Exclusive! Atharvaa: Filmmakers need to bring their A-game to impress the audience today

It isn't an exaggeration to say that there are palpable expectations among movie buffs whenever Atharvaa's film releases. The performer in him hardly disappoints irrespective of the fate of his movies at the box office. The actor, whose last two outings were remakes, is elated about his latest release Kuruthi Aattam which hit the screens today.

The movie directed by Sri Ganesh has him essay a boy-next-door role again, but it has a story and a backdrop that are different from the projects he has been part of. In an exclusive interview with OTTplay, the young star talks about hopes he has pinned on the action flick, learning processes he underwent, working with his co-stars and shares his opinion on the poor footfalls in theatres. Excerpts... 

Kuruthi Aattam has finally been released today. Is the excitement the same as how it was when you signed the film?

Of course, I'm as excited as I was when I listened to its story for the first time a few years ago. I really loved Sri Ganesh's 8 Thottakkal and wanted to collaborate with him. This is completely his movie; I wanted him to make Kuruthi Aattam in the way he wanted it to be. I'm looking forward to the response from the audience.

The release of the project got delayed multiple times. How did you cope with those challenging situations?  

The movie was supposed to release in 2020. When theatres were shut down initially because of the lockdown, we were pinning hopes on releasing our movie as the first post normalcy. But little did we expect that it would take months for movie halls to reopen. 

The release got delayed further despite theatres getting opened. What kept us going was our confidence in the movie. There are things which are beyond our control and we didn't want to break our heads over it. We are glad the film has finally hit the screens.

Kuruthi Aattam is an out-and-out action film involving gang wars and various stunt episodes. What were the different preparations you underwent to pull off those sequences?

I play a kabaddi player in the film; though I have played the sport, I had to learn its nuances in a professional manner. It was fun working with a few co-stars like Kanna Ravi and Vatsan Chakravarthy as we belong to the same age group. The learning process was thoroughly enjoyable with them around. 

All the actors would discuss each scene and improvise on their respective portions. I had to stay fit for the character; my regular workout and diet helped me attain the required physique for the character. For the stunt sequences, we had both Sri Ganesh and action director Vicky calling shots. Convincing both of them was a real challenge. 

What are the different things you got to do in the film which you haven't done before?

I play a Madurai paiyan in the movie who is passionate about kabaddi. The manner in which my character approaches action sequences, be it attacking or defending, is connected to his talent in playing the sport. This was different from all the stunt scenes I have been part of till date.  

What according to you is the USP of Kuruthi Aattam?

I would say the USP is its emotions. There is no positive and negative character in the film; every character has a reason for their actions. I feel their backstories are intriguingly narrated as well. It is the situations which make each character behave in a certain manner. I think this aspect of the screenplay is what makes the film a unique attempt.

The director's debut film 8 Thottakkal didn't have a young hero as its protagonist. On the contrary, this time, a young star is playing the lead. Do you think this has led to the filmmaker making any compromise like incorporating a female lead or romantic track for commercial purposes?

Not really. Every scene in the movie is organic and no sequence or characters have been forcefully added for the sake of commercial compromise. Moreover, the project is a full-fledged action film and has been promoted as the same ever since it went on floors. The only thing the director had in mind while shooting for the movie was ensuring action scenes do not come across as gory as we want family audiences to come and watch. 

How do you look at the concern that audiences across the country have become too choosy when it comes to visiting theatres?

It is true that filmmakers need to bring their A-game to impress the audience today. But I believe that every good film that has been released in movie halls has had its share of good run regardless of the platform on which it has released post its theatrical window.