Actor Arulnithi, who has been very selective with his films, is ready with his next Iravukku Aayiram Kangal (IAK), which is hitting the screens this week on the 11th of May. The film is directed by debutant Mu Maran and the trailer that was released a few weeks ago, had garnered the necessary attention. In a freewheeling chat with Jyothsna Bhavanishankar for MovieCrow, the young actor talks about the film in depth among other things.
Yes! In my career, Mounaguru and Demonte Colony are two of my biggest hits, in terms of critical acclaim and box office success and they were helmed by debutants Shanthakumar and Ajay Gnanamuthu respectively. To me, as I have been saying all along, the script and its capacity to interest and excite me are important. Of course, my producers should also be happy with the financial results.
Therefore, when Maran narrated the script to me, I was totally floored. We all have the habit of visualizing anything that is said. It is a normal thing. So, when he narrated the scenes, I was enamored by it. I have the habit of recounting the story and for IAK, I could not do that. Then, I called Maran again for a drive in ECR and upon second hearing, the bits and pieces were put into place and I was all the more convinced about taking up this project.
I could not predict the twists and turns in the scenes and whatever I had envisaged, had turned wrong. The film would certainly give the audience a different feel and I am not saying this because I am in it. It is the truth.
The producer Axess Film Factory also kept calling me for my approval and I was even wondering about it. But, into the story, I realized that all the characters in the film are equally important and I was best suited for my role.
No. In many of my films, this has been the case. If you take Mounaguru, Uma Riyaz Khan and John Vijay's portions had a better screen space than mine. In Vamsam, in the second half, Kishore who played my dad's character had occupied twenty minutes of screen time. In Naalu Policeum Nalla Irundha Oorum, Singam Puli annan had more screen duration. I can say the same thing for Oru Kanniyum Moonu Kalavaanigalum also. But these are the requisites of the story and people are anyway going to remember you for your character if it is etched well. I would rather be in a good film that had less of me than in a bad film that has only me.
Maran is someone who has superb clarity about what he wants and how he is going to achieve it. He is very accommodative of everyone. This is a very important quality. On the 1st day of shoot, at Cloud Nine Hospital, I was looking for him at the director's chair behind the camera and he was not there. Even on subsequent days, he was not to be seen. Later I realized he was a little shy but is keen to get things completed in his style.
Yes, of course. You will realize this when you see the film. It will keep you engaged and also guessing as to what is going to happen next.
In IAK, I got an opportunity to work with such experienced people. The cast boasts of such talents and experience. Anand Raj sir is someone who has been acting even before I was born. John Vijay sir and Aadukalam Naren sir are all such experienced artists in the industry that I got to learn a lot from them. Lakshmy Ramakrishnan ma'am has done a pivotal role and she was very supportive. IAK has Vidya Pradeep, Chaya Singh and Suja Varunee who have done their parts very well. I was in awe of Mahima, who used to be joyful and light hearted till the camera begins rolling and the moment it starts, she brings out the intensity of the character. It was all a wonderful experience, to sum it.
No. I am choosy because I want to be part of a good script and I am not in a hurry. My first film Vamsam was released on the 13th of August in 2010 and till now, I have done 10 films, including IAK. So, this is an average of 1.05 films per year. But I am happy. I am very particular to be seen in a quality film. Quantity is not the criterion. Down the line, if I had to look back at my career, I want to be pleased with it for my association and involvement with good scripts. I also get suggestions that I should have two releases an year but I am convinced that it will be only good ones.
Fifty percent of the film shoot is over. We did not shoot for the past two months because of the strike. We would soon be starting the procedure. Director Mahendran sir is there in the film and needless to say, the learning curves, I am subjected to. We are having a good time at the shoot. Karu Palaniappan sir has written some powerful dialogues. There is also RK Suresh. In all probability the film would hit the screens before this year end.
No, not yet. I am waiting for the result of these projects.
Sometimes, I am jealous of my son Magizhan as he gets to spend time with my grandfather more than what I did during my growing up years. At that time, he was so busy. Every evening, Magizhan will promptly be ready to go, play with my thatha. It is certainly a nice and happy feeling.
He is much better and recovering.