EXCLUSIVE! Ajith's priceless advice to making a serious content, director Manu Anand speaks about his debut movie 'FIR'

Vishnu Vishal starrer 'FIR' is scheduled to release this week, and it will be the actor's first film to release simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu. Manu Anand is making his directorial debut with the film, and he has already impressed the fans with the teaser and trailer. In an exclusive chat with ETimes, 'FIR' director Manu Anand reveals some interesting details about his journey.

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Manu Anand recalls his happy time working with actor Ajith, "I was working as an associate to Gautham Menon sir for eight years, and also happened to work for Ajith sir’s 'Yennai Arindhaal'. It was quite an experience working with him and he gave me several pieces of advice, which encouraged me a lot in this journey."

When asked about if he has plans to direct Ajith, Manu Anand said, "I haven’t thought about it yet. I have huge respect for the individual and actor he is. If I direct Ajith sir, it would certainly be a blessed moment for me ."

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"I first wrote a story on terrorism in 2015, but it didn't materialize. Later, in 2018 I rewrote the story and developed it to make it 'FIR' with Vishnu Vishal. When I told the 'FIR' story to Vishnu Vishal, he cheered me up a lot, and later he decided to produce the film as he had confidence in the film," the director added.

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Manu Anand feels proud for having got the opportunity to direct his guru Gautham Menon in ‘FIR’, "I didn't even narrate his character to him, I texted him, saying, ‘Sir I have a short role for you in my film, tell me when you are free to discuss it.’ He simply replied, ‘let me know when to come for the shoot,’, and his confidence in me and the support means a lot for me. Directors Gaurav Narayanan and RNR Manohar too have roped in to play pivotal roles in the film."

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When quizzed about the three female leads, Manu Anand shared "All three (Manjima Mohan, Raiza Wilson, and Reba Monica John) are talented actresses, and the characters are crucial for the film. Every character in the film will take the film to the next stage, and I am sure that they will be remembered by the audience."

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The debutant director is all praise for Vishnu Vishal and adds, "He has been supportive throughout the making of this film. He has given his best both as an actor and producer. The film has grossed more than Rs 20 crores in the pre-release business itself and entered the profit zone. I am happy as a director that I have given my producer a profitable venture. 'FIR' will be a serious commercial film, and it is made for the audience to watch and enjoy on big screens."

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When asked about the reunion with Vishnu Vishal, Manu shared “We are definitely collaborating again. Just that we haven’t decided what to do. It depends on how audience receive FIR”.

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