Vadhandhi Season 2 gave me my identity – Actor Arjun Chakkaravarthy
My first fan must be someone unforgettable – Debutant actor Arjun Chakkaravarthy
Debutant actor Arjun Chakkaravarthy has stunned audiences with his unique performance as ‘Sundaresan’ in the eight-part investigative crime thriller web series Vadhandhi Season 2: The Mystery of Mani. Produced by Pushkar-Gayathri (Wallwatcher Films) and directed by Andrew Louis, the series stars Sasikumar and has been streaming on Prime Video since August 7, garnering a positive reception from viewers.
We met actor Arjun Chakkaravarthy—who made his Instagram account (arjun_chakkaravarthy) public following the release of Vadhandhi Season 2—just as he was busy liking and sharing posts from fans who were praising his performance.
A flashback to your entry into the world of cinema…?
“Since childhood, whenever a movie played on TV, my father would share anecdotes related to it. Sometimes, while discussing specific scenes, he would vividly describe the interesting events that took place during their filming. Listening to those stories sparked a desire in me to mingle with film crews on set and work in the industry myself. During holidays, I would visit the sets of films my father was working on and observe the proceedings. That was when I realized there was a vast difference between what appeared on screen and the reality behind it. Everyone—from the cameraman and lighting crew to the production team—was putting in immense hard work. I used to eagerly wait for the holidays just for that experience.” I couldn’t go for shoots while attending school; that was my father’s strict rule. After completing my 12th standard, I told my father I wanted to study Visual Communication. He said, “No, that wouldn’t suit you; study law instead.” So, I am currently pursuing law at the Government Law College, Chennai.
Driven by my passion for acting, I attended auditions for various production houses. Later, I joined ‘Koothu-p-pattarai’ for acting training. I also trained in stunt sequences under the film stunt director ‘Danger’ Mani.
Many people mocked my appearance and complexion, asking things like, “You’re so dark… will your face even show up clearly on camera?” This sparked a fierce determination within me—I wondered, “Why can’t I act? Why shouldn’t I become an actor?” I decided I first needed to cultivate the necessary qualities of an actor.
Realizing that physical fitness is crucial for actors, I started eating nutritious food and hitting the gym. I acted in stage plays whenever the opportunity arose and participated in cinema-related workshops. I am currently learning the art of mime, stunt performance, and dance.
What kind of roles do you aspire to play?
I would rather be recognized as a good actor than just an action hero. Take Pasupathy, for instance—he performs brilliantly in every role. I don’t limit myself to specific types of characters; whatever role I am given, I will immerse myself in it and deliver my best performance. My wish is for everyone to like me, and I am ready to work hard to achieve that.
Any chance of Vadhandhi Season 2?
Since my father works at Wallwatcher Films, I have had a close association with the company for the past six years. Pushkar and Gayatri spotted me once while I was at the office. They asked my father, “He looks good… shall we hold an audition? Will you send him?” Subsequently, I underwent an audition. I first passed the test conducted by Pushkar and Gayatri. Then, director Andrew Louis held an audition. He asked, “Will you act in any scene given to you?” I replied, “Season 1 of Vadhandhi was a super hit, sir. The mere opportunity to act in the second season of such a successful series is something I wouldn’t want to miss.” I was selected after that. I played the character of Sundaresan in this series.
Your take on Vadhandhi Season 2?
Just like Season 1, Season 2 is going to be a super hit. Playing the character of Sundaresan was a fresh experience for me every single day. Everyone who has watched Vadhandhi Season 2 has praised it highly.
Future plans?
I believe opportunities will come my way after this web series. Whatever opportunity I get, I will put in 100% effort. I want to perform in a way that honors the trust of those who gave me this chance.
I want to carve a unique niche for myself in the film industry and in the hearts of the audience. My sole desire is to entertain people. Much like the Thirukkural verse that speaks of success through relentless effort, I believe that if I strive hard, that faith won’t let me down…
[07/09, 17:24] Flowing Fizz: …I believe so.
My life revolves around cinema. If I weren’t an actor, I would still be working in some department within the film industry.
What about your social media presence?
On social media, I only have an Instagram account under the handle ‘arjun_chakkaravarthy’. Even that account was kept private until recently; I only made it public after the release of Vadhandhi Season 2. Moving forward, I plan to post updates related to my films and share my thoughts there.
I have reposted content related to raising awareness and have shared my own views on certain issues.
Vijay vs. Vadhandhi Season 2?
Let me clarify one thing first: I am a die-hard Vijay fan. Vijay Sir is an inspiration to me. I am quite anxious about what Vijay Sir might say after watching Vadhandhi Season 2.
How does Vadhandhi Season 2 differ from other web series?
Director Andrew Sir spent three years working hard to write and direct this project. We all put in two years of effort—working with both hard work and passion. I am confident that everyone will like it. Rather than me talking about it, I’d prefer for you all to watch it and share your feedback; I am looking forward to that.
- About your first fan…?
Whether it is someone who watches Vadhandhi Season 2, appreciates the character Sundaresan, and becomes my fan—specifically my first fan—it would bring me great joy. We work hard with the sole aim of entertaining people. So, if the audience accepts me, I’ll be happy.
You made your debut through a web series rather than a feature film; have you ever felt concerned about that?
There are so many talented people here in Kodambakkam who haven’t even had an opportunity like this. So, I will act in whatever opportunity comes my way. I do have a desire to act in films. However, wherever I get an opportunity, I want to put in 100% effort and showcase my talent.
Vadhandhi Season 2 – What was the most unforgettable moment?
In this web series, the character Sundaresan doesn’t talk much to others. There is a scene where he is tied up and left hanging upside down. When the director described the scene, I decided not to eat anything beforehand—thinking I needed to be empty-stomached to hang upside down—so I waited for the shoot without having eaten since morning. I arrived at 8 AM, but they only hoisted me up at 8 PM. The shoot went on until 5 AM the next day. Everyone else left, but I remained there; I couldn’t even get up. I started to cry; the pain was excruciating. Eventually, the crew members lifted me, helped me into a car, and took me home. I rested at home for a week after that. Even though there was pain, I embraced it as part of the experience. It remains an unforgettable memory.
However, when I performed the climax scene, the entire film crew gathered there and applauded, praising my performance.
You are currently studying law at law college; what was it like to wear a school uniform and play a school student named Sundaresan in this web series?
I used to chat and hang out with friends during my school days, but unlike Sundaresan, I never followed any girl around. In fact, my personality in school was the exact opposite of Sundaresan’s; I was always cheerful and constantly chatting with friends. So, wearing the school uniform and playing Sundaresan was a truly happy experience for me. ———–
Arjun Chakravarthy’s Rapid-Fire Moments
Parents…
They are my first God.
Hope…
No matter how many failures come our way, hope is the only weapon that sustains us until the very end. Never give up on that hope.
Action Hero…
There is Arjun Sir! It used to be thrilling to watch action heroes in movies tossing henchmen around and sending them flying. But the prospect of doing that myself brings double the joy. I have a strong desire to act in a film like that.
Favorite Actor…
Vijay Sir. One can learn so much from Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan—the learning process never ends.
Favorite Heroine…
I like them all.
Favorite Celebrity…
Yashwanth, who played ‘Mudakathan Mani’ in Vadhandhi Season 2, is a social media celebrity. I like him very much.
Which posts have you liked or shared?
Right now, I only like and share posts related to Vadhandhi Season 2. I eagerly look out to see if any posts featuring me appear among them.