg Boss contestant and Usire Usire actor Rajeev Hanu as the protagonist, Raghavan, while also playing the role of Gaali Shiva. The film revolves around a community’s struggle to secure a playground, stressing the importance of outdoor spaces for children.

Manju, drawing from his athletic background, believes today’s screen-addicted generation needs access to playgrounds for their well-being. Kids are glued to phones, and we see more of them wearing glasses. We never had these issues growing up. This film is not just about awareness—it’s about finding solutions, he says.

Beguru Colony also sheds light on how middle-class youth get caught in political struggles, adding another layer to its narrative. Featuring Pallavi Parva, Keerthi Bhandari, and a strong supporting cast, the film releases on January 31 in Karnataka, with limited screenings in Tamil Nadu. With cinematography by Karthik S and music by Abhinandan Kashyap, Beguru Colony stands as a call for action to safeguard the future of the next generation.