Manoj K Jayan is the actor who surprised the audience with his beheading in Pazhashiraja. Though he has played many excellent roles, Manoj’s award-winning role was that of a headliner. However, he is open about his intention to withdraw from the film after the start of the shoot and the assignments that followed.
‘I was first cast in the film as Kaitheri Ambu. MT Sar and Hariharan Sar said that they should learn horse riding. It is only when you decide to change your mind that you realize that there is a small change in the character. Mr. Haran also said that it is not Kaitheri Ambu but Talaikkal Chanthu who should be portrayed. The first thought was whether the role would be degraded.
He said that Kaitheri was a bigger man than Ambu and was the right hand man of Pazhashiraja. There is also a temple named after the party. Sir Hariharan said that it was enough for Manoj to do that. When he was relieved that the horse had been freed, he said that he should train his bow and arrow well. According to MT Sir, Talaikkal Chanthu is in the cradle of the forest.
So Kannavam with the king cobras reached the forest for the shoot. Before the take, Thyagarajan looked at the master trail. His arms and legs were amputated as he jumped through a tree, crawled and walked on cobblestones. Inability to move. At that point I made a decision, I could switch from this movie, I could not do this. Rehearsal wondered what the take would be if this was the case.
So I met Sir and talked. He openly said that he had no confidence in doing this. I am the one who made Manoj Kuttanthampuran. I know how to do this. He encouraged you to be brave. When the film was finally released, twelve awards went to me for this single character.
There is another incident. A few days after the release of the film, MA Shanavas MP called from Wayanad. Talakkal Chandu monument is under construction. Must attend as a distinguished guest. So I went. It was a great experience. KC Venugopal and I, Shanavas and Jayalakshmi, who was a minister, were going to the memorial in an open jeep. There are thousands of crosswalks on both sides of the road.
A thousand head chants. It was a sight to behold. When he reached the spot, he saw the hanging tree of the original head hanging chanthu. My name is still on the plaque at the bottom of it, ‘Distinguished Guest Manoj K Jayan’. That recognition is seen above the national award that an actor can get.- Manoj said.
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