Lakshmi Manchu has forayed into Malayalam cinema and that too with none other than one of the superstars of the Malayalam film industry — Mohanlal — with the film, Monster. The actress, who has even commenced shooting for the Vyshak-directorial in Kochi, is all excited about her Mollywood debut. “I am still doing somersaults, and trying to find my ground,” says Lakshmi with a laugh at getting the opportunity.
A career breakthrough or sorts
The actress, whose father Mohan Babu remade Mohanlal’s films, tells us how she grew up watching Mohanlal’s films. “Lal Sir is such an inspiration that he’s someone unattainable. And for the kind of journey I had I never thought that the filmmakers even considered me for the film,” she adds.
Of course, when she got a call from the makers for the film, she was jumping in joy. “But Lal sir was so professional that he wanted me to listen to the story and then take a call if I wanted to come on board or not. I think for someone who’s such a big star, that was very kind of him.”
In her excitement and surprise of having been offered the part, Lakshmi tells us she’d even asked the director if he was indeed convinced she’d fit the part.
“He said he knew I’d be apt,” says the actress, who while being tight-lipped about the role, adds it’s quite challenging, and “has several shades.”
As per the actress, this opportunity once again shows people shouldn’t have any boundaries. Lakshmi believes that Malayalam films have always stretched the actors and pushing their envelope. She also states she was heartened at the kind of respect and love she’s getting in Malayalam cinema. “I believe this great opportunity will open more doors for me,” hopes Lakshmi.
Getting started on her M-wood
So how has she been preparing for the film? For starters, Lakshmi says she’s picking up the language. “I think Malayalam is easy to learn if you know Tamil well,” she states. So can we expect her to dub for her lines in Malayalam? “I don’t know, but the film unit loves my voice,” she tells us. Lakshmi has also taken the opportunity to train in Kalaripayattu, the Indian martial art.
“I’ve been very grateful to be training under the best teachers here for the last few days,” says the actress, adding, “I just wanted to do it for weight training apart from adding another skill to my repertoire, and it’s been really overwhelming.”
In addition to all the excitement of the opportunity, there’s something else that’s impressed the actress in the industry. “I am amazed at the approach of the unit members,” she states.
