'Had no doubts': Pankaj Tripathi on choosing 'Parivarik ManuRanjan'
What's the story
Pankaj Tripathi is currently starring in the romantic comedy Parivarik ManuRanjan, which was released on SonyLIV on Friday. In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, he opened up about his decision to do the film and how cinema has changed the definition of an alpha male. "I received the script at night, read it at night, and called them (the makers) first thing in the morning saying I'm doing it, because I had no doubts about it," he said.
Film choice
Why Tripathi accepted the film immediately
Tripathi was drawn to the film because of its simple, relatable story.
"I felt it's the kind of story I think about, very close to real life, slice-of-life, and without any gimmicks or screenplay show-offs trying to shock the audience," he said.
He also lamented how such straightforward films are rare today due to the prevalence of "gimmicks" and a focus on "shock value" in storytelling.
Role insight
On playing a romantic lead
In Parivarik ManuRanjan, Tripathi plays Ranjan Dubey, a middle-aged bachelor whose life changes when a beautiful housekeeper enters it.
He found the character relatable but also challenging to portray. "The way Ranjan Dubey reacts, his thoughts match mine... But in fact, that becomes even more risky," he explained.
"When you have to act like who you already are, it makes you anxious."
The film marks a rare instance of the actor being a romantic lead on screen.
Masculinity views
Tripathi's definition of an alpha male
The film's trailer features a dialogue where Tripathi's character declares he is done being the "beta" and will now be the "alpha."
When asked about his definition of an alpha male, Tripathi said it should be "someone who is a leader...without chest-thumping masculinity."
He also criticized societal conditioning that defines masculinity in harmful ways.
"Mard ke seene mein dard nahi hota. Choodiyan nahi pehan rakhi hain. All these small taglines have been passed down for centuries, from generation to generation."
Social awareness
His views might be seen as very 'woke,' Tripathi acknowledges
Tripathi acknowledged that his views might be seen as "very woke."
He said, "Well, that's fine; there is a need to be a little conscious or woke. I don't become nonsensically woke just to say something sensational for the sake of starting a discussion."
The film was directed by Varun V Sharma and also stars Aditi Rao Hydari.