Doing roles that demand weight transformation is challenging: Manoj

Although filmmaker SK Satya’s launch vehicle ‘Na Rakumarudu’ did not fare well, Manchu Manoj green his script ‘Gunturrodu’, his forthcoming release. “I was very impressed with his narrative skills, and the script and I have agreed instantly. Moreover, success and failures have nothing to do with talent, which I believe Sathya has aplenty. The plot, inspired by a few real-life incidents, is about how a street-smart chap takes on a goon. It is a slick-action entertainer, and since the film is set in a Guntur-backdrop, we titled so,” Manoj explains.

Chiranjeevi has lent voice over for the action drama thus creating a bigger buzz. “I first asked Ram Charan, but he was shooting in far of locations. A couple of days later, I met Chiranjeevi uncle over a family breakfast and requested him. Despite having a packed-schedule, he honored my request instantly. He also said, ‘let me know if there are any corrections’, what a great actor,” Manoj recaps.

Although the actor’s last release ‘Shourya’ did not fare well, he’s not losing sleep over it. “The role in ‘Shourya’ was a settled one, and something I haven’t done thus far. I experimented, but it did not do well, that’s it. But I like experimenting within my limitations. Right through our growing years, it's been drilled in our minds about commercials fare, but I always aspired to create my own space.

If you now look at films like ‘Prayanam’, ‘Vedam’, etc., I guess these films would have done much better now that how they fared back then. I guess I was ahead of time (smiles). Also, I have been getting feedback (on social media) from my fans and well wishers who have been advising me on the kind of films I have to take up. I totally respect their opinion, but I need to be convinced with what I am doing, so I take the final call after a lot of thought process. Also, I have picked up pace in signing films so that I have the cushion to try something different.”

When experimental films turn out to be colossal failures, where does the motivation to thrive on role versatility come from? “My father is my inspiration and I have seen people giving him bouquets and brickbats. So I realized that I need to constantly work hard, irrespective of the results. But the experience I gain from my earlier films will come in handy. I will take the final call on my scripts, if anyone wants to give me a narration they can directly approach me,” Manoj maintains.

The ‘Bindaas’ star says that his wife Pranathi gives her candid opinion about his films. “She is a film lover and does share her feedback about my looks and performances. But more than that, I have been enjoying doing domestic chores like getting groceries every month, etc (smiles).”
Of late, Manoj has been starring in a slew of films that demand change in look and physique. He describes, “Dealing with weight and body transformation is challenging initially, but after a certain point you’’ get used to it (laughs).

For ‘Shourya’ I have put on kilos and for ‘Attack’ I should lean, similarly for my next film I should gain weight, but from next time, I take up roles only that demand me to look lean and ripped,” he reveals. Another step in the direction of ‘trying to be innovative’, is the actor’s next film ‘Okkadu Migiladu’, where Manoj reprises former LTTE militant chief Prabhakaran. “Director Ajay Andrews Nuthakki came up with a superb script and it is an intense action thriller. It has a huge action episode in a war backdrop.

The film has a heroic angle to the protagonist. It is not exactly a biopic, but will highlight significant moments in his life.” While ‘Okkadu Migiladu’ is still in the making, Manoj is preparing groundwork for Kollywood debut. “I will make my Tamil debut this year. I am in the process of finalizing my scripts and other formalities.” The actor also revealed that he is planning to star in a female-centric film, which is based on women crimes. Reacting on actress Bhavana’s incidents, Manoj reveals, “I am planning to make a film on women assaults, it’s still in the nascent stage and I shall reveal all the details soon.”