Actor Aari’s movies so far — 'Rettasuzhi' and 'Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakkathiley' — have been directed by debutants, but the actor has worked with known directors and actors before. Not as an assistant director, as you would instantly think, but as a fitness trainer.
Yes, Aari is the person behind Cheran’s four different looks in 'Autograph', Sasikumar’s physique in 'Subramaniyapuram', Ameer’s rugged look in 'Yogi'. He also helped Aadhi play the role of a HIV Positive person in 'Mirugam' and worked with Jiiva in 'Katradhu Tamizh'.
“Body sculpting is very popular abroad and there are special trainers for actors to look the age of the character they are playing in a movie. There are many ways to do this, but I prefer a bio-method that doesn’t have any side effects,” says Aari. It’s only when he approached Cheran for a chance to act did the latter make him in-charge his look for Autograph.
While there is a stark difference between his looks in his previous films, Aari says the change can vividly be seen in his forthcoming movie Dharani. “The film involves two stages of a person’s life and was easy for me to transform myself since I know how to do it,” he says. The film is being directed by a debutant Guhan Sammandham, and revolves around three persons. Actors Kumaravel and Karuna, who have played small roles in films earlier, are playing the two other lead characters. “Guhan hasn’t worked with any director before, but his I was amazed to see what he has done in the film,” says Aari.
The shooting of the film is complete and it is likely to hit screens in September. In fact, Dharani is the first film Aari signed, but it got delayed as he wanted to be part of Rettasuzhi that had directors K Balachander and Bharathiraja in major roles.