'I don't mind taking risks'

An interview with Arun Vijay

Life has changed a lot for Arun Vijay post Gautham Menon’s Yennai Arindhaal (2015). Having been in the industry for over 18 years, he has come this far after a lot of hardship. Now turning producer with Kuttram 23, a crime thriller directed by Arivazhagan of Eeram fame, Arun says that production is something he always wanted to do. “This is my 23rd film and I think it is a coincidence that the title has ‘23’ in it,” he chuckles.

Arun likes to explore things and feels that this is the time to do so. “The audience have been supportive so far. Despite having a solid background in Tamil cinema, (dad Vijayakumar is a veteran actor), it took me many years to taste success, so I know how tough it is. I want to help budding talent — those who are interested in content-driven films and experimentation,” he says. 

The actor chooses scripts and characters based on how he relates to them. Citing Kuttram 23, he adds that he plays ‘a realistic’ assistant commissioner. “As an actor, it will show another dimension of mine. I was impressed by the narration and wanted to be a part of this medical crime thriller inspired by Rajesh Kumar’s novel. We bought the rights and the director has taken just the plot and re-written it, tweaking a lot. (My character) is not a loud cop; but subtle and stylish. I also look at how racy the screenplay is, and ask myself, ‘Does this suit me?’,” he smiles. 

The Thadaiyara Thaakka actor adds that the film is packed with action sequences. “Everybody is still talking about Victor, the anti-hero from Yennai Arindhaal. So, in this film my name is Vetrimaaran. I think ‘V’ factor has worked well for me,” he laughs.

This is the first time Arun will be seen on screen as a cop and naturally, he’s excited. “It’s a natural progression for any actor. Also, I was keen on getting my body language right. I should thank one of my fans, a police constable, who helped by sending videos on WhatsApp, teaching me things like how to salute,” he grins. 

On the other hand, he’s upbeat about the response to his Kannada debut Chakravyuha (2016), a remake of Ivan Vera Madhiri (2013) alongside Puneet Rajkumar. “Puneet treated me like family and my career graph has been rising steadily. I am venturing into Telugu and Kannada films as well,” he says.

So, what’s next? “If all goes well, I’d like to do another movie with Arivazhagan, but am waiting to hear from him. He’s an amazing technician and there’s so much positivity around him. All I need is substantial roles and I am not picking all the scripts that come my way. I’ve always pursued challenging roles and don’t mind waiting and the risks involved. If I can play an anti-hero and keep the audience engrossed, why not? I keep my options open.

“I will also be doing another film with Gautham Menon after he completes Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada,” he says.

Kuttram 23 has Mahima Nambiar as the heroine, and is produced by Inder Kumar of Redhan, The Cinema People, in association with, Aarathi Arun of In Cinemas Entertainment.

(The piece was originally written for The New Indian Express)