Mouli Tanuj has transitioned from content creation to acting with ease. Known for his engaging and humorous videos on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, he gained popularity through his personal YouTube channel, Mouli Talks. After #90s A Middle Class Biopic (ETV Win original) catapulted him to fame, Mouli now waits for his first break at the cinemas with the release of Little Hearts on September 5th.
In this interview, Mouli talks about the Sai Marthand directorial, working with Shivani Nagaram and other artists, and more.
Little Hearts is an out-and-out fun entertainer. Those who search for emotion might be able to find it, though! I found the script most relatable. Personally, since I went to a prominent Intermediate college and appeared for EAMCET, I could totally relate to the incidents in the script. Even my father's character (played by Rajeev Kanakala) is something all parents can relate to.
Mine is a 'chillar' character in the movie. For the first time, you will see the female lead, too, indulging in 'chillar' things. In #90s, I played a relatively responsible and studious character. It was a small-town story. Little Hearts has me playing a totally irresponsible character. Also, it is an urban-centric character.
Yesterday's premiere shows for students was great. The feedback was very positive. Our confidence has only grown now.
It was fun working with Shivani Nagaram. The music is going to be seen as one of the major highlights.
We have been genuine while promoting Little Hearts. That's why we have been able to connect with the audience. Only if you watch it in theatres will you be able to feel the humour. Rom-coms have to leave a sweet experience at the end. That's what our film does. The experience and aftertaste will be breezy.
I want to do films that everyone can watch with their parents. I should be able to watch my movies with my parents. And they should appreciate the content. Even as a content creator on social media, I have always stuck to this principle.
My involvement in the scripting stage was minimal. I only added some spice to Sai Marthand's biryani.
I am used to receiving criticism. Little Hearts might disappoint some but I will embrace their feedback with a sense of positivity. I want to focus on quality rather than quantity while trying to maximize my potential. I should act in memorable movies. I have always wanted to become a director. I will fulfil that dream. I am doing films as an actor because I am landing opportunities. Little Hearts will be liked by everyone from kids to old people.
Now that Little Hearts' theatrical release is happening, our focus is on maximizing its reach. Through our promotions, we have been able to inspire the confidence that there is substance in our movie.
I have also acted in short films. I did YouTube content like pranks and vlogs just to kill time. While doing my Engineering, I gained practical experience by doing short films. I had a new smartphone and started exploring it. That's all there was to it. Memes don't give you income. Instagram promotions are my major source of income even now. Even after I became an actor, the money from content creation continues to be my primary source of income. #90s A Middle Class Biopic gave me the maximum visibility. Even people in villages identify me with that web series.
