Manchu Manoj: I have never played a character like Gajapathi Varma before

Manchu Manoj returns to the big screen with Bhairavam, a high-stakes action drama directed by Vijay Kanakamedala. Produced by KK Radhamohan under Sri Sathya Sai Arts and presented by Dr Jayanthilal Gada of Pen Studios, the film stars Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas, Nara Rohit and Manoj in crucial roles. After a long hiatus, Manoj says this film marks a new beginning, both personally and professionally. He was last seen in Okkadu Migilaadu (2017) and Gunturodu (2017). Ahead of its release on May 30, the actor speaks at length about the journey, the character of Gajapathi Varma, and the emotional weight of returning to cinema.

When asked how Bhairavam came to him, Manoj explains, “I met Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas at a film event. He said director Vijay wanted to meet me. After a short interaction, Vijay told me the story. I liked it instantly and said yes. It’s a very solid action drama.”

His character in the film, Gajapathi Varma, is unlike anything he has done before. “It is intense, ferocious and completely different from what people have seen me in. Bhairavam is going to stand out in my career,” he says.

Manoj, who has been away from cinema for nearly nine years, becomes visibly emotional when speaking about his return. “I had to take a break for some personal reasons, but it is very emotional to be back. This film has brought me home, in a way. I am grateful.”

The camaraderie off screen has found its way into the film. “Sai is like a younger brother to me. Rohit is a dear friend. Because of this film, we spent so much time together that our bonding deepened further. Despite facing personal challenges, we continued shooting without pause. In fact, during the shoot of one song, Rohit had to deal with a personal tragedy, but he completed it without letting that affect the shoot. That was deeply inspiring,” says Manoj.

Reflecting on lessons he carries with him from his father, veteran actor Mohan Babu, Manoj says, “He always emphasised taking care of others and working hard. He built his career from the ground up. From him, I learnt to be honest. He’s always been a hero to me.”

On whether audiences can expect to see him in a solo film soon, Manoj points to Aham Brahmasmi as a missed opportunity. “It was supposed to be my solo comeback. It didn’t work out for various reasons. But I believe God had other plans. I think Bhairavam and Mirai were meant to happen instead.”

Talking about director Vijay Kanakamedala, Manoj says, “He has a strong understanding of the pulse of Telugu audiences. He packed Bhairavam with all the right commercial elements. People who’ve seen his earlier work like Naandhi will be surprised. He has earned a lot of respect and deserves it. More directors like him should emerge. He even designed my look and costumes in the film.”

When asked about the kind of films he wants to explore next, Manoj says he is open to more experimentation. “Since the beginning, I’ve done films that are different from one another. I want to continue doing that. I also want to do a film specifically for children. If the opportunity comes, I will absolutely do it.”

With Bhairavam releasing on May 30, Manoj is poised for what he sees as not just a comeback, but the beginning of a new creative chapter.