In a candid revelation on the YouTube chat show Hisaab Barabar hosted by Samdish Bhatia, actor R. Madhavan shared a fascinating behind-the-scenes story from Mani Ratnam’s 2004 Tamil political thriller, Aaytha ezhuthu. The actor spoke about how his initial rejection of the role offered by Ratnam led to what is now regarded as one of his most powerful performances.

Rejecting Mani Ratnam’s Offer

Originally, Madhavan was cast to play Arjun, a role eventually played by Siddharth. However, Madhavan was drawn to a very different character — Inba Sekar, a rough-edged gangster. Turning down a role from an iconic director like Mani Ratnam is almost unheard of, and unsurprisingly, Ratnam didn’t take it well.

“Mani sir was irked. He did not even allow me to enter his office,” Madhavan recalled. He was denied entry by security, and faced a critical choice — backtrack or prove he could embody the role of Inba. He chose the latter.

The Transformation That Changed Everything

Madhavan disappeared for a month, dedicating himself to physically and mentally transforming into the character. He:

Shaved his head

Tanned his skin

Lost weight

Adopted the body language and attitude of a gangster

When he returned to Ratnam’s office, the transformation was so intense that the security staff didn’t recognize him. His commitment moved Ratnam, who then agreed to let him play Inba.

A Landmark Performance in Tamil Cinema

Madhavan’s portrayal of Inba — a violent yet emotionally complex gangster — became one of his most critically acclaimed roles. His raw intensity added depth to the film’s layered narrative, making Aaytha ezhuthu a cult classic in Tamil cinema.

Legacy of the Role

Looking back, Madhavan said the role shaped his relationship with Ratnam and strengthened his confidence in trusting his instincts as an actor. The film’s non-linear political narrative broke conventional storytelling in Indian cinema, and Madhavan’s daring move proved that bold artistic choices can yield unforgettable results.

Today, he and Siddharth, who once played contrasting roles in Aaytha ezhuthuare reuniting for the Netflix film Test—a reminder of how far they’ve both come.

Read More: Shah Rukh Khan Pays Tribute to Late Manoj Kumar, Recalls His Impact on Indian Cinema