Get Steady Go!!! Niranj makes his second innings with Bobby
- 14 Aug 2017
- Sunaya
- Features
Niranj, the son of actor producer Maniyan Pillai Raju, is all set to make a comeback with director Shebi Chowgat’s ‘Bobby’ alongside Mia. The movie hits the screens this Friday. Niranj speaks about the movie and more with WKochi
What is the movie ‘Bobby’ all about?
Bobby is a rom-com genre movie. It is a simple movie that can be enjoyed by the audience in the span of two hours. I am playing the role of ‘Bobby’ who is a seminary dropout. The plot revolves around a youngster of 21 years old falling in love with a much older woman Maria, played by Mia. Bobby is a fun-loving character with all the characteristics of his age – loud, immature and reckless.
How did you land the role?
Director Shebi came across my profile on one of the social media networks and contacted my father who initially met him to hear the plot line. I was doing my post graduation abroad at that time so he took care of things in the beginning. I was not actively considering taking up acting as a profession at that time although I’d done a movie before. I was actually considering joining as an Asst. Director to learn the ropes of filmmaking. But when I read the script of ‘Bobby’, I found the character of Bobby one that I could relate to and was interested in the role.
The movie’s subject is one that has been explored earlier. How is ‘Bobby’ different from the other movies?
Yes, it is a subject other directors have dealt with but the approach has been more serious in nature whereas the film ‘Bobby’ is a lighter take on the subject.
Mia is now a leading actress in the Mollywood scene. How was it working with her?
Mia and I shared a very good rapport so there weren’t any apprehensions while working alongside her. She is very cooperative. Even though she is a much-experienced actor and I’m new, we got along quite well.
Your first movie ‘Black Butterfly’ was in 2013, Bobby comes 4 years later. What is the reason for such a long gap?
I did ‘Black Butterfly’ during my higher secondary. But I felt I should complete my studies before turning my attention towards a career in the movie industry. Moreover, I didn’t come across any good scripts post-Black Butterfly, so it was deliberate decision to give it a break.
Your father Maniyan Pillai Raju, is a well-known actor and producer. You could have easily bagged a role in a big-ticket movie, what made you chose a relatively new team?
It is not necessary that a big movie should always be a hit. The storyline of ‘Bobby’ is one that can connect with the audience easily. With two movies to his credit, director Shebi is also not new to the industry, so it was very easy to work with him.
In ‘Black Butterfly’, your character portrays a negative role. What made you chose a negative role as your debut?
‘Black Butterfly’ was produced by my father himself. The story had a teenage boy ‘Deepak’ and I was around the same age at that time and so my father felt I may be a good fit for the role and that’s how I ended playing that role. But if you ask me, I don’t believe in anything such as negative or positive role, I only look at if it gives me a scope to prove myself. My plan for the future is also the same.
Right from a young age, have films have been your first love?
Yes definitely, films have been my interest since childhood. But acting has been my first love. I have always been involved in a lot of extracurricular activities while in school and college.
What are your personal favourites among your father Maniyan Pillai Raju’s movies?
There are many but some of the favourites are the ones that he has done with Priyan uncle especially ‘Minnaram’ and ‘Boeing Boeing’. I also like his character in ‘Idukki Gold’.
Any upcoming projects?
I have signed a new movie with Rakesh Gopan sir who directed ‘100 Degree Celsius’. I can’t reveal much about the movie.
Words: Suhas KM Compiled by: Hazel Sunaina Austin Featured image source: Niranj S
