Tamil actor K. Manikandan has established himself in Tamil cinema as a multi-faceted performer over the years and will be seen in the lead role in Lover opening in cinemas on February 9. Seen in small roles during the beginning stages of his career, the skilled actor impressed audiences with his powerful performance as Rajakannu in Suriya's legal drama film, Jai Bhim (2021), directed by T. J. Gnanavel and subsequently playing the lead in Good Night (2023). Manikandan, in an exclusive interview with National Award-winning film critic Baradwaj Rangan, the Editor-in-Chief of Galatta Plus, has now opened up about his role in Lover, while also sharing the backstory on how he landed the opportunity to act in Jai Bhim.
Manikandan explained, "I didn't plan on anything and that includes Jai Bhim too. I did not go in to act. I went in only as a writer. They had called me to write. After I was done with my writing duties and we finished work on the climax, I told the director, 'Do a good job. The script has come out superbly.' " He continued, "And, as I was leaving, he asked me about the Rajakannu character and I told him that it was superb. He then queried me on who would be the right choice for the role and I suggested the names of 4-5 actors. He then asked me how I felt about acting in the role. I was a little surprised, but gave my nod. However, I did also ask him whether he was okay with casting me in the role."
Speaking about the foundation for landing the role in Jai Bhim, Manikandan said, "I think I would have to go back a little further for the inception point. Kaala would be the right answer because the characters I portrayed before that were small roles. Ranjith anna was the one who laid his utmost faith in me. I too asked him under what belief did he give me such a character. And, that is the starting point for everything."
Watch Manikandan in conversation with Baradwaj Rangan in the video below:
