- By Srishti Pandey
- Sat, 10 Aug 2024 05:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Aanand L Rai has long been celebrated for his successful collaborations with actress Kangana Ranaut, particularly in the widely acclaimed film Tanu Weds Manu and its sequel Tanu Weds Manu Returns. However, Rai recently opened up about the challenges that came with the second film, as both he and Kangana had evolved since the first instalment.
In a recent interview, Rai reflected on how the success of the first film, which also starred R Madhavan, marked a turning point in Kangana’s career. Following Tanu Weds Manu, Kangana went on to deliver another stellar performance in the 2014 film Queen. By the time they reunited for Tanu Weds Manu Returns, both had undergone significant changes in their professional journeys.
Rai emphasized that the creative process during the sequel was far from easy. He explained that while they were both “hungry” for success during the first film, by the time they worked on the second, they had grown and were looking for new challenges. "Kangana wanted to grow, and she was on the rise," Rai shared. He noted that this hunger for growth, combined with their desire not to repeat themselves, made the sequel a complex but rewarding endeavour.
The director also highlighted the efforts that went into crafting Kangana’s character, Datto, in the sequel. Rai, along with writer Himanshu Sharma, was determined to push boundaries and create something that would stand out. “We didn’t want it to be easy,” Rai admitted, adding that the challenges they faced were intentional as they wanted to surprise the audience and surpass their previous work.
Despite the difficulties, Tanu Weds Manu Returns was met with immense love from the audience and further solidified Kangana’s place in Bollywood. The film was a commercial success and earned critical acclaim, much like its predecessor.
As for the future of the franchise, Rai addressed speculations about a potential third instalment. While he initially stated that he was "done with the characters," he later hinted that the story of Tanu and Manu might not be over yet. In an exclusive chat, Rai revealed that he “definitely” has plans to take the franchise forward, recognizing the lasting appeal of the characters played by Madhavan and Kangana. According to Rai, the characters became “a little bigger than the story itself,” making them deserving of another chapter.
Though no concrete plans for ‘Tanu Weds Manu 3’ have been announced, Rai’s comments have left fans hopeful that they may see the beloved characters on screen once again.