Kalaiarasan, who started his film innings with a powerful role in Madras alongside Karthi, is riding high in K’town. Having shared the screen with Rajinikanth in his upcoming flick Kabali, he tells DC, ‘Rajinikanth is like a grown-up child’, and talks about his experiences and his future films including Raja Manthiri, in which he sports a new look as a college boy. “Raja Manthiri is a completely fun-filled family drama set in Mannarkudi, and portrays the bond between two brothers. I play Kaali Venkat’s younger brother, a happy-go-lucky guy. What happens to him in the city, including his romantic escapades, forms the rest of the movie,” Kalai says.
He adds, “It is in stark contrast to my mature and serious role in Madras. I have known Usha Krishnan, the director of RM, for long. She was an associate of Suseenthiran and when she narrated the humorous script to me, I was apprehensive about whether I could carry a comedy caper, in which timing is very important. But she gave me a lot of confidence, and today we have completed the movie.” About sporting a new look, he says, “I have shed a few kilos and shaved off my beard to look like a student. You will definitely appreciate the transformation on screen.”
The moment you mention ‘Rajinikanth’, Kalai’s eyes sparkle. “I do not know how to express my adulation towards Superstar. It was a great blessing to have shared the screen with Thalaivar in Kabali. Right from a young age, I have been an ardent fan of Rajini sir, and he was my inspiration to quit my IT job and join films,” he chuckles. After a pause, he goes on — “I told him about this when I met him first during the Kabali shoot. He laughed in his characteristic style and blessed me. While travelling with Superstar for 40 days during the shoot for Kabali, I found him to be like a grown-up child. Despite being quite big in stature, he is simple and grounded. In fact, he has no starry airs about him. I wondered if I would ever meet Thalaivar. But I never thought I would act alongside him so early in my career! Thanks to director Ranjith.” His future films include Yeidhavan, China and Kaala Koothu.
