Will Play Donkey If He Asks Me To: Arya Expresses Admiration Towards THIS Controversial Director

Arya,

who is currently promoting his latest release Mr X, has opened up about his equation with directors Bala and Pa. Ranjith. Arya revealed how deeply he trusts certain filmmakers in choosing roles. During a recent media interaction, he shared candid and humorous take into his experiences, including his loyalty toward directors he respects. Alongside these revelations, he also spoke about his upcoming projects. Recently he announced his return to rom-com genre, which marks his first light-hearted film in recent times. He also opened up about his dedication towards playing difficult roles.

Arya Is Ready To Play 'Donkey' For Director Bala

Arya has made a candid remark, saying he would go to extreme lengths for director Bala. Speaking about him, he added humorously, “If Bala sir asks me to act as a donkey, I’ll do it without hesitation.” He also spoke about how he once approached Bala for a role, only to be asked to master an Aghori look within a month before being confirmed as the hero. For the unversed, Arya previously collaborated with director Bala on the critically acclaimed Tamil film Naan Kadavul (2009), an intense action-drama in which Arya played Rudran, an Aghori. Based on Jeyamohan’s novel Yezhaam Ulagam, the film presents a raw and realistic portrayal of the world of beggars in Kasi and Tamil Nadu. Arya’s performance was appreciated for its intensity, with the actor adopting a distinct body language. He also worked with him in Avan Ivan.

Arya also spoke about his working relationship with Pa Ranjith, he said that their collaboration is built on mutual understanding and trust. He recalled a moment during discussions for Vettuvam, where Ranjith suggested that revealing the story in detail was unnecessary, as Arya might hesitate if he knew everything upfront.

Why Is Director Bala A Controversial Filmmaker?

Director Bala is known for his demanding filmmaking approach, and for this role he reportedly insisted on a stark, merciless look, with Arya undergoing rigorous preparation that included practices such as Sirasasanan and Padmasanam to achieve the required physical and mental discipline. Over the years, Bala’s working style has often been described as unpleasant experience to work in as he allegedly 'hits' and 'doesn't treat' his actors 'well' if they don't deliver the perfect shot. In 2024, the director also faced controversy during the shoot of Vanangaan, involving actress Mamitha Baiju where it was alleged that he hit her. However, she later said she was misquoted.

Arya shared updates on his upcoming lineup. He confirmed that Sarpatta 2 is expected to begin production soon, with the actor preparing for a major physical transformation within a short time frame. He also described Vettuvam as a sports drama set in a unique fictional world, incorporating elements of martial arts like Maal Kambu and Adimurai.Arya’s recent release Mr X, directed by Manu Anand, has received positive responses from audiences and critics alike. Audience have praised his versatility, especially his ability to switch between intense and lighter emotional moments with ease.