Arya belongs to that rare breed of actors adored by directors and producers alike. While directors love him for his enthusiasm to be part of multi-starrers and his non-interference in their work, producers appreciate him for sharing their opinion that a film’s prime purpose is to entertain, and that an actor must simply do his bit — like a cog in the wheel — without being too worried about the scope of acting the role offers. “I have just one face; so I can laugh and cry in only one manner,” he says. “Perhaps I can experiment with my hairstyle or exaggerate my smile. That’s it. The mood of the film and its setting convinces the audience that I’m playing a different character.” Is it exaggeration then when some actors talk about the need to get into the skin of a character, and appear different in each film? Leaving no room for doubt, he says, “900 per cent!”
The actor is busy with three films — Meaghamann , Purampokku , and Yatchan . In Purampokku, he acts with Vijay Sethupathi and Shaam, while Yatchan will see him share screen space with Kreshna. Arya is a veteran when it comes to movies with an ensemble cast, having acted in Arinthum Ariyamalum (his debut in 2005), Ullam Ketkume (2005), Pattiyal (2006), and the more recent Raja Rani (2013) and Arrambam (2013). “Single hero films, with their undivided focus on one individual, can become monotonous,” he says. “Multi-starrers have variety. Also, when top actors unite for a film, it generates a lot of interest and publicity.”
Then, there’s the learning intrinsic to working in a film with other leading actors. Acting with the likes of Vijay Sethupathi and Shaam creates healthy competition. “Shaam, for instance, pauses between dialogues, an aspect I have now tried to adopt,” says Arya. “Vijay Sethupathi adds extra details that are not even part of the script. How could I ever learn these techniques if not by acting with them?”
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S. P. Jananathan’s
Next up are exciting plans. He teams up with Santhanam and director Rajesh for a film that he calls “part two of the rip-roaring Boss Engira Bhaskaran (2010).” He also plans to return as producer after four years with Amara Kaaviyam , a film with brother Sathya. “It's an intense love story, the likes of which I’ve never been a part of. Think Mynaa (2010) or Kaadhal Kondein (2003),” he says. He laments being typecast as a commercial actor and says, “Let this be a shout out to all directors that I would like to star in a deep, intense love story!”
As a parting shot, he ticks off producers who delay films for a ‘U’ certificate in order to get the 30 per cent tax waiver. “If all producers want a ‘U’ certificate, how are we ever going to make films about dark concepts? Unless this changes, most films will only be commercial entertainers.” He is eager to change the status quo when he is producer. “If
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