PremiumManjummel Boys star Abhiram Radhakrishnan – ‘Don’t want to limit myself to cop roles’ | Exclusive
Abhiram discusses his experience working with popular actors in an interview with OTTplay. He also talks about his transition from exhibition curator to actor.
Last Updated: 08.33 AM, May 03, 2024
Known to Malayalis primarily for his cop roles, Abhiram Radhakrishnan made a name for himself in the industry by playing a variety of roles. The actor, who portrayed Anil in Chidambaram's Manjummel Boys, is currently occupied with filming other projects and hopes to direct his own film in the future.
Abhiram discusses his experience working with popular actors in an interview with OTTplay. He also talks about his transition from exhibition curator to actor.
How important was Manjummel Boys to you both personally and professionally?
Being a part of a movie that broke multiple records in the Malayalam film industry makes me very happy. Nearly all of the people in the film are people I know or have friends with. In addition, my ancestry includes Chidambaram and Ganapathi. Our cousins are very distant. Moreover, I am related to Chidambaram and Ganapathi. We are cousins.
Your film career began when you worked as Chandrettan Evideya's assistant director. Was it a means to enter into acting?
I entered the industry because I was passionate about making films. Despite my involvement in school theatre, I never considered acting as my career goal. But I had the opportunity to work with Chandrettan Evideya on screen, and as the years went by and I played small parts in a number of films, I started to feel more comfortable.
I had the opportunity to appear in a small role in Chandrettan Evideya, and actor Dileep appreciated me after the shot. It served as inspiration for me in the end. My sincere gratitude goes out to the directors who provided me with chances to grow as an actor. I have never worked so hard to pursue a career in acting.
You have shared screen with a number of prominent actors from the initial stages of your career. What would you say about the experience?
I only had the opportunity to meet these celebrities in films. I am still in awe of the stars most of the time. I like everything these actors have done, just like any other Malayali. My primary concern is that I should let them or the audience down with my performance. I was careful to do my part well when I was acting with Fahadh Faasil in Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum, because if something goes wrong, it will be obvious. I make an effort, even though I am tense inside.
Seeing each of them perform on screen is motivating. Additionally, it has allowed me to grow and challenge myself as an actor. Before my first combination scene in Unda with Mammootty, I had been really anxious. I have always admired him, and as I watched him change into the character, memories of his earlier films flashed through my mind. But he was cordial and ensured that everyone felt at ease on the set.
Has there ever been a moment when you thought you were always being cast as a police officer?
I believe that every police role has a distinct set of obligations. I do not want to be categorised. As an actor, I like to challenge myself by playing a variety of roles. I began in a police camp and have progressed to playing the role of DySP because of Unda. We stayed in a police camp before shooting Unda, and three or four police officers accompanied us during the shoot to help us with body language and gun handling.
You studied art history for a while and have a master's degree in the field. How would you sum up the transition from exhibition curator to actor?
I used to enjoy writing so much in school. It was my family that suggested that I continue my education outside Kerala. Despite my initial reluctance, my passion for the subject led me to pursue advanced studies in the field. Following my studies, I organised three exhibitions featuring the works of my friends. Later on, though, I lost interest in it and started teaching arts instead. I pursued my dream of working in the film industry after a year of doing that.
Are you currently working on a screenplay or movie?
The filming of the four films in which I am acting is underway. I am also working on a couple of scripts at the same time. Even though I am not very good at multitasking, I will keep trying to work hard enough. I am ready to work on any film-related project right now, and I intend to stay in the industry for quite a while.