Apr 11, 2026 9:01am IST
Ahead of ‘Mr. X,’ Manju Warrier Says Her Role Is Key to the Spy Thriller’s Outcome (EXCLUSIVE)
Manju Warrier, a leading force in Malayalam cinema, has steadily expanded her footprint in Tamil films with notable performances in “Asuran,” “Thunivu,” “Vettaiyan” and “Viduthalai Part 2.” As she prepares for her next Tamil outing, “Mr. X,” the actor says her choices aren’t guided by any singular “X factor.”
“I believe a film’s likability and watchability depend on multiple elements, the director, story, production, cast and crew. I try to think like an audience member and ask myself how excited I would be to watch a film. That’s the simplest logic, because beyond that, nothing is predictable,” Manju tells Variety India.
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With a career spanning over three decades, toggling between the instincts of a performer and the perspective of a viewer comes naturally to her. “It’s about looking at things from two lenses,” she explains. “A film like “Mr. X” has involved immense hard work and research, and we faced physical challenges during the shoot. But none of that guarantees audience approval. Viewers are free to like or dislike a film.”
In a genre dominated by male-led narratives, Manju acknowledges the skew in spy thrillers but points to what drew her to the project. “In many films, female characters serve as support systems. What excited me about “Mr. X” is that director Manu Anand envisioned me in a key role, one that has a strong and undeniable influence on the story.”
Manju’s own career arc includes a phase of her second innings. After stepping away from films following “Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu,” she returned 15 years later with “How Old Are You?” “It was completely unplanned,” she says. “I had no intention of acting again and no idea how the film would be received. But the audience made it a success. That gave me a lot of energy to move forward.”
Each project, she adds, leaves her with something new. Her experience on “Thunivu,” starring Ajith Kumar, rekindled her passion for biking. “I had learned the basics earlier, but during the shoot, I spoke to Ajith sir about my love for travel. He’s a biking enthusiast and was planning a trip to Ladakh. He kindly invited me along. That experience made me take biking more seriously.”
Despite portraying intense roles in films like “Asuran” and “Viduthalai Part 2,” Manju says she doesn’t carry her characters beyond the screen. “I remain the same person. I’m not someone whose roles stay with her for long. It’s a blessing that, as actors, we get to live many lives.”
She also reflects on the long-delayed “Amriki Pandit,” co-starring R Madhavan. “It’s very close to my heart. Though it revolves around divorce lawyers, it’s essentially a love story. We had completed half the shoot, with me performing in Hindi in sync sound. But the pandemic and Madhavan’s commitments, including his directorial “Rocketry: The Nambi Effect,” caused delays. Things didn’t come together, but I still hold the film dear. If it restarts, I’m ready even now.”
On the growing national and global recognition of Malayalam cinema, the actor remains grounded. “The industry has always been known for its quality and storytelling. Today, with social media and OTT platforms, Malayalam films are reaching wider audiences. But the essence hasn’t changed, it continues to produce soulful cinema, regardless of scale.”
Up next, Manju is set to begin shooting for a Malayalam feel-good drama in May, while also in discussions for more Tamil projects.
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