I used Ed Harris’s role in ‘The Rock’ as the reference point for my role in Thanal, says Ashwin Kakamanu (IANS Exclusive)
Ashwin Kakamanu Draws Inspiration from Ed Harris for Villain Role in Thanal
Chennai actor Ashwin Kakamanu is earning rave reviews for his intense performance as the antagonist in the upcoming action thriller Thanal. Directed by Ravindra Madhava, the film stars Atharvaa Murali as the hero, and this marks Ashwin’s first time stepping into a full-on negative role. Fans and critics alike are buzzing about how he brings depth to his character, an ex-military officer gone rogue.
In an exclusive chat with , Ashwin shared how he prepped for the part. "When I first heard the story, Ed Harris’s character from The Rock immediately popped into my head," he said. "That general who’s fed up with the system and decides to go rogue—it’s such a powerful role. I love that movie, and I love how Harris plays a villain you actually root for a bit. He’s doing terrible things, but there’s this unbreakable integrity to him that makes you understand his side."
Ashwin’s choice to take on a baddie role stands out, especially since many rising heroes in Tamil cinema shy away from negative shades to protect their image. But Ashwin? He’s all in. "I’ve always been a fan of great villains," he explained with a laugh. "Think Hannibal Lecter, the Joker, or those slick James Bond bad guys—even Marvel’s villains like those played by Michael Myers. Heroes often stick to a safe mold, but villains get to explore wild, complex stuff. I’ve been waiting for a chance like this."
Thanal promises edge-of-your-seat action, with stunning visuals captured by cinematographer Sakthi Saravanan. Kalaivanan R handles the editing, while Ayyapan S takes care of art direction. The film’s high-octane stunts come from R. Sakthi Saravanan, and the dance sequences are choreographed by Hari Kiran. If Ashwin’s performance is any indication, this Tamil action thriller could be a game-changer for him and the genre.
Stay tuned for more updates on Thanal release and Ashwin Kakamanu’s rising stardom in South Indian cinema!
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