I tell Manju Warrier about his first memory from Malayalam cinema. Shaji in Kelas Aram Thampuran, She oversees Mohanlal, a malignant Mohanlal in the first scene of the 1997 blockbuster. She beautifully describes her character’s Voshan in a small scene that sets tone for her chemistry with Mohanlal.

When did she realize that she could stand out on her own in a star-centric industry? Says Manju, “I was very inexperienced to think in this way,” Mansu says, who inspired her contemporaries and budding women actors by acting in complex roles in the Malayalam film industry.

“I thank those who wrote beautiful characters for me. In those days, my contribution to a film was limited to acting. I did not have an exposure to give anything suggested to the director. I did not know what was happening with my films after my work was over, ”she believes.

Today, Manju ensures a all -round participation in his projects. A decade ago, he indicated his return after a long break with films. how old are you. Since the 2014 hit family drama, Manju has been the face of his films, especially in Malayalam. “Now I include myself in every stage of filmmaking, from script discussion to post-production. My projects are like a group of friends collaborating to make something interesting, ”she says.

Manju Warrier in ‘Footage’

The actor has been in the competition with his latest film in news, Footage, Being another unique attempt. 2024 Malayalam film will be released in Hindi on March 07, 2025, in which Anurag Kashyap will present the dubbed edition. The found-footage film, which revolves around a curious couple, is directed by Debu Siju Sreedharan, who has edited popular films like like Maheshint Pratikikram (2016) and Kumblengi Nights (2019).

Footage After sports flicks represents Manju’s effort to crack a different style (Karinkunnam 6 of), Children’s film (Joe and child), Legal drama (C/O Saira Banu), Biopic (Aami), Comedy (Mohanlal), and music (Mary Avas Sano,

“after how old are you, I started getting a similar script, “Manju shows. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews, how old are you It felt like a statement by the actor. The film tells the story of a woman who decides to change her life at the age of 36. After the success of the film, I heard stories about a woman, which was facing challenging challenges and overcoming all problems in her life. I wanted to act in many types of stories, “Manju says, explaining about the choice of films.

Footage She says that there was an exciting film to pull. “The film has very few characters, and each scene had to have a shot. All scenes were carefully choreographed, and we worked closely with the cinematographer (Shinoz) from the planning phase. ,

Gayatri Ashok and Visak Nair in ‘footage’

Manju has entered Hindi cinema in the film. A project with R Madhavan, titled American Pandit, It was believed that she was starting Hindi. However, the film is currently on hold. ,Splitted pundit Was directed by Kalpesh Garg. We were shooting more than half of the film when the epidemic was killed. Madhavan then got busy in his direction RocketryAnd later, due to various reasons, we could not take the film back together, I wish it would come out a day. It is a beautiful film, “she provides.

Risk in Footage Manju says that a raga with Anurag Kashyap, which is known “for making path-breaking films”. “Anurag Sir’s love for Malayalam films is well known. When we met for the first time, I wondered that he knew about my work. He has a fixed audience in Hindi, and I hope that the film impresses him. ,

We see a conscious decision to do something different with each film. However, all the risks of Manju have not paid. “My decisions have gone wrong,” she believes. “I learn from mistakes and go with flow. I cannot say that this is the right way to deal with failures, but it works for me. I do not plan much. I go with my instinct, ”she says.

Does this approach make him less concerned about competition in his field? “I don’t know about competition, but I have enjoyed watching many women performances in recent times. Last year, Parvati (Thiravothu) was impressive Owljuku And Thanglan. I am a big fan of Urvashi Chechi, And she was fantastic Ulozuku. ,

Footage There is a thriller, a style that is obsessed obsessed with Malayalam filmmakers. For his credit, he has constantly created solid thriller. However, is there a risk of creating a feeling of fatigue inside the audience with a gynecology exaggeration? “It’s not about trying the same formula,” says Manju.

“Films are not working because they are thriller. They have succeeded because the material is good. If you do not have the content that attach the audience, it may be a backfire after a trend.

Manju is tight about her next, much awaited sequel L2: Empuran, Mohanlal starred“Lucifer (2019) Was very much loved, and I can’t wait to see Impuan On the big screen. My character is very interesting. “In the second phase of his career, what does it encourage him to be a part of a star-powered film?” Is it about the lessons that you get from being part of a dress? “No. For me, this is about the influence of my character on the story. It’s not just about being on a big set. It’s about what my character has to do in the plot.”