Despite the success of his latest release, Arya has his feet firmly on the ground, even though Naan Kadavul is running to packed houses. Critics have also given his portrayal of an aghori sadhu a thumbs up. ” But the best compliment of all was when Rajni sir called upto congradulate me on my performance,” says an excited Arya. “Rajni sir often goes to the Himalayas and their interacted with many aghoris during his stay there. But he told me that I beat them all-it seems I was that authentic!” laughs Arya.
Naan Kadavul, a story that deals with the lives of aghoris, directed by Bala, has been in the making for two and half years, which meant that Arya who had to grow his hair and beard for the role, had to stick to the role for more than a year. “It grew really long and got very irritating. I couldn’t go out much or eat outside, and every time I had to drink tea, I had to move my moustache aside. But I put up with all for Bala, he had so much confidence in me,” explains Arya.
Working with Bala was an enriching experience, he says, ” I know he created super stars like Vikram and Surya. And I was sure it would happen to me too after Naan Kadavul’s release. Which is why I gave him three years without taking up any other film during that period. Bala has a tremendous vision. Nobody thought of sketching such a role in Indian cinema before,” he says.
But why did the film take so long to finish? “it featured physically handicapped people, so, coordinating them and getting them to act was tough because they worked for just three or four hours a day, so, these practical problems delayed the film. But it was such a great experience because Arya the star would never have been able to spend that kind of time with them. Being a part of this movie helped me gain so much insight to their lives,” observes Arya.
The team also faced other set backs. Three heroines turned down the offer that finally went to Pooja. “The roel was very demanding and most heroines weren’t comvnicing. Bala also didn’t beleive that they’d be able to carry off the role. Finally, when Pooja did some trial shoots, Bala felt he had found the right person,” says Arya. And he’s full of praise for his co-star. This is his fourth film with her and he says that she is getting better with each film. Her role was a very difficult one to essay and she has done a good job.
So, now that Naan Kadavul has opened to such great reviews, will he like all actors also hike up his price? ” I don’t come with a fancy price tag. My remuneration isn’t so exobitant that people can’t afford me. It will fit into the film’s budget,” says Arya.