How it happened
I was interested in films right from childhood. Director Pratap Pothen, who was my neighbour, gave me my first break in his Malayalam film, Daisy — I was then in Standard Eight. My father, producer-writer Panchu Arunachalam, made me work as an assistant production manager under Balagopi for Guru Sishyan and a couple of other films in Tamil and Telugu. I was promoted as the executive producer when Michael Madhana Kama Rajan was made. Ever since, I've involved myself in all our productions till the recent Mayakannadi . It was director Samuthirakani, who asked me to do a role in the television serial, “Arasi”. Initially, he told me it would last a week or so. But the positive feedback extended my role for nearly three years. When I saw the announcement of Boss Engira Baskaran, I asked the producers, Srinivasan and Sivaraman, to give me a chance to act in their film. I met director Rajesh who told me I was going to play the role of Arya's brother.
How it felt
The switch from the small to the big screen was an awesome experience. Director Rajesh was clear about what he wanted from me. I enjoyed each and every moment working with the team. I saw the film with my parents and wife. I was nervous till my dad, a veteran in the industry, appreciated my performance. Now, everybody asks me for ‘Malli Poo' wherever I go.
How life changed
Life has changed a lot. I have worked as a production manager, producer, choreographer and actor. I also dubbed for Suman in Shivaji and Mukesh Tiwari in Kanthaswamy. I have now finished Siva Poojaiyil Karadi , where I play a comic villain. I have more than a couple of films in my kitty. My ambition is to make it where others think I have lost. It's my dream to re-establish P. A. Art Productions soon.
