In the world of Indian cinema, certain collaborations create an instant buzz, promising a blend of talent and charisma that fans eagerly anticipate. Such is the case with the forthcoming Tamil film ‘Vettaiyan’, which brings together the legendary actor Rajinikanth and acclaimed director T.J. Gnanavel. Adding to the ensemble is the vibrant Malayalam actress, Manju Warrier, who couldn’t have been more thrilled to be part of this cinematic venture.
In an exclusive telephone conversation from Kochi, Manju Warrier captured the excitement of her involvement in ‘Vettaiyan’ by likening it to a “double jackpot.” Her enthusiasm was palpable as she recounted the moment the offer first came through. “When the offer came from Gnanavel sir’s side, I was unaware that Rajinikanth sir was also part of the project. The opportunity to collaborate with Gnanavel sir, renowned for ‘Jai Bhim’, was compelling enough for me to accept it without a second thought,” she shared.
To be cast opposite Rajinikanth was an unexpected bonus for Manju, and she expressed her astonishment and gratitude for getting to share screen space with the Superstar. Reflecting on her role as Thara, the wife of Rajinikanth’s character, she admitted that acting alongside such a colossal figure was beyond her dreams. The film’s star-studded cast also includes Bollywood’s Amitabh Bachchan, and stars like Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Ritika Singh, and Thushara Vijayan, promising a dynamic cinematic experience.
Recounting her first shoot day with Rajinikanth, Manju described a scene that oscillated between nervousness and exhilaration. “Initially, I was anxious, but once the cameras rolled, everything seemed to fall into place. Watching the playback made the entire experience surreal. Realizing I had just acted with Rajinikanth was an indescribable moment,” she reminisced.
Social media has been ablaze with reactions following the release of ‘Manasilaayo’, a vibrant dance number featuring Manju Warrier, Rajinikanth, and composer Anirudh Ravichander.
. The song has quickly taken the internet by storm, with its lyric video skyrocketing past 45 million views and inspiring over 400,000 Reels on Instagram. Manju’s sizzling performance in the red sari, alongside the infectious beats, has intrigued fans and profiles alike, revealing another facet of her versatility.
Manju acknowledged the creative prowess of her stylist, Liji Preman, and credited the ‘Vettaiyan’ team for the striking look that has captivated audiences. “The costume and styling played a significant role in creating the vibe that connected with the audience,” she noted. Despite the option to skip rehearsals, Manju insisted on practice, showcasing her dedication to being precise and not hindering the shoot.
When asked about the unique blend of Rajinikanth’s unparalleled charisma with Gnanavel’s directorial signature, Manju expressed her anticipation. Having yet to witness the full narrative unfold, she is curious to see how these contrasting styles meld into a cohesive cinematic journey.
In an industry where being overshadowed by megastars is a common concern, Manju holds faith in Gnanavel’s ability to balance screen space among the characters. Her trust in the director alleviates any apprehension of being sidelined. “I have high expectations for this narrative, where every character gets their due,” she stated confidently.
Describing Rajinikanth as timeless, Manju was struck by his youthful energy and infectious aura on set. What left her amazed was his familiarity with her previous work and personal interests, which included her renowned passion for biking.
With ‘Vettaiyan’, Manju Warrier marks her return to Tamil cinema after remarkable performances in films like ‘Asuran’ and ‘Thunivu’. Despite her relatively sparse presence in Tamil films, she clarifies her preference for roles that challenge and intrigue her.
As the film industry watches this collaboration with bated breath, Manju Warrier continues her exciting journey, embracing opportunities that align with her aspirations. Despite being hailed as a ‘Lady Superstar’ by fans and media alike, Manju humbly downplays the title, focusing instead on projects that genuinely inspire her. ‘Vettaiyan’ is slated to hit theaters on October 10, and its release is eagerly anticipated by audiences across the country.
