Why I Refuse Character Roles and What It Means for My Career

Actor Kalaiyarasan has announced with disappointment that he will no longer take up character roles. Speaking at the press meet for the film ‘Madraskaaran,’ directed by Valli Mohan Dass and starring Shaan Nikam, Kalaiyarasan, Niharika Konidela, and Aishwarya Dutta, he shared his thoughts. The film, delayed due to the postponement of ‘Vidamuyarchi,’ is set to release on January 10.

Kalaiyarasan expressed, “I won’t act in too many character roles going forward. I’ve realized that I am not in the best position here currently. Despite doing numerous character roles, I feel this has contributed to challenges in terms of recognition. In the Malayalam film industry, actors perform multi-starrer films while also taking lead roles, but here, such opportunities are less frequent.

If I act in a character role in one film, I am immediately approached for similar roles in other films. Even when a character dies in a storyline, my name is assumed right away. This has become a recurring issue. Recently, it was even mocked online. While appreciating compliments, I also accept the criticisms, although it’s disheartening.

In recent projects, I’ve been relegated to positions like the second-lead role, which I find very disappointing. Hence, I’ve decided to act only in significant roles moving forward. From now on, I will strictly consider roles where I’m cast as the lead actor,” he declared.