Onam is a time when everyone comes together to celebrate: Manju Warrier

Even though Manju Warrier isn’t big on celebrating Onam, she tells us that she likes the spirit of the festival and the fact that everyone comes together to enjoy its essence. In a chat with us, she also delves into all the exciting projects that she is currently a part of, including Rajinikanth’s Vettaiyan, Vetri Maaran’s Viduthalai Part 2 and Prithviraj’s Mohanlal-starrer L2: Empuraan.
‘I LIKE THE SPIRIT OF EVERYONE COMING TOGETHER DURING ONAM’
What I love about Onam is that it’s a time when everyone comes together to celebrate irrespective of their caste, religion, and everything else. I like that spirit during Onam. Generally in Kerala, that’s the same for all festivals, whether it’s Onam, Christmas or Ramzan. It’s not like only a few people celebrate these festivals but everyone enjoys their essence together.
‘This Onam, I might be shooting for Vidudhalai Part 2’
As far as celebrating festivals is concerned, I usually go with the flow and the atmosphere around me. If I’m shooting for a film and not able to go home, I join the film’s team as they celebrate Onam. I don’t take the initiative and organise celebrations during festivals and it has always been like this. If you ask me where I was last Onam, I don’t remember. This Onam, I might be shooting for Vetri Maaran’s Vidudhalai Part 2.
‘AFTER WATCHING JAI BHIM, I WISHED TO WORK WITH ITS DIRECTOR’
Lijomol Jose gave one of her best performances in Jai Bhim, and that shows how good a director he is to bring out such wonderful performances from actors. After watching the film, I wished I could with its director. You feel like that when you are watching certain films. So, I was happy when Gnanavel sir approached me for Vettaiyan. When he said the film also has Rajini sir, it added to the happiness.
‘TO SEE RAJINI SIR’S STYLE IN PERSON WAS AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE’
I’m playing Rajini sir’s wife in Vettaiyan and my character will have an important presence and influence in his character’s life. I play Tara, a vlogger. I have only seen Rajini sir’s stylish mannerisms and swag in films before. It’s something I have liked seeing on screen and to get to see that in person was an entirely different experience. I’m honoured that I’m getting to share screen space with actors like Rajini sir and Vijay Sethupathi sir (in Viduthalai Part 2), who are unconditionally loved by the audience. Both of them have their own identity and are loved for it.
‘MANASILAAYO IS THE FIRST TIME I’VE DANCED TO AN ANIRUDH SONG’
It was fun shooting the song Manasilaayo. The experience of so many people dancing together to the same hook step was new for me. I haven’t really done a song that’s on such a grand scale before. I have seen and enjoyed such songs only in movies till now and to be part of one feels nice. I couldn’t even count the number of dancers! Also, it’s the first time I’ve danced to an Anirudh song.
‘WHO WOULD WANT TO MISS A VETRI MAARAN FILM?’
When Vetri Maaran sir told me about the character in Viduthalai, I happily jumped at the chance. Who would want to miss a Vetri Maaran film? They had already shot a few portions and he wanted to add this character. I was lucky that I suited his vision of that character. More than half of my portions are yet to be shot.
‘I’M HAPPY TO BE GETTING BEAUTIFUL FILMS IN TAMIL’
I have been part of films that are very different from one another. Asuran isn’t similar to Thunivu, which isn’t similar to Vettaiyan. So are Mr X and Viduthalai. I’m happy that I’m getting to be part of beautiful films in Tamil. When I sign a film, I only think about whether I’d want to see that movie. That’s the only logic that I apply.