Thandakaaranyam actor Kalaiyarasan: Constant people observation, director’s inputs get me to play characters as real as possible

Actor Kalaiyarasan, who will be seen in upcoming film Thandakaaranyam, talks about his role, acting choices and inputs for his rooted characters

Kalaiyarasan

Actor Kalaiyarasan, who has become a household name in Tamil cinema, is one such actor who appears in almost all sort of roles. Be it as supporting character in Vaazhai and Madras, or one of the leads in Natchathiram Nagargiradhu, villain in Smile Man, lead in niche films like Burqa and Kuthiraivaal, or even play parallels in films like Madraskaaran and the upcoming Thandakaaranyam on September 19.

So naturally, his face is something that Tamil audience cannot miss, and the actor too has done his fair share of promotions. He begins by saying how it is important to make a film known in today’s times. “We are part of an industry, and it is part of responsibilities. The hardest part in making a film is to deliver it to audience, and promotions are most important aspect in letting people know,” Kalaiyarasan adds.

Thandakaaranyam actor Kalaiyarasan interview

Kalaiyarasan, whose roles are often grounded to reality and characters that can be seen in society often, says that it mirrors his lifestyle which is also rotted to simplicity. “Constant people observation, director’s inputs get me to play characters as real as possible. I notice people, when I am travelling or going somewhere. So, to take from there, and use it as and when needed. Meanwhile, some of the worlds are new to me, like Vaazhai, where you need to depend on the director for inputs. While shooting it, I never sat inside the caravan. Instead, I spent time with the local people. That is how I can pull off something close to reality,” Kalaiyarasan adds.

Also read: Thandakaaranyam director Athiyan Athirai: Many actors, producers feared that the story was too serious and rejected

He says that actors should be ready to do anything, while also giving creative freedom to directors and how they want to craft their characters. But mentions that it is also not psychologically easy to enter the worlds of different such films, given Kalaiyarasan shoots sometimes a couple of projects together.

Talking about the most-talked about scene from Natchathiram Nagargiradhu with co-star Geetha Kailasam, Kalaiyarasan says apart from rehearsal, he does not talk much beyond. “We had multiple takes, and it was a single shot scene. But it was interesting to perform, and acting is given and take. There should be equal support, which is why I try to be as casual as possible even with co-artistes.”

About his role in Thandakaaranyam

With Thandakaaranyam, Kalaiyarasan says it is a different role, about a tribal man’s journey to be the first from his family to enter the uniformed services. “It is all about the issues that he faces, people he meets. The world was very new, and only halfway through the film, I got to know about the real incidents behind it. There is a mix of sentiments. It is also innocent character.”

The actor also makes sure he watches films besides the ones he is acting. “It is for the mere experience, to enjoy.” But being an actor himself, Kalaiyarasan also says with more consumption of films, he also thinks if he doesn’t watch films, are mere films. “Sometimes, I don’t watch my films, even on monitor. So, I am content if the director is satisfied with the take. Even in Thandakaaranyam, I have not watched myself so far. But that apart, there is an issue into reading the films too much, and I also find disturbing if the film gets it politically wrong.”

Having played many types of roles, Kalaiyarasan says he is cautious about not crossing ethics that he has for himself. “I have played bad characters, but I look into what kind of message it conveys, does it end with a hope or not.”

FAQs

Q. What is the next film of Attakathi Dinesh?

A. Attakathi Dinesh's next film is Thandakaaranyam, to release on September 19.

Q. Who is the music director of Thandakaaranyam?

A. Justin Prabhakaran is composing the music for Thandakaaranyam.

Q. What is Thandakaaranyam release date?

A. Thandakaaranyam releases on September 19.

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