This Tamil New Year is a very special day for Arya, as his ambitious project, Kadamban, hits the cinema halls and the actor doubles up as a co-producer as well for this venture. Amidst his anxious wait for the release, the actor who has played a tribal in the film, talks to DC, opening up about his transformation from a lover boy to a Tarzan avatar with ripped physique, on how the theme of the film goes well with the present social scenario in the country, his nonchalant attitude towards the ‘chocolate hero’ tag he’s received, the stunts with more than 50 real elephants and how he wishes the political system becomes merit-based.
“All my friends come home for a biryani feast every Eid — and in turn I visit Vishal and Vishnuvardhan’s houses, who celebrate Tamil New Year and Ugadi, for lavish lunches! This year though, I will be missing them as I am in Dubai for Kadamban’s premiere,” he begins the conversation.
It is not the first time that Arya has changed his looks drastically for a movie. People aren’t likely to forget his Aghori makeover in Bala’s Naan Kadavul! When quizzed what’s special about Kadamban, he says, “It is about a tribal man who grows around nature. I got an opportunity to showcase my physique in a right way. You would have seen me in song or stunt sequences displaying my bod earlier y... but this is completely different. It’s not like sporting six-pack abs! My character is very muscular and no actor has ever tried it before. The script commanded it.”
He quickly adds, “Do you know what was the reference director Raghavan sent to me? It was a sketch of Lord Hanuman! He said that I had to look like that!” Getting into what the director had visualised was not all that easy, he says. “It was 70 per cent diet and 30 percent workout. What you eat matters a lot. I was eating 50 egg whites, 2 kg of chicken, just bland without any masala in them, every single day. It was a tough process — but at the end of the day, when you see yourself on the screen, it was a rewarding experience”.
The action sequences are not exaggerated, but the script demanded it, he quips. “It was challenging and new — especially shooting with more than 50 elephants in Thailand. There are hardly any references for fight scenes with elephants. Master Dilip Subbarayan only had a rough idea — and we all know that given the mood swings of an elephant, it is very dangerous to go near them!” Arya’s training with the elephants for a week before shooting came in handy. “We made them (elephants) understand that we were there to work with them for a film. We used to go near and talk in a caring manner. After a point, they became familiar with us and cooperated well!”
The theme of Kadamban is similar to the present situation in the country, Arya also claims — “Raghava has touched upon the topic of how corporates destroy nature and the livelihood of villagers; how deforestation affects biodiversity on a big scale.” Will this finally give him a break from the ‘lover boy’ tag? “I would take it as a compliment if they call me a lover boy even when I am in my 80s!” he laughs. So, are the audiences ready to see a mature, grown-up Arya now? One who is still a favourite with his leading ladies, but can also create waves with his statements?
Switching topics, the actor gives us his take on the political scenario today — “The set-up has to change, akin to a corporate, where a system is followed. It’s sad that anyone without a proper education or merit can enter politics. A rule should be imposed that candidates must possess minimum qualification before entering the field.” But isn’t it the same with respect to actors or anyone in the film industry?“I agree! You need talent and expertise in your area to survive. Otherwise, you will be kicked out!” he signs off.
