Arulnithi, who made many heads turn with his terrific performance in 'Mouna Guru', is now set for his next release, 'Thagaraaru', which hits theatres this Friday. The 27-year-old actor was introduced by National Award winning director Pandiraj in 'Vamsam'. Arulnithi was considered an actor to look out for after 'Vamsam', but his second outing, 'Udhayan', didn’t go down well with audiences. The fiasco didn’t deter Arul’s spirit, who ensured that he proved his passion for cinema in his next release, 'Mouna Guru', which was a sleeper hit. He might be three films old in the industry, but the actor reveals that all the three films have taught him crucial lessons that an actor has to grasp to taste success. His kitty is now filled with three more films. In this interview with DC, Arul opens up about his transition from being a reluctant actor to a passionate one and doing films sans hero worship.
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'Thagaraaru' is directed by Ganesh Vinayak, in which actors Poorna and Jayaprakash carry off integral roles. “My character in 'Mouna Guru' was intense. 'Thagaraaru' has allowed me to explore all sides of a character. The protagonist is clownish, comical, but, on the other hand, portrays seriousness too. The story revolves around four men, who are orphans and who grow up together, but when the protagonist falls in love, the story takes a sharp turn. What happens to their friendship after the protagonist accepts his lover? The audience can relate to the film well as it might happen in anybody’s life,” says Arul. According to the actor, 'Thagaraaru' is a neat and sensible commercial entertainer that caters to audiences of all categories.
Arul reveals that the debacle of 'Udhayan' has taught him a critical life lesson at an early stage of his career itself and he says that he took it in his stride. “Vamsam introduced me as an actor and 'Mouna Guru' shaped me up. Udhayan didn’t do well and made me learn some key lessons. After that, I decided that I will never carry off roles that demand heroism. If the story is not good, I don’t think an actor can stand. I have begun to be extremely careful with choosing my scripts. That’s exactly why I have taken some time after the release of 'Mouna Guru'. My job is to act and I should do it the way the story warrants it. 'Vamsam' was a great launch. I started getting action roles post that. But I ensured that I didn’t take similar roles. I focused on variety,” he says.
Arul credits his father Tamilarasu, son of ex-chief minister M. Karunanidhi, for making him understand the importance of choosing the right subjects for his films. “After his critical piece of advice, my outlook changed. In my opinion, if an actor begins to consider script as the most important aspect, gradually cinema will change,” observes Arul.
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After 'Thagaraaru', Arul will be seen in director Chimbu Deven’s 'Oru Kanniyum Moonu Kalavaanikalum', which is a romantic comedy that will be released soon, and 'Naalu Policeum Nalla Irundha Oorum'. For the latter, in which Arul will play a cop, he has been dieting since a couple of months to gain a strong build, and from the experience of working in the film, Arul says that he has begun to believe in doing a bit of homework for his films.
“During 'Vamsam', Pandiraj sir was with me throughout. He completely helped me in emoting. In all the other films, I grasped the character on my own. But for 'Naalu Policeum Nalla Irundha Oorum', I have done a lot of homework to not repeat any of the mistakes that I had done in other films. Although my performance in 'Mouna Guru' was applauded, as an actor, I knew where I went wrong and I have to ensure that I don’t repeat the goof-ups,” he reveals.
Tamilarasu, Arulnithi’s fatherproduced the yesteryear blockbuster 'Gopura Vasalile', the Tamil directorial debut of Priyadarshan and funded a couple of Arul’s films. But the actor reveals, “I’m now earning, and you will soon see me as a producer,” he laughs. Arul has a funny connect with the film, 'Gopura Vasalile'. “Since it was produced by dad, I was asked to appear for a shot to pray in front of my great grandmother’s picture that usually appears first before the film starts. I threw tantrums and I was so reluctant to even come for that one scene. And look at me now, I have become an actor,” says Arul, highlighting the irony of it all. “My thought process changed gradually, and I started to develop a liking for cinema. As a kid, just like every other boy, I wanted to act as a superhero. But quite paradoxically, now I’m trying my level best to avoid accepting scripts that feed on heroism. I don’t think it will work for me. Each actor is unique. What works for others might not work for me,” says Arul.
In real life, Arul is direct, straightforward and never gives up on a debate. “At the same time, I take criticism and am a good sport. One quality of mine that I’m proud of is that I have never lied to anybody in my life. Even if it’s an unpleasant thing, I will express it without fear. If anybody lies to me, I can easily figure that out,” he says.
As he hails from a family of politicians, will Arul too join the fray? “Life is full of surprises. We will have to wait and see,” he says with some circumspection.
