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Pa Ranjith didn’t like my performance in Madras: Kalaiyarasan

With one of the longest, and definitely, among the most interesting line-up of films in his kitty, Kalaiyarasan’s career graph is soaring. Ask him how it is that he has so many movies in various stages of production, and he says, “My biggest problem in life is that I can’t say no.”He credits Kabali for putting him on the map. “It was just a minor character in the film, but the reach was magnificent. Before Kabali, only a certain section of people knew me. Also, it was a Rajini film; so the recognition was even more special.”

He is, however, quick to clarify that most of his recent releases were all films he signed before Kabali. “Of them, Uru is the only film I was offered after Kabali. My next release, Yeidhavan, and the ones ready for release after that — Kaalakkoothu, China, and Pattinapakkam — all happened earlier.”

In an industry where young actors are keen to shed their boy-next-door image soon, so they can quickly make the transition to an ‘action hero’, Kalaiyarasan is an exception. He is quite comfortable with his present image. “In Yeidhavan, I play a typical middle-class guy who encounters a problem and is forced to save his family.” He is convinced that the middle-class avatar best suits him. “I think it’s to do with how I look (smiles). People can relate to such characters better too.”

He is also comfortable sharing screen space with strong female characters. “In Adhe Kangal, Sshivada’s role was stronger. Even in Uru, Dhanshika plays an important character,” he says.

His recent films have all had strong comedy tracks. “I think of comedians as supporting actors. The audience likes them more than the lead characters at times. I can’t imagine Raja Manthiri without Kaali Venkat or Adhe Kangal without Bala Saravanan.”

All these films haven’t come easily to him. “When I started out, I hounded so many people for opportunities. After Madras, those people started getting back. I feel like I cannot turn them down. They treated me with respect when I was a nobody. Urumeen, Yeidhavan, China and Raja Manthiri were all products of such collaborations.”

He holds director Mysskin and Pa Ranjith in the highest regard. While he says Mysskin “played a pivotal role in my career”, he calls the latter his mentor. “Mysskin cast me in an important role in Mugamoodi. Being a part of such a big project was a major confidence booster. I was also a part of his Nandalala. But everything I am today is because of Pa Ranjith. He’s the most important person in my life, both personally and professionally. He doesn’t believe in doing favours though. Despite knowing me well before Attakathi, he made me undergo many rounds of screen tests for Madras. He believes in treating everyone equally. I share his ideologies,” he says.

Despite playing a hero, he has so far managed not to dance in his films. He laughs. “Did you know that dancing was once my profession? I took a break from it due to an injury. It’s been seven years since I last danced. Also, the films I worked in didn’t have much scope for it. I want to shed some kilos, go to classes and get back my moves.”

Kalaiyarasan has strong opinions about film criticism. “I don’t mind those who share their opinions about a film, but the ones that make me truly angry are those who dissuade others from watching the film.” The critic he takes most seriously is Pa Ranjith. “He still says he doesn’t like my acting in Madras.” His wife also doesn’t mince words about his performances. “While my parents will say I’ve done a good job just to make me happy, she calls a spade a spade,” he says.

Among his upcoming films is Kalavu, which is three-fourths complete. He’s also working on a film with debutant director Sriram, and a film under CV Kumar’s banner with Ashna Zaveri, Kayal Anadhi and Kaali Venkat, with music by Nivas Prasanna.

Source: The New Indian Express