If an element is behaving as reducing agent, that means, it itself is undergoing oxidation , that is , there is loss of electron. While for reduction there is gain of electron.
Cr2+ has the configuration 3d4. It can lose electron to form 3d3 which has stable configuration ( as it has half -filled t2g level). Hence , it is reducing.
On the other hand, Mn3+ also has 3d4. configuration but it can gain electron to form Mn2+ which has stable 3d5. configuration (as it is exactly half - filled). Hence oxidising.