Arjun made his debut in Tamil films in 1984 with Nandri , directed by Rama Narayanan. In a career spanning over 32 years, he has worked with top directors in the industry, and is a known name in Telugu and Kannada films as well. He also ventured into direction in 1992 with Sevagan , and has directed 17 films and is working on his 18th project.
Currently, the ‘Action King’, as he’s called, is looking forward to the release of his 150th film, Nibunan ( Vismaya in Kannada), directed by Arun Vaidyanathan. In a chat, he talks about the journey so far and what keeps him going. Excerpts:
What aspect of Nibunan made you choose it as your 150th film?
When Arun narrated the script to me, I was at once impressed by the thriller. Nibunan is a cop film, but not in the usual pattern of such thrillers. There is a completely different dimension to the role of the cop here. I play Ranjith Kalidoss, a DSP in the crime branch, who is intelligent and strong but has a weakness. The film talks about how he balances his family and profession.
Tell us about working with Arun Vaidyanathan...
He’s a perfectionist and does his homework well. Not a minute was wasted on set.
You seem to be fascinated by negative roles of late...
Yes, I enjoy playing such roles. I am tired of playing the lead role. In the recent past, Mankatha and Kadal were very well received. In my upcoming Telugu film, LIE , I playing a stylish character who has shades of grey.
Is this Arjun experimenting with what he can give to a film?
Every week, I turn down at least three or four offers. I intend to concentrate on versatile characters. Roles with shades of grey excite me. I will be playing a father in an upcoming Telugu film, Naa Peru Surya, Naa Illu India , starring Allu Arjun and directed by Vakkantham Vamsi. My logic is: Why wait to age to play dad roles? Why not now?
Are you comfortable sharing screen space with other stars?
I am perfectly comfortable with that. I had worked with Kamal Haasan in Kuruthipunal way back in 1994. And of course, I did Mankatha and Kadal , in which I shared space with Ajith and Arvind Swamy.
Why did you shift your focus to direction?
After my debut, I was belting out a series of flops for almost a decade. During the early part of the 90s, I was doing nothing at all for a year. That was the time I understood what I really wanted to do and how I must choose my projects. I realised that direction was my passionand went on to direct 17 films. Patriotism and social messages have always been the underlying theme in my directorials.
You are currently directing a film titled Solli Vidava, right?
My daughter Aishwarya and Chandan play lead roles. It is a love story. You will be surprised to see this romantic film coming from this Action King!
Among Kicha (Gentleman) and Pugazhendi ( Mudhalvan ), which do you like better?
(Thinks) Both are roles close to my heart. But whenever Rhythm plays on TV, I make it a point to watch it. Rarely do actors get such roles.
Can you describe your career decade-wise: 80s, 90s, 2000-2010 and the present?
While the 80s was hard work, the 90s was a turning point. 2000-2010 was marked by consistency. 2010 to present is versatility/experimentation.
Can you imagine yourself donning the role of Kattappa in Baahubali ?
I envy everyone who got to be a part of Baahubali ... how I wish I had bagged one role in that film! Baahubali. That is my kind of film, and probably in future, I may come up with a film of a similar genre.
You had terrific chemistry with Vadivelu in the past...
Yes, in Giri (2004), the comic timing worked out very well. I have always had a good rapport with comedians like Vivek, Vadivelu and Goundamani.
You’re still one of the fittest actors in the industry...
My father was a pehelwan, and from the age of 13, I have been practising karate. I work out for 40 minutes, four days a week. While we do need trainers toinitiate us into fitness, I think self-motivation is the best.
