I've stepped into a new zone as an actor: Shreyas K Manju

Shreyas K Manju recalls how he had dismissed the idea of being part of the film when VK Prakash came to him with the script of Vishnu Priya. “I read the script and told the director that there’s no way such a good boy exists. I also had my notions of what a hero’s character must be like and perhaps that made me view the role in such a myopic manner,” he tells us.

“But finally, I did see the potential that it had. The workshop that Priya and I had helped me feel exactly how my character Vishnu felt the moment I sat in front of Priya. I would immediately get into the zone, as someone madly in love with my girl. Once I stepped out of that zone, I felt a lot of affection for my co-star. It was such a healthy state of mind to be in,” he shares.

“I was given no discounts as the producer’s son,” laughs Shreyas. The actor speaks of how the film concentrates on hard-core emotions and not the usual formulas that come with commercial cinema. “Yes there will be elements of a commercial film, but we have ensured that family and love remain the highlight,” points out Shreyas. He adds,” I suffered heartbreak in 2019 and leaned back on those memories to channel all the pain into the character of Vishnu. I feel I’ve stepped into a new zone with Vishnu Priya. There are moments where I’ve looked at the camera for 20 minutes and not said a word,” says Shreyas.

"Initially, I wsn't sure about the role. But finally, I did see the potential this character had. After the workshop, I would immediately get into the zone. Overall, it was such a healthy state of mind to be in," he shares.