Manju Warrier interview: ‘I learn from mistakes and go with the flow’

Manju Warrier discusses her career evolution, involvement in filmmaking, and upcoming thriller Footage with Anurag Kashyap's support.

I tell Manju Warrier about my first memory of her from Malayalam cinema. In Shaji Kailas’ Aaram Thampuran, she overshadows a formidable Mohanlal in the first scene of the 1997 blockbuster. She beautifully conveys the valiance of her character in a short scene that sets the tone for her chemistry with Mohanlal.

When did she realise that she could stand out on her own in a star-centric industry? “I was too inexperienced to think that way,” says Manju, who inspired her contemporaries and budding female actors in the Malayalam film industry by starring in complex roles.

“I thank those who wrote beautiful characters for me. In those days, my contribution to a film was limited to acting. I didn’t have the exposure to suggest anything to the director. I didn’t know what was happening with my films after my work was over,” she admits.

Today, Manju ensures an all-round involvement in her projects. A decade ago, she signalled her comeback after a lengthy break from films with How Old Are You. Since the 2014 hit family drama, Manju has been the face of her movies, especially in Malayalam. “Now I involve myself in every stage of filmmaking, right from script discussion to post-production. My projects are more like a group of friends collaborating to create something interesting,” she says.

The actor has been on an experimenting spree, with her latest film in the news, Footage, being another unique attempt. The 2024 Malayalam movie will be released in Hindi, on March 07, 2025, with Anurag Kashyap presenting the dubbed version. The found-footage film, which revolves around a curious couple, is directed by debutant Saiju Sreedharan, who edited popular movies such as Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016) and Kumbalangi Nights (2019).

Footage represents Manju’s attempt at cracking a different genre after sports flick (Karinkunnam 6’s), children’s film (Jo and the Baby), legal drama (C/O Saira Banu), biopic (Aami), comedy (Mohanlal), and musical (Meri Awas Suno).

“After How Old Are You, I started getting similar scripts,” reveals Manju. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews, How Old Are You felt like a statement from the actor. The film tells the story of a woman who decides to turn around her life at 36. “After the film’s success, I heard stories about a woman facing daunting challenges and overcoming all the problems in her life all alone. I wanted to star in a variety of stories,” says Manju, explaining the choice of her films.