Arulnithi stated, "We are making arrangements for Demonte Colony 3 and 4."
The actor discusses his forthcoming film 'Demonte Colony 2', reflects on the legacy of the original installment, shares insights about his career to date, and talks about his experiences stepping beyond his comfort zone, among other topics.
Actor Arulnithi fondly recalls the experience of watching Conjuring (2013) in a crowded theater. “When the ghost appeared on screen, the audience erupted in whistles and cheers. Such a reaction is typically reserved for a mass hero, yet here it was directed at the ghost. It exemplifies the excitement that fear can evoke,” he reminisces, a broad smile on his face. Notably, just two years later, his horror-thriller Demonte Colony achieved similar acclaim among viewers and genre enthusiasts. The film is now progressing towards a sequel, Demonte Colony 2, while the legacy of the original remains robust.
“When the first installment premiered, I made it a point to watch it in nearly 50 different theaters to assess audience reactions. Viewers appreciated it as a genuine horror film that seamlessly integrated humor, providing a sense of relief without feeling contrived,” he observes. While the initial film garnered praise for its narrative and performances, the concept for the sequel has developed independently over the past nine years.
“I frequently urged director Ajay Gnanamuthu to consider a sequel. However, he was steadfast in his position, stating that he wanted to wait for the right story to initiate the project. Given the critical acclaim of the original, it was essential that the sequel did not appear to be merely a cash grab. Although there was a lucrative business opportunity, we were also mindful of not disappointing fans of the first film, particularly those who compare it to classic horror successes like Maya, Yaavarum Nalam, and Eeram,” he elaborates.
When the right idea finally came to the filmmaker, he expanded it to include a third and fourth installment as well. “He informed me that the team would focus on the sequel first. Depending on its success, we would then proceed to develop the third and fourth parts,” he concludes.
Arulnithi confirms that, similar to the original film, the sequel will conclude on an exhilarating note, featuring a cliffhanger that paves the way for a third installment. He notes that CGI is integral to Demonte Colony 2, accounting for approximately 70 percent of the film, which is the reason for the extended duration of the post-production process.
Despite his experience in thrillers and horror films, Arulnithi confesses that he is not particularly fond of the genre and has not kept up with many films or shows within it. “I have appeared in more thriller films than I have actually watched,” he remarks with a laugh, adding, “After Demonte Colony, I received numerous offers to star in thrillers. Eventually, people began to question why I continued to pursue that genre, while some believe it is my forte.”
The actor shares that he is currently exploring new avenues while selecting scripts for his career. “Choosing scripts has become challenging as I aim to transition into different genres. The characters and narratives must resonate with me. I am in the process of reviewing various scripts to achieve this. Audiences have seen me in a specific genre for many years, and I cannot abruptly shift to something that may not resonate with them,” he explains, citing his 2023 film Kazhuvethi Moorkkan as an illustration.
“Even if the film addresses social issues, it must be presented in a commercial format to effectively reach the audience. Similarly, I am collaborating with director Prabhu Jeyaram, known for Yennanga Sir Unga Sattam, on a project that will be a full-fledged comedy, a genre I have yet to explore.”
Over the years, the actor has contemplated his script selections and refined his methodology for choosing films. He reflects, “Even while I was engaged in thrillers, I was exposed to scripts from a variety of genres. At that time, I believed that thrillers constituted my formula for success and that this approach would yield positive results. I was hesitant to venture beyond my comfort zone, as I perceived it to be a secure option.”
Nevertheless, the actor made a concerted effort to ensure that his thrillers were unique from one another, including titles such as Iravukku Aayiram Kangal, K-13, Dejavu, and D Block. He acknowledges, “When opportunities arose, I realize now that I was not prepared to make that transition at the time. Presently, I believe the moment has arrived for me to step away from thrillers and enhance my skills. It is only by appealing to diverse audiences that I can encourage them to return to theaters when I eventually produce another thriller.”
When inquired about his interest in participating in socially relevant films, he responds affirmatively, stating, “I would certainly like to, provided it is executed in a manner that does not offend anyone or any community. The film should offer a meaningful takeaway for all viewers.” Similar to his filmography, Arulnithi’s career has been influenced by significant lessons learned from each project. As he approaches his 15th year in the industry, he remains enthusiastic about continuous learning. “From my debut film to the present, it has been my directors who have shaped my journey. Even when observing others perform, I admire their ability to transcend the director’s guidance, and I aspire to achieve that level of artistry. Concurrently, I hope that when people reflect on my career, they recognize my involvement in commendable films,” he concludes on an optimistic note.
