Actor Manasa Varanasi, who is only two films into her career, has spoken about drawing inspiration from established actors while preparing for her role in Couple Friendly. The film, directed by Ashwin Chandrasekar and co-starring Santosh Soban, has earned appreciation for its performances and storytelling.
In a recent interview with Gulte, Manasa revealed that the director encouraged her to study the performances of Sai Pallavi while preparing for her character. She shared that Ashwin, being a fan of Sai Pallavi’s work, asked her to watch several of her films to understand her acting style and emotional expression.
“He asked me to watch any film starring her to take inspiration,” Manasa said, highlighting how research and observation played a role in shaping her performance.
About Couple Friendly
The film follows the story of Mithra (played by Manasa) and Shiva (played by Santosh Soban), who meet unexpectedly in Chennai and decide to live together under unusual circumstances. Their live-in relationship evolves as Mithra supports Shiva in his professional growth while simultaneously searching for stability in her own career.
Just when their relationship begins to stabilise, an unexpected event disrupts their journey, adding emotional depth and conflict to the narrative.
Critical Appreciation for Her Performance
Manasa’s performance in Couple Friendly has received positive feedback from critics. In a review, film critic Suresh Kavirayani noted that while both leads delivered strong performances, Manasa stood out for her natural screen presence.
The review praised her maturity, subtle expressions, and confident dialogue delivery, stating that her portrayal of Mithra felt convincing and emotionally grounded.
Inspiration Beyond One Actor
In earlier interviews, Manasa has also mentioned that she admires actors like Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Rashmika Mandanna, citing them as inspirations for their versatility and career choices.
As she continues to build her filmography, industry observers believe roles like Mithra showcase her evolving range and commitment to craft.
