Manu Ravichandran: Chillum is a big canvas, and I don’t want to let it go

Manu Ravichandran, who is looking forward to the release of the Manu Kalyadi-directed Prarambha, is also waiting to resume shooting for Mugilpete, and start work on Chillum this year. This last project, directed by Chandrakala, went on floors in 2018, but was cut short after 10 days of shooting. However, things are looking bright and Manu is keen to take forward the film at any cost. “Chillum is an interesting subject and I don’t want to let it go. It is a hero’s film made on a big canvas, wherein I will be portrayed in a bad boy avatar. It is a unique character that I want to explore, and the makeover is interesting,” he says.

Manu went through a rigorous regime to get the bulky look before he started the shooting. However, the filming did not continue as per the plan. “We shot for a week, but we felt the film needed more investment, and there was a budget constraint. We didn’t want to compromise on the subject and decided to wait for a producer who can invest a little more in the project, which has finally come through. We have found a new producer with whom I've had a telephonic discussion. I will be meeting him soon, along with the director, and work out the dates for Chillum,” explains Manu, adding, “Chillum requires at least 120 days of the shooting.”

Manu Ravichandran has come across two interesting scripts with new directors. However, everything depends on Chillum for the other two projects to take off. “I have to dedicate 8-10 months for Chandrakala’s directorial and be prepared not to sign any other film. Everything will be confirmed once I meet the producer,” says Manu.

Chillum stars Priyanka Thimmesh in the female lead role. The director was also in talks with Nana Patekar and Jagapati Babu to play pivotal roles. Suman Ranganath is also part of the cast.

Meanwhile, Manu’s current priority is to complete Mugilpete. “This is a project being produced by my friend, and I am waiting to complete the shoot. Secondly, there is a lot of hype surrounding this film, especially with the title. Once I start with the promotions, I am confident of the film reaching another level,” he says.