Arun Cherukavil on 25 years in Mollywood: I've never done anything to ‘survive' in cinema, and maybe that's exactly why I'm still here

Time of India

4 days ago

Arun Cherukavil reflects on his 25-year journey in Malayalam cinema. He recalls his debut in 'Life Is Beautiful' with Mohanlal. Arun remembers the impact of '4 The People' and his diverse roles. He appreciates the influence of industry legends. Arun expresses concern about revealing behind-the-scenes details, preferring to preserve cinema's magic. He values discipline and sincerity in his work.
From the charming school heartthrob Sooraj Kishor in 'Life Is Beautiful', to the righteous Aravindan in '4 The People', the rebellious Dineshan in Amritham, the chilling portrayal of Fr.
Bennette Franko in Anjaam Pathira, and now the complex DYSP Jacob in Ronth, Arun Cherukavil's career has been a remarkable journey through diverse, unforgettable characters. Spanning over 25 years, his performances have left an indelible mark on Malayalam cinema and earned him a special place in the hearts of every Malayali, especially the 90s kids who still remember him as their beloved chocolate boy.
In an exclusive conversation with ETimes,
Arun
opens up about his cinematic journey, the evolution of his craft, and the roles that shaped his career, taking us on a nostalgic walk down memory lane.
That dreamy welcome to Malayalam cinema
Arun couldn't have asked for a better start to his acting career, a dream debut in Life Is Beautiful (2000), directed by the legendary Fazil and starring none other than Mohanlal. For any aspiring actor, it doesn't get more iconic than that, and Arun's entry into cinema is as cinematic as the films he would go on to star in.
'Back then, getting into movies felt like chasing the impossible. We were from a generation where even meeting someone from the film industry, not stars or directors, just people who'd made it on screen, even in a small role, was a big deal.
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I had given my portfolio, you know, the ones with the epic floral background, to assistant directors and production executives,' he laughs.
Then came the turning point: a telegram inviting him to an audition.
'When I reached, there was a sea of people. It was packed. I somehow made it to the final 30 or so who were shortlisted to play school students taught by Mohanlal's character in the film,' he says.
But Arun's big break wasn't over just yet.
His real test came when he was asked to perform a scene from Aniyathipravu in front of the director himself.
'Fazil sir's associate told me he wanted to see me. I was nervous but thrilled. Fazil sir asked me to enact the breakup scene from Aniyathipravu, and I did it. Then I was called into another room, and there he was, Mohanlal, getting his makeup done. Fazil sir introduced me and told me to perform the same scene in front of him. I was stunned,' he narrates
With shaking nerves but sheer determination, Arun pulled off the performance.
'I had no hope after that. I just wanted to run out of the room,' he laughs.
But what came next changed his life.
'Fazil sir walked up to me and said, 'Welcome to Malayalam cinema. You are doing this character.' That was my true entry into the film world.'
'It was a celebration for, by, and of the youth'
One iconic line —
'Aravindanu Achane Pole Rashtreeyamokke Undo?'
'Illa sir, rashtrabodham und.' - is all it takes for Malayalam cinema lovers to instantly recognize Arun.
As the fearless, fiery Aravindan in 4 The People, Arun became the voice of a daring, disillusioned youth. The character wasn't just a role, it became a symbol.
Reflecting on that unforgettable chapter, Arun says, 'It's a blessing to have been part of a film like that. Even today, I still receive messages asking if 4 The People will ever get a re-release. I don't think I'll ever experience that kind of instant fame again in my career.
At the premiere, I walked into the theatre like any regular guy. But by the time the film ended, people were cheering, lifting me on their shoulders, celebrating.
It was surreal — almost dreamlike. It wasn't just a film. It was a movement. Branded as a 'new generation' movie at the time, it truly felt like a celebration by, for, and of the youth,' Arun shares, his voice tinged with nostalgia.
'I owe it to the stalwarts of this industry who shaped me'
Over the past two decades, the actor has fearlessly explored a wide spectrum of roles in Malayalam cinema.
From playing a disturbing pedophile in the psychological thriller Anjaam Pathira to tickling audiences as a humorous priest in Hello Mummy, Arun has shown that he's not one to be boxed into a single mold.
'It's quite ironic that I've played two priest characters with almost the same physique and makeover, yet with completely contrasting personalities. Being able to do such diverse and distinct roles is truly a blessing.
I owe it to the stalwarts of this industry who shaped me. We were blessed, and still are, with icons like Nedumudi Venu, Bahadur, Jagathy Sreekumar, Thilakan, Mammootty, Mohanlal, Siddique and Sai Kumar.
I've had the privilege of sharing the screen with many of them. Just being around them was a masterclass in itself. They silently teach you so much, about craft, presence, and discipline. It's their influence and those invaluable experiences that have molded me into the actor I am today,' Arun shared.
'Now you have to fire the gun and make the 'boom' sound yourself'
Despite a powerful debut and a string of memorable roles, Arun is often described by cinephiles as one of Malayalam cinema's most underrated actors. While his talent has never been in question, his on-and-off presence in the limelight has sparked curiosity over the years.
'I've always been here, giving my best to every film. But not every movie becomes a box office hit or reaches the masses. That's just how this industry works.
I've always believed that cinema is a powerful medium, it speaks for you. You don't need to shout to get noticed. For me, being a good actor means being disciplined, showing up on set, doing your job sincerely, and not being a burden to anyone. That's my idea of professionalism,' the actor shares.
However, he admits the dynamics of the industry have shifted. 'Today, it feels like you have to fire the gun and make the 'boom' sound yourself to get noticed,' he says with a wry smile.
'Maybe I'll get there too. I've never done anything to 'survive' in cinema, and maybe that's exactly why I'm still here. I've always trusted the magic of cinema, and in return, I've always been taken care of,' he added.
' Not everyone needs to know what happens behind the scenes'
Change is inevitable, especially in an industry as dynamic as cinema. Having spent over two decades in front of the camera, Arun has witnessed the evolution of Malayalam cinema up close. But when asked about one change he finds hard to embrace, he doesn't hesitate.
'I'm not too comfortable with the whole trend of BTS and the 'spilling the beans' culture around filmmaking. Call me old school, but you know what we've lost because of it? Magic. Remember how we used to marvel at magic tricks, like when a person disappears or a flower suddenly appears from an empty vase? The wonder, the surprise—it was pure joy. But once you reveal how it's done, the magic fades,' he explains with a beautiful analogy.
Arun believes cinema is no different. 'There are so many people who love watching films as a magical experience. Not everyone needs to know what happens behind the scenes. Sure, I'm all for it being studied as research material by film students and enthusiasts, but for the common viewer, the magic lies in not knowing. In the age of instant content and constant reveals, we've somehow taken away that element of surprise.
The thrill of seeing a hero jump off a cliff, not knowing how it was done, that's what cinema is to me,' he shares.