Aari (actor)

Aari
Born	Aari Palani, Tamil Nadu
Occupation	Actor, Body Sculptor,Fitness Trainer.
Years active	2010–present

Aari is an Indian film actor who has appeared in Tamil language films. He made his feature film debut in Rettaisuzhi (2010) produced by director Shankar, before having a breakthrough performance as Murugan in Nedunchalai (2014).

Career

Aari, before entering films, had strong background in theatre featuring in productions by Magic Lantern, Theatre Nisha and Inland Theatres which helped hone his acting skills and also worked as a fitness trainer for actors.^[1][2] He worked on T. V. Chandran's Aadum Koothu (2005) which was shown across film festivals, working alongside an established cast including Cheran and Navya Nair.^[3] Aari made his feature film debut in Rettaisuzhi, produced by director Shankar, and directed by Thamira featuring alongside Bharathiraja and K. Balachandar who played the lead roles and Anjali, who played Aari's love interest. He appeared as Murthy, an army man, returning to his village. However the film opened to poor reviews, with a critic noting that "the lead pair Anjali and Aari lacks charisma and is not convincing as lovers".^[4]

In October 2011 it was announced that Aari would feature in Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathilaey after replacing Adith Arun in the lead role and would star alongside winner of Miss South India 2010, Shubha Phutela. Aari mentioned that it was "really challenging to play an ordinary guy", as he had to consciously keep his emotions to a minimum at all times.^[5] The film, which told a story which happens in the space of two and a half hours, released in mid-2012 to mixed reviews from critics. Aari made a breakthrough after portraying the lead role in N. Krishna's third venture, a romantic road trip film titled Nedunchaalai (2014). A period film set in the 1980, Aari gained ten kilograms for the film and worked extensively on the project for over two years.^[6] Post-release, a critic noted "The performance from every cast member is outstanding" and "Aari immerses himself in the central character of Murugan with such conviction and controlled flair that it becomes impossible to separate the actor from the part".^[7] The film opened to positive reviews and performed above average at the box office.^[8] Aari lost 14 kilograms for his next venture, the comedy Kadai En 6, which will release in 2015, as will the supernatural thriller Maya featuring Nayantara.^[9] Another forthcoming film will be Dharani directed by newcomer Guhan, which has been in production since 2010.^[10]

Dharani movie released on Jan 30 2015.one line of the Movie: Story of the Three friends who wants to come up in life. How life leads them? Aari is one of the friends who played a character called Shekar who goes down the wrong path but finally finds redemption.^[11]

Personal Interview

You started your career as a fitness trainer for actors. Tell us how it happened?

When I first decided to become an artist, I didn’t want my parents to support me financially. So, I began my career as a fitness trainer to support myself. The manager at the gym that i was working for, was helpful in getting me through the right contacts. I have worked as a body sculptor for Cheran's ‘Autograph’, ‘Thavamaai Thavam Irundhu’, Aadhi in ‘Mirugam’, Amir in ‘Yogi’, Parthiban in ‘Aayirathil Oruvan’, Sasikumar in ‘Subramaniyapuram’, Padmapriya, Saranya, Sindhu Menon and many other celebrities.

How was it featuring alongside Bharathiraja and K.Balachandar in Rettaisuzhi? Were you nervous?

It was Director Shankar, who recommend me to Director Thamira for Rettaisuzhi. "Rettaisuzhi" is the first film where both the legends have come together on screen. It feels really good to note that I am the only one from the industry to have had an opportunity to act alongside Bharathiraja sir and Balachandar sir. This film was a turning point for me and this will always remain a memorable one.

Are you open to doing short films?

I have co-directed a short film that got featured in "Nalaya Iyakunar". Well, I am open to acting in short films provided I get the right kind of roles.

You come from a strong theatrical background. Tell us about your interest in theatres!

It was my cousin who encouraged me to take up theatre acting, which helped hone acting skills. Had an opportunity to act with Mr.Jaikumar, Mr.Kumaravel and Mr. NSK Bala. My first play was with ‘Theatre Nisha’.

For how many years were you into theatre acting?

About 6 to 7 years.

Who are your best friends from the industry?

It’s a tough question (laughs). Having worked as a fitness trainer, I am friends with a lot of directors in the industry….Prithvi Raj and Shanthanu Bhagyaraj are my good friends from the industry.

What does your name mean?

"Aari" is a tamil name which means "Ulagathil Mudalmaiyaanavan"

How would someone get your special attention?

I like it simple..honest people get my attention.

If you had an option to remake a movie, which one would that be?

The movie that I want to remake would be ‘Avatar’ (Grins!)

Are you a Kamal fan or a Rajini fan?

I am a "Rajini-Kamal" fan. I like them both equally. As a school kid, I was always fascinated by Rajini sir’s charisma, his style, the way he attracts people. I love Kamal sir for his ability to connect with audience, sincerity and his uniqueness.

My parents have supported me to a greater level. My mom especially has never compromised on my needs. She has always provide me the best of everything.

Who do you look upto in the industry as your inspiration?

Superstar Rajinikanth, Ulaganayan Kamal Haasan and Ajith.

What is that one thing that comes to your mind when you think of ‘Malaipozhudin Mayakathile’?

It was certainly a trend-setter movie in the industry. Most of the films that came after ‘Malaipozhudin Mayakathile’ adopted similar style. it was really challenging to play an ordinary guy as I had to consciously keep my emotions to a minimum at all times.

What are the projects in the kitty?

"Maya", "Kadai Enn 6" and "Maane Thaene Paeye" are the movies that I am curently working on.

Is there a movie that you watched recently I liked the most?

I liked "Tamizhuku Enn Ondrai Azhuthavum".

Interview Source www.lifeandtrendz.com

^[12]

Filmography

Year	Film	Role	Notes
2005	Aadum Koothu	Muthu	Direct-to-TV release
2010	Rettaisuzhi	Murthy
2012	Maalai Pozhudhin Mayakathilaey	Ajay
2014	Nedunchaalai	Murugan
2015	Dharani	Shekar
2015	Kadai Enn 6	Jegan	Filming
2015	Maya (Earlier Night show)		Filming
2015	Maane Thaene Paeye		Filming

Awards

Year	Film	Award Name	Notes
2015	Nedunchalai	V4 Awards- 2014	For Best Actor - Received Award from Actress Mrs.Kushbhu sundar on 2 Jan 2015 at Kamaraj Arangam
2014	Nedunchalai	Film Fans Association 62nd Annual Award	For Best Actor - Received Award from Music director Mr.ShankarGanesh on May 25, 2014

References