“It felt like winning a double jackpot!” This is how Manju Warrier enthusiastically describes her experience of being involved in the film “Vettaiyan,” which features none other than the iconic Rajinikanth and is directed by the acclaimed TG Gnanavel, renowned for his impactful film, “Jai Bhim.”
Speaking over the phone from the serene city of Kochi, the celebrated Malayalam actress shared her excitement upon receiving an offer from Gnanavel. “When the offer came from Gnanavel sir’s side, I didn’t even know that Rajini sir was in the movie. The fact that I was getting a chance to work with Gnanavel sir was enough for me to say yes,” Warrier recalls. Her voice drips with admiration for the director’s craft, which had been a significant pull for her to join the project before even learning that she would be acting alongside the legendary Rajinikanth.
Sharing the screen with Rajinikanth was never in Warrier’s dreams. “When I learned I was acting opposite Rajini sir, it was like ‘Wow’. I cannot even call it a dream come true because I had never dreamt about acting with him!” she exuberantly declared, unable to fully articulate what it felt like to be involved in such a milestone moment in her career.
In “Vettaiyan,” Warrier portrays the role of Thara, the wife of Rajinikanth’s character. The film promises an outstanding star cast, featuring legends like Amitabh Bachchan, the versatile Fahadh Faasil, and celebrated actors such as Rana Daggubati, Ritika Singh, and Thushara Vijayan. The magnitude of this cast elevates the anticipation surrounding the film’s release.
Reflecting on her first cinematic encounter with Rajinikanth, Warrier describes a significant mix of nerves and excitement as she faced the camera. “I was nervous before the shot, but the shoot went off well. After I finished the sequence and looked at the monitor, a realization hit me… I just did a shot with Superstar Rajinikanth. It was a surreal moment,” she reminisces, encapsulating an extraordinary blend of awe and satisfaction.
One of the highlights of “Vettaiyan” is undoubtedly the high-energy number “Manasilaayo.” Featuring Warrier, Rajinikanth, and the vibrant composer Anirudh, the song’s lyric video swiftly became a social media sensation.
. “It was when I saw the Reels on Instagram that I realized it is all happening. I have not done a song with such a vibe in my career,” Warrier says, reflecting on how her collaboration in the song has reached astounding figures—over 400k Reels and 45 million lyric video views.
Choreographed by Dinesh and shot over five intense days, Warrier was diligent in perfecting her performance. “Even though the team said that I needn’t rehearse, I insisted on doing it. I didn’t want to make any mistakes on the day of the shoot and delay the proceedings,” she points out, crediting her friend-cum-stylist Liji Preman and the team of “Vettaiyan” for her look that has captured the audience’s imagination.
When asked about the blend of Gnanavel’s directorial signature and Rajinikanth’s star power, Warrier expressed anticipation and confidence. “I haven’t seen the full movie, so I can’t say more about that. They are poles apart, but I expect to see a beautiful fusion,” she explains, reinforcing her trust in the director’s ability to harmonize dynamic cinematic elements.
Warrier’s portrayal in “Vettaiyan” marks her third Tamil film, following her impressive performances in “Asuran” with Dhanush (2019) and “Thunivu” with Ajith (2022). Queries on her relatively minimal presence in Tamil cinema are met with a clear reply: she seeks substantial roles. “I want to do solid characters, and when I wait for that, it takes time,” Warrier articulates, affirming her dedication to quality over quantity.
Furthermore, she shares that except for differences in filming schedules, her experiences working within Malayalam and Tamil industries are mostly alike. Despite not being fluent, she states, “I am comfortable speaking Tamil.”
Warrier’s excitement shines through as she discusses her upcoming Tamil projects, “Mr X” alongside Arya and Gautham Karthik, and Vetrimaaran’s “Viduthalai 2” featuring Vijay Sethupathi. Each represents a new avenue for exploration and challenge in her flourishing career.
At 46, Manju Warrier’s resurgence in cinema since her comeback in 2014 with “How Old Are You?” highlights her as a major force in Malayalam cinema, transitioning seamlessly into the Tamil film industry. Despite commonly being referred to as a ‘lady superstar,’ Warrier humbly deflects the title. “I genuinely do not want to be called that!” she emphasizes with sincerity.
The highly anticipated “Vettaiyan” is set for theatrical release on October 10, a date fans and cinema enthusiasts eagerly await, hoping to witness the magic that unfolds with Manju Warrier and Rajinikanth sharing the silver screen.
