Arun Vijay was just 18 when he debuted as a hero in Sundar C’s Murai Mappillai (1996). Twenty years since and his next release, Kuttram 23 , is just his 23rd film. Arun says he was never in a hurry to sign films, calling his cop role in Kuttram 23 a dream come true. Though he got noticed for his roles in Jananathan’s Iyarkai and Cheran’s Pandavar Bhoomi , it was his role as the antagonist in Gautham Menon’s Yennai Arindhaal that made him a household name.
Excerpts from an interview:
What is the significance of the title Kuttram 23 ?
Would you believe me if I said it was truly coincidental? It is not because it is my 23rd film. Only when you watch the movie, that’s a medical crime thriller, will you understand why 23 finds its way to the title.
It has been two years since Yennai Arindhaal released. Why the delay?
I pick and choose my projects as I am focussed on doing only meaningful and sensible films. I would like to be known as someone who meticulously chooses his roles. Also, after the humongous success and reach that my character Victor garnered, I had to be careful about my next film. So when Arivazhagan came up with the screenplay of Rajesh Kumar’s novel, I was convinced that this was the kind of role I was waiting for.
You are playing a cop for the first time. Did the idea excite you?
It’s my dream role, which was on my wishlist for a long time. Arivazhagan had written the role of Assistant Commissioner Vetrimaaran so well. It is a character that is not too loud, at the same time powerful and intelligent. I wouldn’t compare Vetrimaaran with any other Kollywood cop; he is stylish, he is subtle. This being my first cop role, I have done complete justice to it.
Who is your favourite on-screen cop?
I love the manner in which Kamal Haasan portrayed his character in Kaakki Sattai. Each actor plays the cop role in his own style. In Kuttram 23, the director has taken no effort to project me as the protagonist. The screenplay is the driving factor in the film.
How did you prepare yourself for the role?
I had to work out to get the right physique. I focussed on creating a new body language for the character and then perfected it. Now, I am finding it hard to walk or behave normally, even after the shooting is complete. The rest of the detailing and research was given on a platter by Arivazhagan. My role is that of a smart, stylish, shrewd officer, who speaks less; an emotional individual who is remarkably intelligent.
What can the audience expect from Kuttram 23 ?
Every family will be able to relate to the concept of this film. Genuine effort has been put in by the entire crew and it will be reflected on screen. The background music (BGM) is something everyone will talk about, and Vishal spent close to 40 days working only on re-recording and BGM. My hard work and perseverance will be reflected in the film, and most importantly, the goodwill of my fans will help me go where I want to.
