With Mr X gearing up for its April 17 release, Arya has opened up about filming one of the film’s most demanding action stretches — an underwater sequence that pushed him physically.

The actor revealed that the portion was shot in a 20-foot-deep diving pool in Mumbai, going well beyond the usual depth used for such scenes in Indian films. What made it tougher was the water temperature, which hovered around 15–16°C, forcing Arya to perform in near-freezing conditions without protective gear.

He shared that each take required him to hold his breath for close to 30–40 seconds, while also ensuring his body remained steady despite the cold. The actor admitted that controlling physical reactions like shivering became as challenging as performing the stunt itself.

The shoot also demanded long hours underwater from the crew. To maintain flow between takes, the team reportedly stayed submerged for close to two hours at a stretch, with communication handled through underwater audio systems.

Director Manu Anand has indicated that the sequence is not just a visual set-piece, but also a crucial narrative element. It is said to appear early in the film, with its relevance becoming clearer as the story progresses.

Despite the physical strain, Arya expressed satisfaction with how the sequence has shaped up on screen, hinting that it would stand out as one of the film’s highlights.

Directed by Manu Anand, Mr X is a multi-starrer spy thriller featuring Sarathkumar, Manju Warrier, and Gautham Karthik alongside Arya. The film, inspired by real incidents, releases in theatres this Friday.