After representing India at Miss World 2021, Manasa Varanasi shifted her focus to cinema, making her debut with Devaki Nandana Vasudeva. Now, she is preparing for the release of her second film, Couple Friendly, opposite Santosh Sobhan, scheduled to hit theatres on Valentine’s Day 2026.
“I wasn’t nervous initially, but as the release date approached, I started feeling butterflies. I’m very excited about this film,” Manasa shares.
On the Gap Between Her Films
Although her debut released two years ago, the gap before her second project was not entirely planned.
“This industry is unpredictable. Timelines are rarely in an actor’s control. Acting is what I can focus on. I choose roles I connect with, but filmmakers also need to see me in those roles. The gap happened unexpectedly,” she explains.
In Couple Friendly, produced by UV Creations and directed by Ashwin Chandrasekhar, Manasa plays Mithra — a lively, middle-class graduate who moves to Chennai for work.
“She’s energetic, talkative, full of ideas, and acts immediately when she wants something. Mithra is spontaneous and fun-loving,” she says.
Originally written in Tamil, the script was later adapted into Telugu. “At first, I thought it was a simple story. But after meeting the director and cinematographer, I understood their passion. We also improvised several Telugu dialogues during filming,” she adds.
A Modern Take on Relationships
According to Manasa, the film moves away from conventional love story tropes.
“Usually, it’s about a boy and girl meeting and falling in love. Here, Shiva and Mithra come from different worlds with different ambitions. Even their meeting is unusual,” she notes.
The film explores live-in relationships from a contemporary lens. “Today’s youth are practical and think carefully before making life decisions,” she says.
Speaking about her co-star Santosh Sobhan, she praises his dedication. “We attended workshops together. His commitment motivates you to perform better. He’s also great fun on set,” she says, adding that Mithra’s comic timing will be a highlight.
The Title Controversy
The film attracted attention after receiving an A certificate, reportedly due to its title.
“I genuinely don’t understand the objection to the title Couple Friendly. It can simply mean a couple sharing a friendly bond. While the film has youth-oriented themes, families can also connect with parts of the story,” she says.
From Pageantry to Cinema
Addressing the perception that beauty pageant winners often transition to films, Manasa clarifies that the path is not automatic.
“Not everyone who wins a pageant enters cinema. Many pursue different careers. But pageant training makes you comfortable in front of the camera, which naturally opens doors to films,” she explains.
She also revealed that winning a pageant does not necessarily mean direct financial gain. “The prize cheque shown during the event is used for training and preparation. Winners receive grooming, fitness training, styling, and workshops for a year,” she shares.
Her interest in films deepened after returning from Miss World. However, convincing her family was challenging.
“In middle-class families, there’s fear about sending a daughter into an unfamiliar industry. My parents had those concerns. They didn’t know anyone in cinema, so they were worried,” she recalls.
Facing Family Resistance
Manasa admits that intimate scenes in the film initially made her hesitant.
“I was informed during narration. The director, DOP, Santosh, and the team were professional and ensured nothing felt vulgar. The scenes were shot poetically. Workshops helped me feel comfortable,” she says.
Her family’s reaction to the teaser and trailer was mixed at first. “They were uncomfortable and questioned my decision. But with time and support from relatives, they began to understand,” she shares.
Reflecting on her journey, she says, “I had to fight hard to choose cinema. Financial independence also gave my parents confidence.”
Inspired by Strong Female Voices
Manasa says she draws inspiration from actors like Sai Pallavi, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Rashmika Mandanna.
Looking ahead, she reveals that her next project will be in Kollywood, while she continues to evaluate Telugu scripts carefully.
“I want to balance youthful entertainers with meaningful messages. I’m also interested in thrillers, detective dramas, romantic comedies, and feel-good films,” she signs off.
With Couple Friendly set for a Valentine’s Day theatrical release, Manasa Varanasi appears ready to embrace the next chapter of her evolving film career.
