Manjima Mohan, who is being launched by Gautham Vasudev Menon in his upcoming bilingual film Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada (AYM), starring STR in the lead, couldn’t have asked for a better debut. With acclaimed cinematographer Vipin Mohan being her father, she is no stranger to films. Movies were always on her mind, even as a child artiste. She says, “I started my acting career knowing nothing. Director Vineeth Srinivasan had sent Gautham sir the trailer of Oru Vadakkan Selfie. When he called me up afterwards, I was speechless. I auditioned for the role and was eventually selected.”
The doe-eyed beauty couldn’t stop talking about the ace director. “Gautham sir helped me a lot. In fact, I have always wanted to work with him. Initially, I was nervous, but he made me feel comfortable. He’s fun to be with, gives space to actors and pushes them to do better. One of the best things about him is that he’s calm and patient. I’ve never seen him yell at anybody. I’d say he’s an ideal teacher for any actor. I count myself lucky because I know this opportunity is something quite big, which everyone would ask for. Given a chance, I’d love to work with him once again,” she says.
She was all praise for the cast, which includes Simbu. “He’s a natural performer and working with him has been a great experience. He taught me how to improvise on the scenes. When we started shooting, we never got to talk. All we shared was a formal relationship. Now, we both actually chill together! He is an amazing human being.” Interestingly, Manjima says she chooses her project based on the filmmakers. “To me, they are important more than the lead actors,” she chuckles.
Like most of Gautham’s films, AYM is rooted in love, adds Manjima, but quickly adds — “This film will be more than the usual Gautham Menon outing. There’s action, romance, and drama.” Quiz her about her character in the film, and she answers, “I play a girl-next-door. But there’s something special about her — because the way she talks and behaves, makes guys easily fall for her. It’s completely opposite to what I played in Oru Vadakkan Selfie.”
What’s next, we ask? “I am open to all industries —Telugu, Tamil or Malayalam. I am playing the female lead in director SR Prabhakaran’s next film featuring Vikram Prabhu. I liked the story and chose to be a part of the film after listening to the first half itself! Though I have been getting more offers, I am waiting for AYM to be released because I want to know how the audience receives me before deciding my next venture,” she concludes.
