Children's Park posed a question of maturity: Manasa Radhakrishnan

“Behave like a forty-year-old before my camera,” director-screen writer Raffi told Manasa Radhakrishnan, putting the 20-year old in a dilemma. Manasa plays the role of a young orphan called Prarthana in 'Children's park,' an upcoming flick starring Vishnu Unnikrishnan, Gayathri Suresh and Sharaf U Dheen. Manasa had to work really hard in her transformation to Prarthana, a character far mature than her age.

Joining 'Children's Park'

I already knew that Raffi and Shaffi are working together for a full-fledged entertainer starring Vishnu Unnikrishnan, as the latter is a good friend of mine. One day, Shaffi gave me a phone call to ask whether I was free in October and November 2018. I couldn't figure out they were planning to cast me in their movie project until he started explaining my character to me. I was so enthralled by the news. What else can a beginner wish for than a significant character role in a Raffi-Shaffi movie?!

Most challenging part

First day was the most challenging day. It took me some time to mold myself into Prarthana's character. Prarthana is a mature young adult who lives at 'Children's Park,' an orphanage run by Joy Mathew's character. The story takes a turn when Vishnu Unnikrishnan and his friends move into Children's Park. Raffi kept asking me to behave like a forty-year-old woman in front of the camera. Once I came to terms with my character, I started performing smoothly.

Family and educational background

My father Radhakrishnan is an NRI and my mother Sreekala, a homemaker. I am their only daughter. I acquired primary education at Choice school, Thrippoonithura. I have studied classical dance, guitar and cinematic dance along with studies. At present, I do my bachelors in Computer science and engineering at Muthoott institute of Technology and science (MITS.)

Entry to filmdom

I started my movie career at the age of nine, as a child actor in the movie 'Kannuneerinum Madhuram' by Reghunath Paleri. Until then, I had never dreamed about an acting career although I enjoyed imitating film stars and enacting film songs at my home. I performed as a child actor in three movies in a row. Later, in 2015, I did a character role in 'The other side,' a shortfilm directed by Arun. I was 15 years old back then. Then I did two Tamil movies. I entered Malayalam cinema as a character artist through Babu Thiruvalla's 'Crossroads' in 2016. 'Tiyaan,' 'Kaattu' and 'Vikadakumaran' are the milestones in my career. I am eagerly looking forward for the release of 'Children's Park' now.

Favorite character

If I am to pick a character that stands close to my own personality, I would pick Ummu Kulsu from Kaattu. Ummu Kulsu is extroverted, eloquent and passionate about movies. I would have been some one like Ummu Kulsu had I lived in another era.

Filmmaker siblings Raffi and Shaffi unite after four years for 'Children's Park.' 'Two Countries' was the last movie they did together.