CHENNAI: A hectic day of promotions has not exhausted Arun Vijay and his co-star Siddhi Idnani. They look energetic even as they enter our office in the late evening. There were fans waving at them and requesting selfies, which is solid proof of why these actors have been paired in what looks like a solid commercial entertainer. While Arun Vijay was here for Vanangaan’s promotions previously, we spoke about his dedication to that film. Now, in glimpses of Retta Thala, his efforts have surely surpassed Vanangaan. “It is important to keep the audience surprised with each film. They should see what more Arun Vijay can do in his next. Also, as an actor, it is important to grab such opportunities when they land us,” he begins.

The actor plays a dual role for the second time after Thadam (2019). “Be it playing a dual role after Thadam or the script, they both are completely different from all my previous outings, which I liked the most. In fact, Thadam was a good preparation for me to go about Retta Thala. I play the dual role of Upendra and Kaali, director Thirukumaran, in a detailed manner about the backstories of both these characters and their behavioural patterns, which helped me on set. Something that I could confidently say about Retta Thala is that the script is gripping and would keep the audience engaged from the first till the last frame,” he assures.

Siddhi Idnani, who became a household name in her maiden Tamil venture with Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu (VTK). In Retta Thala, she plays Anthre, which, according to her, is crucial. “In fact, before VTK, I had acted in a film called Nooru Kodi Vaanavil, which is yet to be released. These things make you stronger. Sometimes, the film doesn’t release, and there are times the audience does not accept you or the film's release at the wrong time. This has made me realise that the results are not in my control, but giving 100 per cent to my work is something I can do, which will definitely come back to me. VTK came to me at a time when I lost all my confidence because when such untimely things happen at an early stage of your career, it shakes the confidence levels. After one year, I landed VTK because Sasi sir strongly recommended me. Hard work never goes down the drain. VTK took me to households, and I cannot take that for granted. That has been my approach to my films,” she tells us.

Arun Vijay seconds his co-star. “There is Borrder, which is yet to see the light of day. Arivazhagan and I always believed that the film would hit the screens someday. But that should not stop us from looking ahead and setting our next foot, and as Siddhi says, we need to move forward giving our 100 per cent,” adds the actor.

Divulging more about the role of Anthre, Siddhi says, “When Thiru narrated the script to me, he mentioned how she is the driving force of the film. Her love for Kaali and how she doesn’t have a grey matter in her character were all impressive. Anthre has no qualms whatsoever—she has seen poverty as well, and she is fine with climbing up the ladder by any means. Despite different characters coming along the runtime, Anthre keeps moving forward.”

Both Arun Vijay and Thirukumaran are known for their comedic sense of timing on screen. When asked about choosing to go ahead with a thriller, Arun Vijay says, “Retta Thala has its own moments of thrills and chills. The story keeps moving ahead with the suspense unfolding every second. So, we have touched a proper commercial meter, and I am sure the audience will like it,” he concludes.