As the countdown to Valentine's Day begins, the excitement surrounding the release of Couple Friendly is reaching a fever pitch. Starring Santosh Soban and former Miss India Manasa Varanasi, the film is a bilingual venture produced by the prestigious UV Concepts (a wing of UV Creations). Ahead of its grand theatrical debut on February 14, Manasa Varanasi opened up about her transition from the pageant world to the silver screen and the "magical" experience of filming this modern love story.
Redefining the "Live-In" Narrative
Breaking away from the stereotypical tropes of romantic cinema, Couple Friendly explores the meeting of two individuals from vastly different worlds. Manasa plays Mithra, a spontaneous and talkative middle-class girl who moves to Chennai in search of a career.
"The film explores the concept of living together but in a very fresh and smart way," Manasa explained. "Today’s youth are incredibly discerning; they analyze their choices carefully. Mithra and Shiva’s journey isn't just a routine romance—it's a rare and meaningful connection."
Addressing the Censorship & "Couple Friendly" Title
The actress expressed slight confusion over the censor board’s initial hesitations regarding the film’s title. She clarified that the term is meant to be interpreted positively, reflecting a bond where a couple is, first and foremost, friendly with one another. Despite some bold elements, she emphasized that the film is designed to resonate with both youthful audiences and families.
Balancing Professionalism and Family Values
Coming from a traditional background, Manasa spoke candidly about the challenges of filming romantic scenes:
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Professional Environment: She praised the director Ashwin Chandrasekhar and co-star Santosh Soban for creating a comfortable, "poetic" atmosphere for intimate scenes.
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Family Support: While her family was initially skeptical about her career choice and the romantic nature of the teaser, they have since become her pillars of support.
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Glamour vs. Exposure: "In my view, glamour does not equal exposure," the actress stated, affirming her commitment to professional storytelling.
Pageantry to Performance
Reflecting on her journey as Miss India, Manasa noted that the training provided—ranging from camera confidence to dance classes—was the perfect foundation for acting. After returning from the Miss World stage, her interest in cinema solidified, leading her to seek out projects that challenge her as a performer.
Future Outlook
With a Tamil film already in the pipeline and a desire to explore genres like thriller mysteries and detective stories, Manasa is ready to make her mark. For now, she invites audiences to experience the chemistry between her and the "passionate" Santosh Soban this Friday.
