Arun Vijay steps into the ring with Idly Kadai, eyes history with Retta Thala

In his recent interviews, actor Arun Vijay opened up about his upcoming film Idly Kadai, working under the direction of Dhanush, and the evolving direction of his career. The conversations offered more than just promotional soundbites – they revealed a focused, grounded actor who has grown through grit, patience, and a deep respect for the craft.

When Dhanush approached him for Idly Kadai, Arun Vijay said it didn’t take much deliberation. He had long admired Dhanush’s work as a filmmaker and artist, and saw something special in the script right away. The narration itself was brief – just 45 minutes, but packed with depth. Arun Vijay was immediately struck by how rooted the story felt, emotionally rich and steeped in local flavor. “I knew he wouldn’t call me if it wasn’t something different,” he remarked, expressing his full trust in Dhanush’s vision.

The film’s poster, featuring Arun Vijay in boxing gloves, caused a stir, given the simplicity suggested by the title Idly Kadai. That contrast, he explained, was deliberate and intended to spark curiosity. His character, Ashvin, is a flamboyant presence in a story that remains intimate and emotionally real. When asked about returning to a character with grey shades, he clarified that it wasn’t about playing negative roles for impact. “I always look for justification in such characters. If the emotion behind their choices feels honest, I’m all in,” he said.

What really stood out during filming was the sense of discipline Dhanush brought to set. Balancing roles as director, producer, and actor, Dhanush maintained a rigorous work ethic that inspired everyone around him. Arun Vijay recalled how they’d set up a small gym on location and begin workouts at 4:30 in the morning, ahead of 7AM shoots. “He made sure the whole crew got proper breaks too. No rushing meals. Everyone ate peacefully,” he said with quiet admiration.

Despite the intense schedule, there was room for spontaneity and bonding. Arun Vijay fondly recalled post-shoot food trips with Dhanush, where they’d stop at roadside eateries and dig into local favorites like parotta salna. “He loves that stuff. And slowly, I joined in too,” he smiled.

In one light-hearted moment, Arun Vijay revealed that Dhanush was a big fan of the “Dilruba” song from his earlier film Priyam. So much so that he requested Arun Vijay to perform a similar dance for a song in Idly Kadai. The actor happily obliged, and they ended up including the sequence in the film – a playful nod to fans of both the actors.

While the focus was on Idly Kadai, Arun Vijay also touched upon his next release, Retta Thala. During their time on set, he showed Dhanush a clip from the film. Dhanush’s enthusiastic response led to an unexpected surprise: he offered to sing a song for the film, something Arun Vijay had hesitated to ask for. “He just said, ‘Let me sing this,’ and I was stunned. It was all heart,” he recalled. He described Retta Thala as a film in a completely different space – more of a psychological thriller with unique tonal elements, and teased that the full trailer would reveal some unexpected turns.

Beyond the films, Arun Vijay took a moment to reflect on his journey and the influence of his father, veteran actor Vijayakumar. He shared a poignant memory that has stayed with him. His father, once called to play the role of Lord Murugan, a divine character traditionally depicted without body hair – was told upon arriving on set that he wasn’t physically prepared for the part. Without a word of complaint, he quietly took a bare blade and shaved his entire body on the spot, a moment that left a lasting impact on Arun Vijay and continues to remind him of the dedication and humility that true commitment demands.. “When I think about what we went through, I tell myself, our struggles don’t compare to that. That’s hunger. That’s commitment,” Arun Vijay said. That moment, among many others, grounds him and reminds him never to take his current success for granted.

Today, Arun Vijay feels content with his trajectory, noting that he’s in a space where he can choose roles that push boundaries and offer something new. Retta Thala was one such choice – a deliberate shift into a more experimental space. Looking ahead, he shared his desire to take on historical characters and biopics of national leaders. A role he dreams of? VO Chidambaram Pillai. “There’s so much story, so much weight in a character like that,” he said.

After a string of intense roles, Arun Vijay hinted that his next film might lean toward something lighthearted. “Something jolly. It’s time,” he laughed. But no matter what comes next, his approach remains the same: take it as it comes, give it everything, and let the rest unfold naturally.

Wishing Arun Vijay all the very best for the grand release of Idly Kadai tomorrow! Here’s to a fantastic reception for the film and another memorable performance that connects with audiences. We’re equally excited for Retta Thala and can’t wait to see the thrilling new dimension he brings to the screen. May this be yet another milestone in a journey filled with powerful roles, meaningful stories, and continued success in all his future projects.