'Ajith is a very warm and friendly person. He speaks from the heart. He never made me feel that he is this popular star,' Arun Vijay tells Rediff.com contributor S Saraswathi.
Despite the presence of the charismatic Ajith in Gautham Menon's Yennai Arindhaal, Arun Vijay managed to stand out. He was brilliant as the antagonist Victor.
Surprisingly, he was cheered just as enthusiastically by hardcore Ajith fans, who simply loved their verbal and physical sparring.
Extremely fit and aggressive, he complemented the mature and understated performance of Ajith in the film.
In this interview with Rediff.com contributor S Saraswathi, Arun Vijay talks about the love and recognition he has received after the film, working with Gautham Menon, his friendship with Ajith and his love for skydiving.
Your character in the film has become a huge hit. Did you expect such a response?
I am really happy. It has been a long-awaited dream and it feels wonderful.
I did expect a certain amount of recognition. After all, this was a film by Gautham Menon starring the irresistible Ajith.
But this overwhelming response was totally unexpected.
I was at the Kasi theatre in Chennai for the first show of the film at 5am. Since I played Ajith's nemesis in the film, the production guys felt I should not attend the screening. They wanted me to take in later shows. But I could not sleep that night and insisted on watching the first show along with the producer.
The reaction from the crowds was unbelievable!
They loved me just as much as they loved Ajith sir.
As I walked out after the film, everyone clapped and cheered, chanting 'Victor, Victor...' - my name in the film. Everybody wanted to shake my hand; they patted me on my back and congratulated me. It was truly an emotional moment for me.
All this love shook me to the core. I was not expecting this kind of unanimous support and acceptance for an antagonist in the film. This was my reward for all the hard work that I put in.
What prompted you to accept this negative role?
It was definitely Gautham sir. I have always wanted to work with him. I said yes without even discussing it with anyone.
To be honest, later I did have second thoughts. I wondered if I was making the right decision in accepting a negative role.
In the last five years, I have built up my reputation one step at a time. All my films with Feather Touch Entertainment -- Malai Malai, Maanja Velu and Thadaiyara Thaakka -- have done well.
I had three consecutive hits and there was a positive response from the audience. A negative character at this juncture could backfire. But I had immense faith in Gautham sir and this gave me the courage to go ahead.
How did you prepare for the role?
My first thought when I began preparing for the role was that I did not want to be seen as weak before Ajith sir.
We all know his magnificent screen presence; he can overshadow anyone effortlessly.
Keeping this in mind, I started working on my body language, dialogue delivery, my performance, my looks, my style, to match him somewhere.
I took a lot of risks with the stunts, trying to make it more realistic, rolled on roads, jumped from buildings.
The character needed to appear tough and aggressive, so I started working out with a vengeance.
The last few months before we shot the climax, I worked out for almost six hours a day and was on a perpetual diet trying to get a six pack.
I knew that to stand up to Ajith sir, this Victor character had to be strong, otherwise nothing would work. I had to deliver my best.
How is working with Gautham Menon different from working with other directors?
Working with Gautham sir was a great experience. I have learnt a lot from him.
Since he is very clear about what he wants and makes sure that every member of the team knows exactly what is going on, it is easy for the actors.
There is no stress at all. We are allowed our space and freedom. He does not interfere with our performance and likes spontaneity. He prefers to wait for the moment as he hates retakes.
Since we have seen Gautham sir's films, we understood his style, knew where we had to limit ourselves and where to give free rein. He is very comfortable to work with.
What was working with Ajith like?
Ajith sir is someone I’ve always looked up to; he is like a brother to me. Even before Yennai Arindhaal, we used to meet and have long chats.
He suggested that I try a negative role like the one he did in Vaali. He felt it would add a new dimension to my performance. But then I got busy with my films for Feather Touch. My current project with them, Vaa Deal, was almost through when Gautham sir approached me with this offer.
Ajith is a very warm and friendly person. He speaks from the heart. He never made me feel that he is this popular star.
We shared a very comfortable and easy relationship. We had common interests. He is into motor sports and I am passionate about skydiving. He even made me his famous biryani once.
How much time do you get to pursue your hobby?
Skydiving is my passion, I have completed 56 jumps. Whenever I am on a break, I try to make some time.
I have no words to describe how it feels. Every jump makes me a new person. My mind gets clear, more focused and energised, helping me take the right decisions.
There are quite a few places I want to jump from, like the Grand Canyon and the Himalayas.
But I’ve been really busy. Now, after the success of Yennai Arindhaal is perhaps the right time to take a break.
What is the secret behind your very successful relationship with Feather Touch Entertainment?
Feather Touch Entertainment is our home banner, my father-in-law's production house. Naturally, there is a comfort zone when I work with them.
In my earlier films, I had no say; it was the director or producer's call. But here, I could give suggestions, and fortunately things worked out great.
Three films have been hits and we have just completed work on the fourth titled Vaa Deal. It is a total entertainer with a racy script and you will see a completely new Arun Vijay in the film.
After the success of Yennai Arindhaal, will experiment with different roles?
After Yennai Arindhaal, my perspective has completely changed. I have been showered with so much love and support, it is overwhelming.
Now expectations are even higher. I need to be very careful in choosing my scripts.
For the right script and director, I am definitely willing to experiment. But I don't want to rush into anything. For now, I am awaiting the release of Vaa Deal.
