In a thrilling confluence of star power and visionary direction, the upcoming film ‘Vettaiyan’ has become a centerpiece of anticipation in the Indian film industry. For celebrated Malayalam actress Manju Warrier, landing a role in this film feels akin to hitting a “double jackpot”. The film, starring the legendary Rajinikanth and directed by renowned filmmaker TG Gnanavel, promises a cinematic experience that blends the iconic charisma of Rajinikanth with the piercing storytelling style of Gnanavel, known for his critically-acclaimed ‘Jai Bhim’.
Describing her initial response to the film offer, Warrier shares, “When I first heard from Gnanavel sir, I knew Rajini sir wasn’t part of the cast. Just the opportunity to work with Gnanavel sir was compelling enough for me to accept immediately.” Speaking from Kochi, she reflects on her surprise and excitement upon learning about Rajinikanth’s involvement. “It was beyond a dream-come-true moment as I hadn’t dared to dream of sharing screen space with such an icon,” she adds, expressing the inexpressible thrill of the serendipitous revelation.
In ‘Vettaiyan’, Warrier steps into the shoes of Thara, the wife of Rajinikanth’s character, making for a significant on-screen partnership among a stellar lineup that includes luminaries such as Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, and Rana Daggubati. The ensemble promised a tapestry of performances that ensures each character contributes meaningfully to the narrative. Warrier admits though that the first shot with the Superstar came loaded with nerves. “Facing the camera alongside him was surreal. Only after watching the playback did the reality of the moment hit me,” she recounts.
As fans eagerly await the release, the film’s promotional material has already captured public imagination, particularly the high-energy dance track ‘Manasilaayo’. Warrier, dancing alongside Rajinikanth to Anirudh’s composition, confesses that she had never before engaged in such an exuberant music video. The vibrant dance number, meticulously choreographed by Dinesh and shot over an intense five-day schedule, has catapulted into the viral stratosphere with over 45 million views on its lyric video. Warrier’s styling—curated by her friend and stylist Liji Preman—features a red sari, an elaborately embroidered blouse, flowing hair, and distinctive black sunglasses, all contributing to her becoming an instant social media sensation.
Amidst overwhelming admiration for her look and performance in ‘Manasilaayo’, Warrier reflects on what it means to be part of a project helmed by Gnanavel with Rajinikanth as the lead.
. “They are a fascinating duo – Gnanavel’s nuanced storytelling combined with Rajinikanth’s magnetic appeal. I am as eager as anyone to see how this rare blend unfolds on screen,” she notes. While questions linger about being overshadowed by Rajinikanth’s towering persona, Warrier remains unfazed, trusting in the director’s ability to balance star power with storytelling depth. “Gnanavel sir’s sensitivity towards each character ensures that everyone has their moment,” she reassures.
Rajinikanth’s exceptional aura is something Warrier cherishes from their collaborative time. Describing him, she says, “He defies age with his youthful energy and down-to-earth interactions, surprising me with his knowledge of my work and personal interests like my motorcycle rides.”
This role marks Warrier’s third foray into Tamil cinema, following noteworthy performances in ‘Asuran’ and ‘Thunivu’. While her appearances on the Tamil screen are less frequent, she emphasizes a dedication to quality over quantity. “Challenging, substantial roles take time to come by,” she states, underlining her selective approach.
Despite the differing production paces between Malayalam and Tamil films, Warrier remains comfortable navigating both worlds, even as she acknowledges the linguistic challenge Hindi might pose. With promising projects like ‘Mr. X’, alongside Arya and Gautham Karthik, and ‘Viduthalai 2’ with Vijay Sethupathi, her career trajectory in Tamil cinema continues to ascend.
Since her return to films post a 14-year hiatus with ‘How Old Are You?’, Warrier has risen to become a high-profile figure in the industry, celebrated for her distinguished style and trendsetting motorcycle escapades. Yet, despite her acclaim, she modestly rejects the label of a “lady superstar”. “It’s a term that doesn’t align with how I view myself,” she insists.
As ‘Vettaiyan’ gears up for its grand release on October 10, it is not just a film that fans await, but an experience where two formidable talents, Rajinikanth and Manju Warrier, promise to offer a memorable cinematic spectacle.
