Mirnaa Menon started her journey in films in 2020 in Tamil. After acting opposite Mollywood superstar Mohanlal in the Malayalam film 'Big Brother', she went on to be seen in the Telugu film 'Crazy Fellow' last year.
Her second Telugu outing, 'Ugram', is up for a release on May 5. In this interview, she endorses 'Naandhi' director Vijay Kanakamedala's urge to deliver a message through 'Ugram'. "Every thread in the film is connected to what happens in the climax. He is a nice screenplay writer and editor. Whatever was shot has been retained in the movie. He is a perfectionist," she says.
The actress is all praise for Allari Naresh and Shine Screens' Sahu Garapati and Harish Peddi. "They are very nice people. The producers have a strategy to make meaningful films," she adds.
I was a developer in the software industry in Dubai after completing my Engineering. Since my childhood wish was to become an actor, I pursued the dream. When I got an opportunity to work in Tamil opposite Arya in 'Santhanathevan' with a filmmaker I respect, I latched on to it. 'Big Brother' happened in Mollywood later. It was released in 2020 just before the lockdown. Post lockdown, I did 'Burqa' in Tamil. It is doing well on OTT as well.
I am a great fan of Allari Naresh's. His second innings has been great. Vijay Kanakamedala's script was so nice. After a 2.5-hour narration, I immediately said okay. I will be seen as a college-goer, a housewife and a doting mother. I loved the character arc. It's an evolving character that felt challenging.
It's a full-fledged character that travels with the male protagonist through his different phases. It was so interesting and comes with multiple shades. I auditioned for the role that demanded me to be helpless, vulnerable, sarcastic, and playful.
I played a 19-year-old character in 'Burqa'. Here, in 'Ugram', I am a mother. It was a challenge both mentally and physically to transition from that to this. I always do my homework. I am a trained actor. When you are playing a mother onscreen, you have to look the part. You have to look more caring and your attitude must reflect on screen. We got to do some real stunts. I, Naresh and our onscreen daughter participated in the shoot. The hero injured himself, while I too had a fall. It was a nice experience despite the risk involved. Every scene in 'Ugram' is purposive and sensible.
Baby Uha Reddy, who played our daughter in the movie, is extremely talented. She was like a junior heroine.
Tollywood makes big-scale movies compared to other non-Bollywood industries. I am happy to be a part of the industry. In Tamil, I am doing 'Jailer' starring Superstar Rajinikanth. It has been a pleasure watching him on set. He is down to earth and style is natural to him. He is meditative and self-absorbed.
I don't consider myself lucky. I am blessed. I have a plan for what I want to do in my career. 'Burqa' is a film that will convince you about my earnestness. I don't want to be just a commercial heroine. I want to be an artist.
I haven't dubbed so far in Telugu. I will do it from my next movie onwards.
I will be doing a film in Tamil. Its script is by Vetrimaaran.
