Interview with Manikandan: Seventeen years to make myself a hero.

The actor of Lover, Manikandan, talks candidly about his extensive career in Tamil cinema in an exclusive interview. The 36-year-old disclosed that he started in the Tamil film industry almost twenty years ago with the intention of becoming 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 screenwriter and dubbing artist. Even though he has two consecutive Tamil hits (Good Night in 2023 and Lover in 2024), Manikandan claims he hasn’t even begun to work on realizing his dreams.

Do you fear being labeled as something specific?

Not at all. Although Mohan (Good Night) and Arun (Lover) are two distinct characters, both are relationship dramas. Many people, including members of my own family, have informed me that their personalities are completely unlike me. However, as you can see from the characters I have portrayed, I have made an effort to avoid falling into cliches. Not only will the audience grow disinterested, but I will also experience boredom!

You’re doing fine, renowned for being a writer for the movies Viswasam, Vikram Vedha, and Thambi. At any point, was acting on the cards? 

I work in theater and have always aspired to be an actor. After two years of struggle, I made the decision to start writing. I continue to write, and I am currently able to juggle both of my careers with ease.

You’re a successful actor now. Have you achieved your goals in life? 

Not at all! I’m not even close to finishing my dreams. I’ve mentioned it numerous 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 delay that has helped me mature. However, you haven’t always been where you are.

I don’t want to boast about my difficulties because there are people who have experienced greater struggles than I have. For me, there was a lot of waiting involved, along with numerous betrayals. I spent my whole youth and early adulthood devoted to movies. I didn’t lead a typical life like today’s youth do, which includes going to parties, the workplace, and hangouts with friends. That’s not something I’ve encountered.

My family has given up a great deal for me as well. Your family will eventually come to rely on your income to support them, but in my case, they have never requested anything for me. My father did not ask for financial assistance, not even in the worst of circumstances. They offered a lot of encouragement. They deserve all the praise. 

My dream job would be in meaningful films. Participate in artistically pleasing and financially successful motion pictures. We want to give this a try after talking about it for years.