‘Women connect with me and I am happy about it’

She may be the only actress in M-Town for whom scripts are being written. Probably, the only female face that can pull in crowd to the theatres. But, Manju Warrier says she doesn't exactly think creating scripts for her is an encouraging trend. She'd love to be "part of a good script" and not vice-versa. "Rather than writing a script for me, I prefer to be part of a fulfilling movie, something like a prominent part in a good project," she says.

As the 'lady superstar' awaits the release of her next movie Udhaharanam Sujatha, she talks to CE about her career and how she strives to keep up with the expectation of people who love her. Excerpts follow: 
 
One of the most awaited movies Udhaharanam Sujatha will hit the screens this week. You sport a naive and raw look in it. Is Sujatha a struggling mother? 
I know the premise can give you a feel of a sob story. But no, Sujatha is not the usual tearjerker one expects it to be. It is a very humorous attempt and not the "bold-woman-fighting injustice" kind of cinema. She is an innocent soul with a lot of dreams and a positive outlook to back it up.
In fact, we have a lot of women like her around us. Most of us overlook such people and Udhaharanam Sujatha takes a peek into their life. In fact, it is easy to relate to them. All we have to do is look around us. 

This must be your most de-glam avatar post Kanmadam. Share with us the experience shooting for the movie. 
That's right. This is a very intense character and I look very raw in it. In fact, shooting for it was a great experience. When I told my friends about shooting at Chenkalchoola Colony, everybody seemed to be apprehensive. But, I had no prejudice. I was looking for a great experience and got just that.  
The love they showered on me and the crew is unadulterated. There was this grandmother who would wait for me every day. That was not the adoration one shows to a film actor, rather it was a human-to-human bond.
We had a lot of outdoor shots too. I had to walk, sometimes run, amidst the maddening crowd on the busy street. The cameraman would hide the camera somewhere and ask me to walk into the crowd. I would strut confidently and nobody seemed to even notice me. 

Your last movie C/o Saira Banu was also a female-oriented one. Don't you want to break the mould and do something like an intense romantic drama? 
Why not? I will be more than happy to do such a role. Like any other actor, I too look for diverse characters and backgrounds. My aim is only to do justice to every character I play on screen. That said, I have got the opportunity to associate with new-gen filmmakers already. I think I am lucky that way. 

Exactly. The kind of acceptance you get both from the industry and public is unprecedented in Malayalam. 
Yes, I am fully aware of that and it makes me more humble. As for my stint in the industry, I think I continue to get good characters because of the directors and writers who gave me great opportunities at the start of my career. Then, I feel people, especially women, find me very approachable and accessible. They come to me and talk about their woes. It is great to have that kind of connect with the people. I am proud and thankful for that. I only pray that I continue to live up to their expectations.

Did you expect this when you decided to come back? 
Not at all. I didn't really plan to build a full-fledged career nor did I chart out everything. I am someone who likes to go with the flow. One movie happened and the rest followed. It's just that I love the art and movies.

So, why not a movie in another language? 
Yes, it is happening very soon. I am already in talks for a Tamil project. I hope to start it by the end of this year. 

You are doing Aami and Odiyan, two ambitious projects. 
It is a dream to be a part of both the projects. Aami, we all know is such a great project. And, as for Odiyan, I am very excited. After Iruvar, Mohanlal and Prakash Raj are teaming up for a project and it is like a clash of titans. I am thrilled to be doing a significant part in it. One can expect wonders from both.

What about Randamoozham. You are associated with it as well.
It is too early to speak about that. I have barely started discussions. It is something that will happen by the end of next year.