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Manoj Bajpayee on working with younger actors and director Neeraj Pandey

Manoj Bajpayee is set to essay the role of an army officer in the upcoming film Aiyaary which is helmed by Neeraj Pandey. Talking about Neeraj Pandey’s films, Manoj said to a leading Indian daily, "If you say Special 26 and A Wednesday is his kind, then what is Ouch? Somewhere Neeraj has the ability to surprise you with the craft of storytelling which is very new. I don’t see it at all happening (elsewhere)."

Adding further, he said, "He doesn’t succumb to all those stereotypical mainstream formula but still manages to intrigue you with a story which is so unique. Every time we work, not even one line (in the script) is wasted. So that doesn’t give you the liberty to go ahead and add your own few things because when he is writing each and every word, even the formation of dialogue is such that you can’t really change it. You know, I have tried many times to change the formation, but it didn’t work."


On being asked about his experience working with the younger actors, Manoj said, "How to compete with them by staying young! That’s a tough task (laughs). This generation is supposed to do various things that we were not. We really had to work hard to find one information. And here they are who have grown up watching world cinema, their knowledge is immense. I really feel they are far ahead when it comes to information and knowledge. Sitting with them, observing them, once you just surrender to them, you learn so much, you suddenly realize that you have to know so much. Though there is no comparison but what we can do is, we can up our game when it comes to learning few things from them."

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Mammootty says “the plot is the hero” as he reunites with Mohanlal after 18 years for 'Patriot' ​

Highlights

  • Mammootty calls Patriot a story-led film that aims to “create its own formula”
  • Film reunites him with Mohanlal after nearly two decades
  • Actor reflects on contrasting acting styles and the pressures of performance

A film led by story, not stardom

Mammootty has stressed that Patriot, directed by Mahesh Narayanan, is anchored in its narrative rather than its star cast.

Speaking about the espionage thriller, he said the film is driven by its content and plot, adding that it does not follow a set formula but instead aims to establish one. He also pointed to the presence of strong female characters within the story.

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