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Nithya Menen's Nostalgic Post as 'Ala Modalaindi' Marks 15-Year Milestone

Actress Nithya Menen has shared a nostalgic Instagram post marking the 15th anniversary of her Telugu film 'Ala Modalaindi'. She recalls the freedom of filming when she and the crew were unknown, allowing for improvisation and a lack of pressure. Menen highlights how they pioneered the rom-com genre in Telugu cinema, which was uncommon at the time. She notes how her friend's prediction about losing anonymity came true after the film's release, changing her life forever.

Key Points: Nithya Menen Recalls 'Ala Modalaindi' 15 Years Later

  • Film completed 15 years
  • Groundbreaking Telugu rom-com
  • No pressure during filming
  • Life changed after release
  • Improvised scenes on set
2 min read

Nithya Menen recalls working on 'Ala Modalaindi' as film completes 15 years!

Actress Nithya Menen shares heartfelt memories of filming the groundbreaking Telugu rom-com 'Ala Modalaindi' as the film completes 15 years.

"We were attempting to make a rom com, which I think until then was not done at all in Telugu - Nithya Menen"

Hyderabad, Jan 26

Actress Nithya Menen has now penned a heartfelt post about her Telugu film 'Ala Modalaindi', on the occasion of the film completing 15 years.

Taking to her Instagram page to share her thoughts on the film, the actress wrote, "Ala modalaindi means 'And so, it began'. The 'leela' of the Universe I guess, giving me a movie named like that. A movie where it all really began."

The actress said, "@nandureddyy and I talk all the time about what it was like back then. Nobody knew who we were, nobody cared. Most people didn't understand at all what we were trying to make. We were attempting to make a rom com, which I think until then was not done at all in Telugu, and most other languages as well. So no one cared."

She further added, "We went to Irani Chai most days after shoot and just chilled there until late, ate Subway sandwiches for lunch. I even remember our orders. It was the exact same order every day. We improvised so much on the spot. Rewrote scenes 15 mins before shooting it. It was amazing. No pressure. None of us was a 'somebody', so we did what we wanted. We were fully ourselves."

Recalling how her friend's words came true, she said, "One day, we stopped at a tiny Subway outlet by the side of a very busy road to pick up lunch before shoot. And Nandini told me to go inside and get it. 'You won't be able to walk freely into any restaurant like this anymore. Go buy it yourself', she said. It sounded absurd to me. It never, ever, ever occurred to me that I could be recognised one day or that people might want to see me. I didn't really want it. My plan was to do small off beat films, be relatively unknown, be free, take walks, sit in cafes by myself and read.... BUT. then. came. Ala Modalaindi . And nothing was the same ever again. And so, it began indeed. 15 years of Ala Modalaindi!"

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is why I love stories about beginnings. No pressure, no expectations, just pure passion. The Irani chai and Subway sandwich detail is so charming. It's a reminder that even the biggest stars start from humble, unknown places. More power to her!
A
Aman W
Honestly, while the sentiment is nice, I feel like the "nobody knew us" narrative gets repeated a lot. Many talented actors never get that lucky break. It's great it worked for them, but a little acknowledgment of the privilege of getting such a platform would be good.
S
Shreya B
"We improvised so much on the spot." This explains the natural vibe of the film! It didn't feel like actors reciting lines. It felt like watching real people. That friend's prediction about not being able to walk into a restaurant freely... that's the price of fame, na? Bittersweet.
K
Karthik V
15 years! Feeling old now. This film was a game-changer for sure. It paved the way for so many modern Telugu rom-coms. The music is still on my playlist. "Ala Modalaindi" and "Em Sandeham Ledu" are timeless. Thanks for the memories, Nithya!
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Nisha Z
Her plan was to be unknown and free... and the universe had other plans! 😄 It's amazing how life works. She's one of the most talented and selective actresses we have. Wishing her many more meaningful films. Time for a rewatch this weekend!

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