New villain on the block

While the makers of the film are celebrating the audience’s positive response to Yeman, Arjai, one of the film’s antagonists is also overwhelmed by the reception he has been getting. “While my previous films like Naan Sigappu Manidhan and Theri got me recognition among the film industry members, Yeman has connected me to the audiences. After watching the film, many have begun calling me Shakthi — my character’s name,” Arjai says.

Talking about his experience working in the film, he says “I was one of the younger actors on the sets and I had a lot to learn from the senior actors. Jeeva Shankar has been a good friend of mine through the years. I have always admired the cinematography in his films and wished to be a part of his project. When he offered me this role, I gladly accepted it.”

Arjai, who has films like Pandigai, Semma Botha Aagathey, Thittam Pottu Thirudura Koottam and Thiri in the pipeline, admits that he is happy to do negative roles. “Unlike many others, I entered the industry only to become a villain. I think being a villain in films gives me the opportunity to do things I am unable to do in real life,” he jokes!