Arun Vijay, now a producer too!

Becoming a producer seems to be the trend in tinsel town, as every mainstream actor worth his salt is testing these waters. Actor Arun Vijay is the latest to join the likes of Prabhu Deva, Suriya, Vishal, Karthi, Dhanush, Arya and Vijay Sethupathi,  in starting a production company of his own called In Cinemas Entertainment (ICE). After being in the industry for 18 years, we asked him why this decision now, he replied, “It’s a small step forward for me, but a new area of exploration. It does have its own risks, but only if I get in will I learn, right? We might face the same problems that producers have, but when actors turn producers, I think they tend to have more control over the film. The idea is to do make my team believe in the film. Despite having solid scripts, and me with a background in films, (dad Vijayakumar has been there for so many years in the industry), I was struggling to make myself seen in cinema, that too after getting a break. So, I know how tough it is,” Arun tells DC, and adds that his production company would be open to new, budding and fresh talent.

“As an actor, I can choose scripts and characters based on how I can relate to them. I can also look at how racy the screenplay is, and ask myself — does it suit me or not? I am looking forward to helping the budding talent with content driven films. I hope I can help people who have talent. The audience have been supportive and encouraging regarding experimental ventures. They welcome new people and embrace unique scripts and talent,” he explains.

As an actor, he’s awaiting the release of action flick Vaa Deal, which has undergone a title change to Vaa, recently owing to tax issues. It is finally hitting the screens in September, besides a film in Telugu with Ram Charan and another Kannada film with Puneet Rajkumar. Arun wants to wait and watch now. He says he doesn’t act hastily and pick up every script that comes his way. “Thadaiyara Thaakka, gave me a new dimension as an actor. There was a gap… but and then there was Yennai Arindhaal. I have always been in the pursuit of good roles. I’ll work on another film with Gautham once he finishes his current film with Simbu. I am totally enthused to know what is in store for me,” he concludes.