BENGALURU: Hollywood actor Jason Mattewson will be soon seen in the movie Karmaa, being made by a Bengalurean. Bengaluru-based film maker Mark Renfro Tyler has roped in the Irish actor who made his breakthrough in cinema with a role in Black Ice.
The actor has previously worked with Brad Pitt, Russell Crowe, Anthony Hopkins, Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Cruise among others in Hollywood.
Mark says, “As the name suggests, the film is about karma that plays a part in every individual’s life. For generations, karma has been perceived at a very shallow level. We see someone doing something wrong and we quickly get ready to judge. We seldom attempt to understand the root cause of the action. It was surprising to hear a convict imprisoned in maximum security prison, say, ‘I don’t know why I did it!’ “
Jason will be playing the lead character Aaron Carter. In conversation with City Express, he talks about his role, karma and working with Gerard Butler. Excerpts:
Your character in the movie?
I play a rockstar Aaron Cramer. Being brought up in an affluent family, he never knew anything about hurt or pain. He is a troubled soul.
Like many rockstars, he finds it difficult to express himself and fit into the confines of what society deems ‘normal’ and most of the time, he doesn’t want to. After his first three albums went platinum, Aaron shot to fame but was never able to deal with all the attention his new found fame brought him and turned to drugs, alcohol, partying and anything else that would numb him to his reality. Aaron happens to meet Mark Tyler, who has the ability to see future.
Through Mark, Aaron finds a new path in life, a way out of the darkness in which his soul has been trapped for so many years. Aaron learns to choose the path of salvation and embraces forgiveness; for others and not least himself.
Why made you decide to do this film?
As an actor, the chance to play a character so troubled and emotionally scarred that has a happy ending was just too much to pass up. I found the story really challenging. It is almost like a love letter to humanity.
Do you believe in karma?
I think I do. I’d like to think if you try to generally live your life in a good and kind way, then karma will reward you.
Is this your first Indian film?
Actually no. Just this year, I shot a movie in London, which I just finished called Three Dots and A Dash. A crime comedy directed by the wonderful Kiran Valipa Venkat. I’m looking forward to shooting in Bengaluru soon.
India is somewhere I’ve not yet had the pleasure to visit... I hope, if my schedule allows, to take a week or two off, after Karma, to travel around your beautiful country and take in the sights, culture and of course, the food.
Your experience working with Gerard Butler?
The last two years have been amazing and I’ve had the chance to work with some amazing names... Last year, I had the pleasure of working on a movie Hunter Killer with Gerard and Gary Oldman among others. I play the co-pilot of the submarine, Francis Budd. We shot the movie on a sound stage in a movie studio in London last summer.
We were essentially inside a little box inside a slightly bigger box, in military gear for 14 hours a day. So, let’s just say it was hot. Aside from being a super talented actor, Gerry (Gerard Butler) is one of the nicest, most humble, funniest guys I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet.
Your other upcoming projects?
I’m producing a TV series at the moment with my writing partner Lance Nielsen called Sticks & Stones, a political and historical drama. My PR management is working on some sponsorship and endorsement deals including some in India... you might just see my face in more places than you’d care to (laughs).