Manu Swaraj was heartbroken at the beginning of his direction, PharmakalamOpened for a not-so-positive review. But in his release in three weeks, he is a happy man, with the film, a fictional entertainment, a sleeper hit at the box office.
Pharmakalam The story of four close friends who are engineering students – Jethin (Sandeep Pradeep), Kannan (Saf Boy), Ramsad (Arun Pradeep) and Nakul (Arun Ajikumar). The imaginary element kicks when trying to go to an introverted, an introverted, a break-up, it is revealed that one of his professors, Rainjith TS (Sharafududh), has a superpower that he used to control his professional rival, Shaji KK (Suraj Venjaramud). Jethine also becomes a victim of Renjith’s power. As four friends go out to solve it, things get out of the hand, causing a laughing riot.
“They are frontbenchers,” says Manu. “We have a lot of movies that talk about backbenchers and mostly about their mischief or illegal activities. The world we created did not resonate with some critics. Thankfully, thankfully, the word-mohh propagation brought into more audiences for the film.”
Manu Swaraj in place of Pharmakalam
Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
30 -year -old Manu, specifies that the idea was born on February 23, 2023, while he was working in a gym! He shared it with his classmate Nithin C Babu, who has co-shared the film. “I like to call him a writer and myself co-author. The idea came at a time when our script pitches were being rejected. I felt that this could be our last chance and so we decided that if we did not find a producer, we would make a film in some way. We were excited about the concept,” which is from Karmana in Thiruvananta.
Manu and Nithin have used some of their character symptoms in the film. “For example, in the first half, the methods of livedin are Nithin and the second half, mine.”
Manu, an engineer, used to make short films in school for time. “I did engineering because I wanted a degree and the subject used to give me interest in me. But there was no plan to go ahead on that path.” The turning point was when he submitted one of his short films, CorridorFor an inter-college festival, while in its first year of engineering. “I was not excited about participating in the competition. But the fact that my film would be introduced on a big screen, encouraged me. That decision changed my life,” he says.
(From left) Arun Ajikumar, Suraj Venjaramudu, Arun Pradeep, Saf Boy and Sandeep Pradeep in one scene Pharmakalam
Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“Basil Joseph, who had until then established his credibility with his short films and was helping Vinath Srinivasan ThirWas a judge of the competition. He appreciated the work and even suggested to introduce a new award category – for a best upcoming talent and I won that honor. He also asked me to contact her. When I called him, he asked if I was interested in helping him in his first film, KunjiramayanamThis was a proposal that I could not oppose. ,
Since Basil insisted that he completed his course before joining films, Manu did not work in his Sofomore film, Godha In 2019, Basil called him to assist Meenal MuraliEven though Manu was asked to join as an assistant in the art direction team, he eventually “worked in almost all departments for the next two years. It was exciting, especially working with VFX and special impact team. They were like a film school two years. He was working together with Basil. Chettan I was helped to understand their process and cinema outlook. ,
(From left) Sharafududh, Suraj Venjaramudu, Arun Pradeep, Saf Boi and Arun Ajikumar in one scene Pharmakalam
Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
It was Tulsi that was playing an important role in greenlighting Pharmakalam“Once the script was almost ready, I realized that it was a structure I learned from Tulsi Chettan And I was sure he would say yes to the project. I wanted him to play the role of Rainjith. Even though he loved the story, he could not do it because he had no date. He was the one who told us that the project would need a large production house. He helped us (producer) come in contact with Vijay Subramaniam, who brought him to his close friend and producer Vijay Babu. This helped us a lot because Vijay Babu came to our rescue on such occasions when the shoot was almost stalled. ,
Arrival at artists
Manu says that Suraj was the only option to play the role of Shaji. “Malayali audiences have given some actors a license to do Mad-Cap Comedy and is one of them.” As long as Sharaf did not say yes, there were many options to play the role of Rainjith.
To play the role of Jethin, he contacted “a marketing actor”, but it was not physical. “However, it was the right decision to cast Sandeep for the role. He understood the script and nuances sitting first. As the other three boys, I chose Arun (Pradeep) after watching my YouTube videos. The character was cured for him. Saf boi and Arun (Ajikkumar) impressed us with their talm.”
Shafudhin in Pharmakalam
Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Discussing his approach to comedy, Manu says, “The film worked because we did not deliberately generate laughter. It is an irony that created humor. I learned it from Basil. ChettanAadhaar is irony and we tapped it. We had the biggest advantage like actor Chettan And sharaf Ekka Who can make comedy with thin air. ,
Manu noted that he is disappointed that many producers are not keen on making comedy films. “If there is a comedy film flop which is a serious thing and that is why many filmmakers refrain from taking that risk. There are some amazing comedy films in the golden age of Malayalam cinema and I want to watch more such films.”
This Manu is a dye-hard comics fan, read DC comics, once you watch the film, one is given. “Nithin and I am a staunch DC fan. I am an atheist, but I always say that DC is my religion and Batman is my God!
Manu Swaraj with Rajinikanth | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
And highpoint post release? Meeting Rajinikanth in Kozhikode where he was shooting for Nelson Dilipumar Jailor 2“We met him because of the sun Chettan Who is acting in it? I still have not processed that when we met him, all that happened when we met in his caravan. After watching the trailer, he said in the typical Rajni Swag, These Padam Hit Appa (This film is a hit friend)! ,
Before signing off, Manu says that he is planning to make films of all styles except “First World, Feel-Gud films”.
Pharmakalam It is running in theaters.
Published – May 28, 2025 10:50 AM IST
