Arun on Ronth: This success is a huge motivation for newcomers who believe in unconventional filmmaking

Villains are currently stealing the spotlight in M’town, especially those in uniform. Joining the ranks of on-screen baddies is none other than actor Arun, who takes on the role of DYSP Jacob in Ronth.

The gripping police drama, which follows the lives of two officers during their intense night patrols, has been garnering praise from all corners. Here, Arun shares his excitement about stepping into such a pivotal and challenging role.“While working on the film, if someone asked me about it, I’d just say, ‘It’s a small movie, a small character. It wasn’t that I didn’t recognize the potential of the role—I was just anxious about how people would receive it. Even though I appear in only a few scenes, that was more than enough to leave an impact. All credit goes to writer-director Shahi Kabir.

When he handed me the script, it was crisp and clear. Every character had depth, and I simply did what he asked of me,” Arun shared.

Speaking about his character, DYSP Jacob, Arun revealed that it was actually one of his candid reactions that led Shahi Kabir to cast him in the role.“We were casually chatting on set while the lights were being set up. Shahi was briefing me about the character and mentioned, ‘Jacob is a troublemaker.’

Just then, Roshan walked in, and I instinctively said, ‘Enthada?’, exactly the way Jacob would. Shahi paused for a moment, looked at me, and said, ‘Yes, this is what we need,’ and walked out. That was the moment he was convinced,” he said.“Though I’ve played police roles before, this one was a completely different experience. I didn’t do any intense preparation for the role. I believe in spontaneity, and I hope that worked for Jacob.

Cinema is a mixed art. It’s not just about the director or the script; even the assistant director who comes up after a shot and says, ‘That was good,’ plays a role in shaping the final product. I’m truly grateful to the entire team,” the actor added.It’s not just the love for his character that has Arun excited, he’s equally overwhelmed by the positive response the film itself has been receiving from all corners.

“The success of Ronth is a huge motivation for newcomers who believe in unconventional filmmaking.

It strikes the perfect balance between being a festival film and a commercial entertainer. Want to watch it as a mass film? As a festival screening? Or even use it for academic discussion? It fits all those spaces. Usually, films like this get critical acclaim, but not mass acceptance. But Ronth has broken that pattern.

This success is proof that thinking outside the box is worth it. It’s different from the typical happy-ending formula and definitely gives a boost to aspiring filmmakers to pursue the kind of cinema they truly believe in,” Arun concluded.