With a Kannada-Marathi bilingual project, an upcoming direct OTT release (which is still uncommon in the Kannada film industry), and another full-fledged Kannada theater release planned for later this year, Manvita Kamath finds herself deeply involved in various mediums within the world of cinema. In a conversation with Bangalore Times, she discusses her experiences in the industry, the lessons she has learned over the years, and the tremendous support she has received from her husband, Arun Pai, and his family following their recent wedding.

Excerpts:

"I enjoy the excitement of appearing on the big screen, but OTT platforms offer access to a whole new audience."

I have always believed that I am suited for acting across different platforms. While nothing compares to the thrill of seeing oneself on the big screen, the experience of watching a film in a theater is unmatched. I have been fortunate to be part of movies that celebrated 125-day runs in theaters, a trend that has changed now. However, I am also an enthusiastic consumer of OTT content. This platform offers diverse opportunities to many individuals. Unlike traditional theatrical releases that target specific audience demographics, OTT films can reach a broader audience, regardless of language or location. Currently, I am eagerly awaiting the release of my bilingual film "Chakhamakhi," my Kannada film "One and Half," as well as another project scheduled for direct OTT release.

There have been instances in my career where I turned down interviews, feeling I had little to share. The rise of social media has influenced how one is perceived, making me contemplate the need to enhance my online presence.

Manvita Kamath:

"Unfortunately, on social media, what you see is often mistaken for the truth."

I have always valued my privacy to some extent. Throughout my career, there have been times when I declined interviews. The evolving landscape of social media has reshaped perceptions, causing me to consider enhancing my online engagement.I used to shy away from interviews because I felt I didn't have enough to discuss as news. Nowadays, social media has changed how others perceive me, and I sometimes contemplate whether I should enhance my presence there. Unfortunately, people often judge based on what they see online, potentially overlooking the hard work, discipline, and respect I have for my craft that I keep away from the screen. Despite this, I remain determined not to let negativity affect me. I value the support of my mentors and good friends, including my husband Arun and his family. While my mother initially dissuaded me from the film industry, my husband and his family appreciate my work and celebrate my accomplishments. Reflecting on my journey, I realize I was naive for a significant portion of my career. However, I have since learned to set boundaries and not allow myself to be taken advantage of. I have distanced myself from individuals who undermine my self-confidence. I am committed to producing quality work and refuse to let negativity dampen my spirit.