In an industry steeped in sentiment, this isn’t a title you would think of for a film, particularly if it happens to be your first. But Suresh, Balaji Sakthivel’s assistant, has named his maiden venture 13 ! “Number 13 can be both lucky and unlucky, is the premise,” explains the film’s protagonist, Manoj K. Bharati. “And director Suresh has done a marvellous job.” Manoj plays the father of two, in this family drama.
Well-crafted“It’s a poignant story, very well crafted. I’m thankful to the producer and director for giving me this break,” says Manoj. Beginning with dad Bharatiraaja’s
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For those of us who have been closely following Manoj’s career, his performance in films such as Alli Arjuna,Samuthiram and Varushamellam Vasantham remain vivid. Yet, nothing much happened for him. “It hasn’t been easy. But truly, acting was never my first choice. I’ve always wanted to be a director.” What happened in between working as assistant under Mani Ratnam and his father was that the latter wanted his son to become a popular actor — something Bharatiraaja himself had aspired to be. So Manoj was off to South Florida to study theatre arts.
But still the director in him is eagerly waiting to emerge. “He will, very soon,” Manoj announces. “I’ve re-worked on the entire script of my father’s evergreen hit, the Kamal-Sridevi starrer,
According to Manoj, screenplay is a highlight of
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Shivankar, a friend of Manoj, suggested that he listen to Suresh’s script. “In no time, Suresh had me totally engrossed,” says Manoj.
The film has been completed and is gearing up for release. “The 75 days of shoot has been a rewarding experience. And the entire unit was like family. So much so, on the last day I got a little emotional. Annakodi … was like home ground, but feeling at home in an outside unit was a new experience,” says Manoj. “It’s a wonderful team, well-organised in its functioning.” So, probably it’s only natural that the same group plans to get together for another project too.
“Yes, we are!”
Annakodi … marked Manoj’s comeback to the acting arena after a seven-year hiatus. 13 should ensure this innings continues for long. Meanwhile, the day he will don the director’s hat isn’t far away either.