Aarav grabbed attention as a menacing villain in Mizhil Thirumeni’s ‘Kalakath Thalaivan’. He plays an equal role to the hero of the film, Udayanidhi. Drowning in praise, he played the hero in ‘Market Raja MPBS’.
How did you suddenly agree to play a villain?
I came to cinema to become an actor. At first I thought that whether it is a villain or a character role. I mean, I thought it would be enough if I had the chance. Then all you get is a bonus. That’s how Heroa got a chance. There were many villainous characters. I was waiting to act in the right director’s film and in the right story. I felt that it should not be done like that in a regular story. At the right time, the ‘rebellion leader’ fulfilled my wish.
how?
I like the movies of Sanjay Thirumeni. I was in touch with him. Suddenly one day, a phone call from Red Giant. Such a film. Negative role. They asked, ‘Have you made a hero, are you going to act?’ I was hesitant. I thought how would I be received if I did. Because, this is a place where many people have proved themselves and made villains before me. Acting as a villain is not easy. At the same time, fans have started watching world cinema more after the advent of OTD. No one can be fooled. So, I was afraid of being able to do it right. Meezh sir had designed the character perfectly. When I heard, I said that I will act immediately. The faith he had in me, the input he gave me, the job he got me all were strengths of this character.
It is a character equivalent to a hero. What did Udayanidhi say?
Uday Anna also thought that the story would be stronger if the villain was also equal. He had even said that he thought that he could cast Meezh Thirumeni himself. Udai Annan also wanted the villain to have a proper scope and give him a place. It was a good experience acting with him.
How has the reception been?
While making the film, they believed that ‘everyone will like this character and the fans will like it’. I am a quiet character by nature. Arjun’s character is opposite of my character. I was challenged by the body language and threatening look. Today there is a lot of trolling on social media. I thought that if something like that came to me, I would have to take it. But, nothing like that happened. I am happy that the fans have accepted my character.
Did you do homework for this character?
Oh yes. I never had such opportunities before. In this, Arjun’s character has been beautifully crafted by Mr. How does a former army commando behave? If he saw a person, he was always interested in how he looked and how he spoke. I did homework accordingly.
Will it continue to be a villainous character?
There is no such definition. A hero or a villain is fine. I will do it even if I get an interesting character role.
What about the ‘Rajabeema’ you played?
The shooting is over. They have talked about releasing it. My character will be enjoyable in this film directed by Naresh Sampath. Next some producers are talking. Not yet committed.