For actress Manjima Mohan, her career choices have deviated from what one might typically expect from someone with a background in film. After beginning her journey as a child performer and initially desiring to step away from the spotlight, Manjima made the decision to return to acting with the film Oru Vadakkan Selfie. Similarly, although she did not appear in every episode of her OTT debut, Suzhal: The Vortex Season 2, her significant role in the flashback sequences left a lasting impression.

Actor Manjima Mohan Interview: Pushkar and Gayatri were clear I will not come in every episode of Suzhal 2

In an interview, Manjima reflected on her early experiences as a child artist, stating, “As a child performer, my memories of work are quite vague. I primarily recall the need to memorize my lines, arrive on set, and perform. The pressure is minimal at that age, and you tend not to focus much on your co-stars. However, as one matures into a leading role, it becomes essential to be aware of your appearance, your character, and to understand your fellow actors, along with grasping certain technical aspects.”

Despite her character, Nagamma, having limited screen time in Suzhal 2, Manjima expressed her long-standing desire to collaborate with Pushkar and Gayatri, the creators of the series. “I have great admiration for them. Therefore, when they approached me, I did not hesitate. They made it clear that I would not appear in every episode, but my role would be significant to the narrative. This assurance boosted my confidence, and after learning about the storyline, I was eager to participate. Although I had some reservations, Pushkar and Gayatri were confident in the project, and I chose not to overthink it. It was a straightforward decision.”

Manjima expressed her apprehension about portraying Nagamma, a character from the fishing community. She stated, "I need to master the body language and the dialect, as Tamil is not my first language. The decision to use sync sound heightened my anxiety. I often feel nervous before taking on any role, but this particular instance brought about an even greater sense of unease."

‘I have done films where people easily can forget me’

Suzhal stands out as one of the pioneering long-format narratives in the South. When asked about the apparent reluctance of South Indian stars to engage in OTT projects compared to their Northern counterparts, Manjima responds, “It is not a matter of hesitation. I believe we receive the roles we seek. I had a similar discussion with Aishwarya Rajesh regarding our interest in pursuing more OTT opportunities. However, a recurring theme I encounter is the lack of appealing roles being offered to us.” The actress also highlights the efforts of actors such as Madhavan, Nimisha Sajayan, and Jyotika, who have successfully embraced significant roles in OTT productions. “My husband, actor Gautham Karthik, frequently expresses his desire to participate in OTT series, and he recently secured a role with Netflix. Nevertheless, he had to wait several years to find a substantial character. Ultimately, it boils down to the quality of roles and characters available.”

For Manjima, the amount of screen time is not a significant factor, a principle she has adhered to from the outset. "It is not about whether I appear from the beginning to the end; rather, it is the impact of the role that matters. Take Nagamma, for instance; she appears for approximately 40 minutes, yet her contributions to the overall narrative are substantial. That is the role people should remember. One can have extensive roles and still not leave a lasting impression. I have participated in films where I could easily be forgotten. However, not everything is within our control."

Recognizing the positive evolution in the portrayal of women in film, Manjima emphasizes that there remains considerable progress to be made. "A decade ago, the landscape was vastly different from what we observe today. I attribute this shift to the audience's growing acceptance. Nonetheless, I am aware that there is still a long journey ahead. Established actors like Nayanthara, Trisha, Jyotika, and Samantha have been in the industry for many years and are now delivering some of their finest performances. Trisha and Aishwarya Rai in Ponniyin Selvan are receiving commendable roles at this time. I am confident that certain directors are facilitating this change."

As Manjima reflects on the reception of her role in Suzhal, she emphasizes her tendency to detach from her characters post-release. "I quickly distance myself from my roles. I attempt to discern what is right and wrong on the release date, and I may contemplate it for a day or two, but I move on swiftly thereafter. This applies equally to both successful and unsuccessful projects," she notes.

In closing, Manjima expresses her intention to take some time to gauge the audience's response to Suzhal and the resonance of Nagamma. "I am not someone who rushes from one set to another. I prefer to wait for a release and observe the reception. I consistently assert that earning the audience's trust is crucial, and this is achieved through quality roles. I believe that the quality of work is far more significant than the quantity."

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