It took a while for Arun Vija y to realize that action was his road to stardom. Finally, when the realization did occur, he wasted no time in making the most of it. Now, the actor has reached new heights with his latest action-packed flick 'Maanja Velu ', which released this Friday.
“I haven’t played this kind of character earlier. As an actor it was challenging for me. I did a lot of homework as I sport three different looks in the film,” says Arun. He adds, “I had to tonsure my head for the climax scene and I have been receiving positive feedback about this look from people. The character Velu is easy-going but towards the end he changes. The character goes through a lot of emotions. We shot action sequences alone for 45 days and I have done risky shots too without any stunt double,” he says.
How was it to work with veteran actor Karthik?
“Karthik plays the cop and is also my older brother in the film. He makes his re-entry into the film industry after seven years. When you share your screen space with a good actor, you tend to give your best and I have done that in this film,” the actor smiles.
On Dhansika he says, “She speaks Tamil and that is the best part. She dances and performs well,”
Though Arun made his debut 13 years ago, he evidently seems to be concentrating on scripts now. “I wasn’t clear on what kind of scripts to follow Also, my characters in 'Iyarkai' and 'Paandavar Bhoomi' were highly acclaimed. Only before 'Malai Malai' I realised that I could give out successful commercial films. Giving out an award winning film alone wouldn’t be enough, as the producers have to be happy at the end.
"I know that I had this action element in me that captured the audiences well and I have now started taking advantage of it. Time and luck also matter. I plan to experiment with different plots in the genre of action,” assures the actor.
What’s next?
“I have just completed my skydiving course from London and I have a valid license. I want to use this in my next flick 'Kaaval Thurai' , in which I play a cop. Being an action hero I have to prove myself and I’ve the energy and age to do it,” says Arun, who will be at his acrobatic best in his next release. “We’re planning to do the hat trick with the same team (Director A Venkatesh and producer Feather Touch Entertainment). But, the script work is going on and nothing has been finalised yet,” says Arun Vijay.