Apr 13, 2026 6:47pm IST
‘Mr X’ actor Arya: ‘Physically Demanding Roles Give Me an Edge Over Others’
Actor Arya may be professionally defined by cinema, but he insists that, at his core, he is a sportsman. That instinct, rooted in discipline, endurance and physicality, continues to shape his choices on screen. It’s evident in roles like the boxing drama ‘Sarpatta Parambarai’ and carries forward into upcoming espionage thriller "Mr. X."
“When a film demands physical dedication, the sportsman in me overtakes the artist,” Arya tells Variety India. “Deep down in my heart, I like physically demanding roles. I prefer when my physical appearance becomes a contributing element, and sometimes even an advantage. There are certain roles not everyone can pull off, and I feel I have a small edge there.”
In "Mr. X", Arya steps into the world of spies, but with a perspective that goes beyond stylized action. “A spy could be anyone, under any identity, and no one would know,” he says. “We grew up watching James Bond films and the ‘Mission: Impossible’ series, where spies look invincible, capable of anything. That kind of image often comes with a certain physicality.”
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For Arya, however, the transformation is less about spectacle and more about immersion. “It’s not about showing off my body,” he explains. “But that one introduction scene has to land perfectly. The audience connects with you there, and that belief carries through the film.”
The actor’s recent filmography reflects a conscious shift toward experimentation. Arya has explored a wide spectrum, from "Sarpatta Parambarai" to rural drama ‘Kathar Basha Endra Muthuramalingam’ and the fantasy-led "Teddy". While the industry has oscillated between pan-India spectacle and OTT-driven economics, Arya remains anchored in one principle.
“Content has always been king,” he says. “There was a phase where action and scale drove business, if a film had fights or spectacle, it would sell. Budgets went overboard, and that became a problem. But the core, the importance of a script, didn’t change.”
That tension directly impacted "Mr. X", a project that required scale and patience. “It’s an action-heavy film with multiple locations, so naturally the budget was high,” he says. “It got stuck during that transition period, but we didn’t want to compromise on the vision.”
A key part of Arya’s staying power has been his refusal to lean into formula. From playing an aghori in "Naan Kadavul," a carefree youth in "Boss Engira Bhaskaran," to romantic lead in "Madrasapattinam," he has consistently reshaped his on-screen persona.
“I consciously avoid hero-worship,” Arya says. “I’ve never believed in it, even if it works for mass cinema. I would rather experiment and fail than do something routine and fail. At least then, you’ve tried something new.”
That philosophy extends to "Mr. X," which marks his first foray into the spy genre. “I’ve wanted to do something like this for a long time,” he says. “But it’s not just about action. The film has strong emotional layers and is inspired by real events. It made me realize how much we’re unaware of, especially when it comes to national security and the people working behind the scenes.”
He adds, “These are individuals without faces, whose achievements are never publicly known.”
Arya has also remained comfortable sharing screen space. Films like "Enemy," "Kaappaan" and "Arrambam" have seen him collaborate with actors such as Vishal, Suriya and Ajith Kumar. “I don’t think about what others are doing. My focus is on whether I can convincingly pull off my character. If you’re not secure, you can’t do multi-starrers. Confidence is key.”
Looking ahead, Arya returns to the romantic-comedy space with "Arya 40" which he likens to "Raja Rani." “I got tired of action films and wanted to do something light-hearted,” he says, adding that the film is expected to release by the end of the year.
He is also reuniting with filmmaker Pa Ranjith for "Sarpatta Parambarai" sequel. “We built that world with confidence,” Arya recalls. “Ranjith sir was sure about a sequel even then, but I wanted to wait. The sequel will have a new premise and a different approach.” Their collaboration extends further with "Vettuvam," a project Arya describes as a “beautifully built world,” blending sports, action and elements of science fiction, while retaining Ranjith’s rootedness.
As for whether he himself is "Mr. X", Arya simply smiles, and says, “You’ll have to watch the film.”
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