Aari’s entry to filmdom wasn’t easy. Not hailing from a film background which would have helped him immediately gain a foothold in Tamil cinema, the actor had to face continuous setbacks before becoming what he is today! “Well, I am still a struggling actor,” he says. Maybe, that is what drove him to start a company called ‘Aarimugam’ to provide a platform for budding shortfilm-makers.

Aari says, “This will be a platform to help creative people, particularly youngsters, a chance to become part of the film industry. Those assistant directors who are registered with the Director’s Union can enrol in this initiative. We are planning to conduct workshops etc., to equip them to become better technicians. Kamal Haasan sir is my biggest inspiration to do something different like this. I registered the start-up today and will be planning other things shortly.”

The Nedunchalai actor adds this enterprise will also send the entries of the amateur directors to international festivals, which is one of his long-term goals. “What I’ve done is a small effort that will help Kollywood take notice of new talent. I know thousands of competent youngsters who are trying desperately to become directors, cinematographers and technicians. Without a ‘godfather’ or relative, it is difficult to become a part of the film industry. People don’t know where to start and how to approach big banners or successful directors. All kinds of commercial considerations also come into play when you make a movie. You have to talk to the distributors and even finance a film at times!” he concludes.