It took me 17 years to become a hero - Actor Manikandan
The 36-year-old disclosed that he started in the tamil film business about twenty years ago to become an actor. K Manikandan had a difficult time breaking through in Kollywood; although he never had the chance to pursue acting, he eventually became a scriptwriter and dubbing artist. Even though he had two consecutive tamil successes (Good Night in 2023 and lover in 2024), Manikandan claims he hasn't even begun to work on realizing his aspirations.
The jai Bhim actor discusses his lengthy career in tamil film in an interview with india Herald.
Lover and Good Night were both relationship dramas and you play an ‘angry young man’ in both. Are you worried about getting stereotyped?
Not at all. Although Mohan (Good Night) and Arun (Lover) are two distinct characters, both are romantic dramas. Many individuals, including members of my own family, have informed me that the characters are completely unlike me. However, as you can see from the people I have portrayed, I have made an effort to avoid falling into clichés. Not only will the audience get disinterested, but I will also experience boredom! (Giggles)
You’re well-known as a writer for films like Thambi, vikram Vedha and Viswasam. Was acting on the cards at any time?
I work in theatre and have always aspired to be an actress. I went into the tamil film business to become an actor, but at the time, I didn't get the best treatment possible. After two years of difficulty, I decided to start writing. I continue to write, and I am currently able to juggle both of my occupations with ease. I now concentrate more on creating scripts for films that I hope to direct in the future.
Today, you are a successful actor. Have you fulfilled your dream?
Not at all! I'm not even close to finishing my dreams. I've said it several times in interviews, but I never even got around to completing one of my goals of seeing a movie by the time I was thirty. However, that's alright. It has been a wait that has let me mature.
But you have struggled to reach where you are.
I don't want to gloat about my problems since there are those who have had worse struggles than I have. For me, there was a lot of waiting involved, along with several betrayals. I had to give up a great deal in many ways. I spent my whole youth and early adulthood devoted to films. I didn't lead a typical life as today's youth do, which includes going to parties, the workplace, and hangouts with friends. That's not anything I've encountered.