Interview : Manchu Manoj – This film has drained me mentally and physically
Published on Nov 8, 2017 1:23 pm IST

Manchu Manoj is one hero who always tries out different stuff all the time. He is now coming up with a very interesting film called Okkadu Migiladu. On this occasion, we caught up with him for a very detailed interview. Here is the transcript.

How is the film going to be?

I want to tell everyone that our film is a very hard-hitting serious film where there will be no comedy and commercial elements. So, I want everybody to come in well prepared for a very intense ride where an issue will be discussed with a lot of emotions.

Tell us about your role in the film?

I play two different roles of a student leader and LTTE head. Both my roles will be quite intense and I support the cause in the film just like any other character. There won’t be any elevation scenes or heroic episodes to showcase my talent. You will be surprised to know that for about half an hour I won’t be seen in the second half.

Don’t you think not being seen for such a long time will go against the film?

As I told you, my role is going with the storyline and this is the time where an intense boat scene will be showcased. This is one of the highlights of the film and will be quite heart touching. The audience is quite matured these days and will go with the flow of how the scene is conceived.

Did you do research about Prabhakaran?

Yes! a lot. My role is loosely based on him and we had to get some facts right to make things likable. But during the making, I got to know about his fight and what he did for everyone.

How difficult was it performing in such an intense role?

Okkadu Migiladu is the most intense role I have done to date. The manner in which my leader role was portrayed drained me physically and mentally. It took me months to come out of this role as the seriousness of the film and emotions took a heavy toll on me.

What made you speak so emotionally during the audio release?

As the film is made by some young talents, we faced many problems. Right from the theaters to the release, everything is a tension. This is where I felt that a system should be in place to rectify all such problems. There should be a body who will help people like us to release our films smoothly. Seeing all these issues and the others going on in the society, I felt that I should stop doing films and help the needy. That was the reason also I made that tweet but my brother consoled me and told me that things don’t work like that and asked me to fight in a different way.

You mean to say that you will stop doing films and join politics?

I am not talking about politics but one fine day, I will surely get into social service and help whoever is in problems.

What kind of response is the film generating from the inner circles?

All those who have seen the film have liked it immensely and felt the strong emotions. I hope everyone connects and comes with an open mind to see the film.

Future Projects?

I am doing an out and out love story next with a debutante director.

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