The year seems to have begun well for actor Arya. After a long hiatus from public view while shooting for ‘Naan Kadavul’, the movie finally released and won him accolades for his performance. But not resting on laurels he has already moved on to several new projects and will be seen not only as hero but also villain and producer in 2009.
The talk naturally veers to Bala's ‘Naan Kadavul’ where he plays an Aghora and Arya reveals his thoughts, ''I got what I wanted as an actor from that film. It's a once-in-alifetime character. I discovered so much about myself as an actor while doing the film.'' If ‘Naan Kadavul’ veered on the serious, his next film ‘Sarvam’, will bring out the fun, lover-boy side of him. ''It's a lively, energetic character, bubbly and talkative and a lot like what I am,'' grins Arya.
But after being immersed in the serious and silent character of the Aghora for nearly two years it was not easy to get into the ‘Sarvam’ role.
He explains why, ''For ‘Naan Kadavul’ I had long beard and hair and the mood was heavy for so long. It was a relief to get back to my normal, clean-shaven look for ‘Sarvam’. But getting the energy back to play the light-hearted role was not that easy! I would have long bouts of heavy silence.
It was difficult to come out of the role of the Aghora. I have to thank director Vishnuvardhan for infusing his energy into me. Slowly he removed my inhibitions and seeing him so vibrant I began to translate that energy into my body language as well. I really admire Shahrukh Khan for the sheer energy he is able to bring on screen everytime.
It's not easy at all.'' But working with the old team (‘Arindum Ariyamalum’, ‘Pattiyal’) of cameraman Nirav Shah and Vishnuvardhan raised his comfort levels and contributed to the outcome on screen. ‘Sarvam’ is a romantic, suspense and action thriller and his new pairing with Trisha has come out well. ''We share a great on screen chemistry,'' he admits.
While Sarvam is readying for release, Arya has moved on to his other exciting project which is producer Kalpathi Aghoram's magnum opus, ‘Madrasapattinam’. A period film of Chennai in the 1940s, it is directed by 'Kreedam' Vijay. He is cast opposite Amy Jackson, Ms Teen World from Hollywood. Arya is upbeat about the challenge of such a role. ''It's a giant project of nearly 20 crores and the burden is huge on Vijay and me. It's certainly a huge challenge playing a character set in 1947 in Madras. But when I first heard the script I was very excited and felt I just had to do it!'' Arya plays a wrestler in the film and has been taking wrestling lessons for it. ''The fights will be really different and authentic and not the usual kicking and flying kind,'' is all he can reveal about his role.
The other films in his kitty are director Manikandan's (of ‘Dhaam Dhoom’ fame) love story with Shriya Saran and Pritika Rao (sister of Amrita Rao) and his Malyalam debut alongside Mohanlal in Casanova directed by Roshan Andrews. As if that were not enough, Arya will now play a villain in a Telugu film with Allu Arjun as hero. But his attempts at exploring new horizons don't end there. Arya has already started work as producer under the The Show People banner. ''When I was new I had no one to promote me. That's why I want to take this opportunity to help new talent.'' Director Suka (assistant to Balu Mahendra and Bala) is already working on the first project to which Illayraja is giving the music.
For an actor who set foot in the industy not so long ago, Arya has certainly come a long way. In his journey of a thousand steps, the first few are already leaving deep imprints.
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