Actor Manas Shah is gearing up for the release of his Gujarati film Shortcut Padyo Longcut. Interestingly, his character in the movie is also named Manas, but he insists that their personalities are quite different. “My character has two main aspects—his relationship with his parents and his love life. In the film, Manas is quite immature and makes decisions purely based on emotions, which often leads to trouble,” he shared.
Comparing it to his real life, Manas Shah added, “I am much more mature and never make impulsive choices. However, when it comes to love, there is a similarity between my reel and real self. If I commit to someone, I stand by them no matter what. I take responsibility for my life partner’s happiness and always support them. So, while my character’s love life resonates with me, his overall personality is quite different from mine.”
The film, shot in Ahmedabad, Jaisalmer, Serbia (Belgrade), and Dubai, revolves around the idea that shortcuts often lead to complications. Explaining the title, Shortcut Padyo Longcut, Manas Shah said, “Sometimes, when we try to take a shortcut, we end up getting stuck and are eventually forced to take the long route. The movie conveys the message that while shortcuts may seem tempting, they often lead to future problems. On the other hand, a tough but steady path ensures long-term success.”
One of the most challenging scenes for him was when his character witnessed Alisha (mention her role) being tortured in jail. “The guilt of putting her in danger completely breaks him. His once cheerful personality disappears, and he realizes his mistake. It was an intense moment, and even the crew appreciated my performance. Another powerful scene is when Manas finally rescues Alisha and promises never to let anything separate them again,” he said.
On the OTT front, Manas Shah is set to debut with Burari Revisited, based on the infamous Burari murder case. “Most series on this case have focused on what happened at the time, but this one delves into the aftermath—the investigation, legal proceedings, and the final verdict. I play a paranormal activist, which was an incredible experience. The streaming date will likely be announced by the time it releases,” he revealed.
Looking ahead, Manas Shah may also shoot another Gujarati film, potentially in Birmingham. As for television, he remains open to returning if the right project comes along. “TV was my first love and will always be special to me. If a good opportunity comes, I’ll consider it. Otherwise, I’ll continue with films. Whatever happens, I trust that God has the best plans for me,” he concluded.
