Daniel Caltagirone
is preparing for the release of his Indian film, '
Thangalaan
', where he stars alongside Kollywood star
Chiyaan Vikram
. Caltagirone plays the main antagonist to Vikram’s character in the movie, marking a significant moment in his acting career.
In a recent interview with ETimes, Caltagirone discussed his experience working with Chiyaan Vikram and
Pa Ranjith
on the upcoming Tamil historical fantasy 'Thangalaan'.
Excerpts...
How did you bag your role in 'Thangalaan'? What drew you towards it?
Basically, my agent called me about an esteemed Indian filmmaker who wanted to discuss a role with me. I looked up the director, Pa Ranjith, and saw his impressive work, like 'Madras.' Curious, I agreed to a Zoom call where he pitched the idea of 'Thangalaan,' which was fascinating. However, I expressed my concern about playing a clichéd British villain, as often portrayed in Indian cinema. He reassured me that this role was different, a parallel lead alongside a big Indian star, and not a typical small role. He wanted someone with a strong background in Hollywood to bring depth to the character. That intrigued me, so I decided to take the plunge and see where it leads.
What's your perspective on the common trend of casting foreign actors as villains in Hindi films, given that you've mentioned it as a cliché?
Yes, exactly. On paper and in the opening scenes, you might think it's just an antagonist role, and the press has already picked up on that. They might be right to some extent. But what's interesting is that, while I am an antagonist of sorts, my character and Vikram's are two sides of the same coin. We're reflecting each other, which is unusual. The characters have equivalent stories, and there's this unique relationship between them.
Also, the acting style was different for me—it's much bigger and larger than what I am used to, as we have a more naturalistic style in the West. Ranjith asked me to make it bigger and assured me it wouldn't come across as overacting. He wanted to see subtle levels of compassion, toughness, and empathy. My character, Clement, is tough and antagonistic, but if I have done my job well, you will also see warmth and kindness.
The characters are not just black and white; they're all somewhat tainted by greed for this precious metal that changes their lives. It's not about good and bad—it's about how everyone gets corrupted by desire. It was an interesting dynamic, with complex characters.
Thangalaan | Song - Minikki Minikki (Lyrical)
What was it like working with Chiyaan Vikram, and how would you describe your relationship with him off-screen?
I was very fortunate to have a great working relationship with
Vikram
. We had mutual respect and became friends, which made everything easier. I know he’s a transformative actor with a strong connection to his fans, which I found fascinating. I was lucky not just with Vikram but also with co-stars like Parvati and
Malavika
. It could have been difficult, but I ended up with amazing colleagues. If I had to sum up my experience with Vikram in one word, it would be ‘easy.’
Can you share your experience working with Parvati Thiruvothu and Malavika Mohanan?
Parvati and Malavika are incredibly dedicated and relentless. Parvati’s ability to transform is remarkable, while Malavika, though newer to the industry, is clearly on the path to stardom. Despite any challenges, both were exceptional, and I have immense respect for them. I'm fortunate to count them as friends. And, of course, working with Pasupati, who can do anything and is such a wonderful person, was another highlight. I feel very lucky to have worked with such a talented team.
Many of your co-stars have talked about the risks of shooting in the Kolar Gold Mine. How did you cope with the conditions?
Fortunately, I didn’t develop any skin conditions from the Kolar Gold Fields shoot. However, I did sustain several injuries from the stunts due to the uneven ground and ditches. During fight scenes, twisting an ankle or getting hurt was common. We truly embodied the phrase 'blood, sweat, and tears'—it was very real for us. The shoot was challenging, and I understand the difficulties others experienced.
How would you compare acting in Western films to acting in South Indian cinema?
Acting in Western films is rooted in a realism that's been prominent in American cinema for decades. The main challenge for me was adapting to the larger-than-life performances often required in Indian cinema. Initially, I was concerned about overacting, as the storytelling style here demands more expressive performances. The transition was difficult, as it meant adjusting to different techniques, physicality, and an intense, often chaotic set environment. It took me about two to three weeks to acclimate, but eventually, I became completely comfortable with the process. By the end of nearly a year, I felt fully integrated into the Indian film industry’s unique dynamics.
Was it challenging to adjust to the different environments on Indian versus Western movie sets?
Every film set has its own style, but India was especially unique for me. The first few days were overwhelming, being the only British actor on set. With no references to guide me, I had to adapt quickly. Thankfully, everyone was welcoming and supportive, making the transition smoother despite the initial chaos.
How did your experience working with Bollywood director Shekhar Kapur compare to your work with South Indian director Pa. Ranjith?
Shekhar Kapur and Pa. Ranjith have distinct directorial styles. Shekhar, known for his contemplative and reserved approach, takes his time to perfect each shot, sometimes frustrating producers eager for quicker results. In contrast, Ranjith is dynamic and energized, allowing the film to reach its best form without rushing. Both directors, while sharing some cultural similarities, reflect their individual styles and regional influences in their work.
