Arya's success script

Though Naan Kadavul, Sarvam failed to impress audience at the box offi ce, it is Arya’s determination and hard work that brought him back the lost glory in the form of two mega hits - Madrasapattinam and Boss Engira Baskaran. In a free-wheeling chat with Rinku Gupta, the suave, stylish actor reveals his new role as a producer and of course an actor.

In a normal super rushed week, there are many things actor Arya does. He holds production meetings of his newly launched banner - The Show People, rushes to the shooting spots, reads scripts and joins family, friends over cozy dinners.

But these days, he is also up to something else, riding high on the success wave! With his latest film Boss Engira Baskaran, declared a hit, the charismatic actor is all smiles. “Boss Engira Baskaran is indeed special. It is my first venture as a producer and it cemented my position as a romantic hero,” he gushes.

Born Jamshad Chethirakath, Arya is the screen name of this 5.9 footer hero known for cherry-picking his roles. Be it playing an Aghora in Naan Kadavul or a brave dhobi Parithi, in Madrasapattinam, Arya proved his mettle not just as an actor but an artiste willing to experiment.

While Naan Kadavul, the film for which Arya worked for almost three years failed to impress the audience, Sarvam failed at the box office. “Success is the mantra to boost your morale and all actors need it. Both Madrasapattinam and Boss helped me to build new confidence levels and it is quite motivating to get two hits in a row and there is a great sense of fulfillment.”

Arya is also quick to share the success and attributes it to the Madrasapattinam director Vijay and Kalpathi S Aghoram. “The full credit goes to them. They trusted my caliber with no doubt and invested three times more money than my market value. I owe to them a lot.”

It just doesn’t stop with donning the grease paint for Arya, he is foraying in to other aspects of film making, primarily production. On his own banner- The Show People, Arya launched a small budget film with newcomers even before he started working on Boss.

“My first film as a producer is Padithurai, is now in post production stage. It has new faces Abhiram and Chandi, directed by Suka. This is a move to promote new talent and provide opportunities to the deserving artiste, coming from a non filmi background. It is like contributing back for the growth of Tamil cinema. It’s a great feeling to provide opportunities for hundred odd people as a producer!”  

Buying the rights of Boss from the producer K S Srinivasan was an instant decision, an intelligent move by the actor also aiming to be a top producer. “I know this film would work for me both as an actor and also financially. And I am right! My thoughts are in perfect sync with the mindset of the audience and as a producer this film is a milestone in my career.”

The film released on Eid in September, opened to positive reviews and an adulation for both Arya and Nayanthara. “It was Eid and my mother has already made arrangements for a huge biriyani feast for more than 150 friends. I felt blessed and thank God for the success of film. We celebrated it to the fullest.”

Looking back as a model, a debut actor in Ullam Ketkume directed by late Jeeva, Arya has come a long way indeed. He explains it is his sheer hard work, dedication helped him to grow in the industry.  

“I was a new face in the film industry with absolutely no filmi background. There were tons of disappointments and I had no body to share and voice my problems. I needed a blockbuster hit to cement my position further and Boss delivered it now! Though it is a milestone in my career I still feel there is so much to be done and prove myself.”

Arya explains he is ready to experiment with the roles. “I feel motivated to experiment and aim higher. I want to sign high budget films and ensure they collect back more money! And for the audience, I want to work harder.”

The actor besides Tamil films also ventured in to Telugu film industry in a negative role, Diwakar in the film Varudu and is touching new heights in Tamil film industry.  

Arya’s next will be Lingusamy’s Vettai to be produced by Dhayanidhi Alagiri under Cloud Nine movies. “I will also be starring in another film produced by Lingusamy under the Tirrupathi Films Banner. Lingusamy is confident it would provide me a hit and fillip to my career like his other films Sandaikozhi of Vishal, Run for Madhavan and Paiyaa for Karthi.”

Currently shooting in Theni for Bala’s Avan Ivan, where he shares screen space with Vishal, Arya describes it as a privilege to work with Bala. “I am open to multi-starrers and Avan Ivan is an absolute comic caper. It is a great learning experience to work with Bala. No other director in India does such detailing of a character like him. After all, he is a national award winning director and he exactly knows his work.”

Arya is also praise for his co-star Vishal. “Ours is a nice combo and it feels great to work with Vishal. I know him for the last ten years and the film is going to be laugh riot.”

And when we asked him to share his successful formula for the new entrants in the film industry, he says, “There are no rules in cinema. Don’t ever think of imitating any actor and choose the characters that would suit your personality. Go for good projects with care as they help reach you the people faster. In the end it is only success alone that helps you survive.”

ON THE FAST TRACK WITH ARYA