Manikandan AchariManikandan Achari has traipsed around the royal town of Thrippunithura as a youngster with dreams in his eyes.
Being the land of literature and arts, everywhere he turned, he would tumble into some cultural programs or entertainment events on any given day. Unmindful of the quality of the programs, the young Manikandan would stand there for hours, curiously watching movies, street plays or musical performance by local artistes. Many viewers would leave half way through, but Manikandan would stay there till the end, enjoying every bit of the show. When the curtain goes down, he would wonder: “Will I be able to do something like this ever in my life?”
Cut to 2017. The same streets once strolled by Manikandan as a curious and carefree youngster are now adorned with huge posters and banners congratulating him. The caption on a larger-than-life cut-out towering over the fish market in Chambakkara, where he cut and cleaned fish for a living for years, reads: 'Ithu Njangalude Nadan' (This is our hero).
In a free-wheeling chat, Manikandan, who recently won the award for the best actor in a supporting role in the Kerala State Film Awards 2016, talks about his passion for acting and the story behind his stellar performance in Kammatipaadam.
The award
I’m extremely happy to be recognized as an actor. All my life, I wished to be known as an artiste. I hail from a place where people are passionate about arts. I had my first brush with acting at a local drama troupe in my village. It helped me hone my skills and boost my confidence level.
Manikandan on the sets of Kammatipaadam with Vinayakan and Dulquer SalmaanRajeev Ravi (director of Kammatipaadam), was in search for an actor to don the role of Balan, elder brother of Ganga played by Vinayakan. He wanted somebody who resembles and keeps up with Vinayakan. Though I got selected, I was not aware that I was called to play the role of Balan chettan. I realized the enormity of the responsibility placed on my shoulders only when the shoot started. I was given the roles of both young and aged Balan chettan, who is right there at the epicenter of the plot.
There were scenes that demanded myriad emotions of rage, anguish, helplessness, inner conflicts and tension. But I did not discuss the story threadbare with my director. In fact, I had no such prior experience. When the shoot started, I could transform into the character without much difficulty. There is an underlying emotional vulnerability in that character. I had experienced such bitterness and rejection throughout my life. There were times when I struggled to survive, looking around for help. Like Balan chettan, I was resolute and that is what helped me cling to life. These excerpts from real life have come in handy for me while portraying such a powerful role.
Life in Kodambakkam
I had worked at a film studio in Kodambakkam for some time. There I got the opportunity to learn and teach acting. I also did a decent role in a Tamil movie, but it never saw the light of the day. After that experience, I bid goodbye to Kodambakkam and returned to Kerala. Then came Kammatipaadam.
A still from 'Kammatipaadam'Catchy dialogues
I’m happy that some of my dialogues in Kammatipaadam were well received by the audience. Even after the completion of the film, I used to keep in my pocket the protruding artificial teeth sported by Balan chettan. I would gladly oblige whenever my friends wanted me to deliver that hit dialogue: “Baalanaadaa.. Adiyedaa..” It is close to my heart.
I know people love me because of that character. Awards and appreciations will not come your way every day. The same audience will criticize me if I don’t do justice to a role. Don’t they? I started with nothing, but was lucky to get a toehold into the film industry. My family means everything to me. I owe my success to their support and prayers.
A still from 'Ayaal Jeevichiruppundu'New projects
Recently I did a movie called Ayaal Jeevichiripundu directed by Vyasan K. P. Like Balan chettan, this character too is very bold and lively. I will be playing a meaty role in Alamara, an upcoming comedy directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas.
