Manikandan’s voice became his identity. From lending his voice to the Tamil dubbed version of 102 Dalmatians to voicing a villainous cockroach in Insectibles, he mastered the art of voice acting with a passion that set him apart. Yet, deep down, his dream was bigger. He longed to act, but fear of rejection kept him from seeking opportunities directly. Instead, he quietly observed, learned, and bided his time.
Indeed, he’s the everyman of Tamil cinema!
Manikandan’s journey in Tamil cinema has been nothing short of remarkable. His roles are far from conventional; he portrayed a cancer survivor finding love in Sillu Karupatti, a man reluctant to attend his father’s funeral in Aaley, and a young, corrupt cop in Vikram Vedha. These characters, raw and relatable, reflect the struggles of everyday people.
What sets Manikandan apart is his authenticity. "Representing the person on the street is very important to me," he says. "This is their story, their happiness, and their struggles. I try not to be superficial."
The son of a father who went beyond his means to put him through engineering, Manikandan grew up in a modest part of Adyar, Chennai. He was the first in his family to study beyond Class 6. While his family hoped he would achieve stability through engineering, Manikandan was torn between his academic path and his passion for performing.
“I’m naturally fickle-minded,” he admits. “But my friends pushed me to take two years to focus on fine arts. If it didn’t work, I could return to engineering.” Those two years were gruelling, filled with rejection and self-doubt. Yet, each rejection taught him resilience.
He found solace in the creative community of Naalaya Iyakkunar, a show that gave rise to some of Tamil cinema’s best talents. It was here that he realized he was not alone in his struggles. The camaraderie, endless discussions about cinema on terraces and in tea shops, and shared dreams gave him hope.
Manikandan’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence. From working as a dubbing artist to directing a short film (Narai Ezhuthum Suyasaritham), he explored every avenue of storytelling. His big break in acting came when he landed a small role in Kaadhalum Kadandhu Pogum, where he bonded with Vijay Sethupathi, who later recommended him for Vikram Vedha.
His dedication to authenticity is unmatched. For his role in Jai Bhim, Manikandan spent two months living with the Irula community, immersing himself in their lives to understand their struggles. The experience not only honed his craft but also deepened his empathy.
Beyond acting, Manikandan is also a gifted writer and director. His dialogue in Vikram Vedha added depth to the film, and his short-lived political satire on YouTube showcased his sharp wit. When asked why he doesn’t focus on just one craft, Manikandan says, “I consider all of them central to my growth as an artist. They feed off each other, helping me become a better writer, performer, and director.”
Manikandan’s humility and grounded nature have been his guiding lights. He attributes his growth to life’s experiences, both good and bad. “Life prepared me for this,” he says. “The pain, the rejection, the small wins; they all shaped me into who I am today.”
With nothing but passion, determination, and the will to take on any challenge, Manikandan has transformed his life into something extraordinary. From humble beginnings, he has now become a beacon of hope for dreamers everywhere. For Manikandan, success isn’t about stardom; it’s about staying true to his craft and representing the lives of ordinary people with honesty and heart.
Source / Image Credit : The Hindu , Starsunfolded, OTTPlay, Movie Crow
Video Credits :@babycreationss