#SHOWBIZ: Irfan to star with 'Thalapathy' Vijay in Tamil movie

New Straits Times

3 days ago

ACTOR Irfan Zaini has marked another milestone in his career, securing a role in Indian film "Jana Nayagan", directed by H. Vinoth.
The Tamil-language action-thriller will see Irfan sharing scenes with Indian actor Vijay.
For Irfan, whose full name is Muhammad Irfan Mohamed Zaini, the opportunity to work with Vijay — affectionately known as Thalapathy, meaning leader — is a dream come true.
Recounting how the role came about, Irfan, 30, said that Vijay himself played a crucial part.
Their good relationship, forged during the success of last year's film "The Greatest of All Time" (GOAT), proved instrumental.
"While on the set of GOAT, I asked Vijay if it was going to be his last film. He mentioned that there might be another film after that.
"As a fan, I asked him how one would go about getting a role in such a script.
"But I made it clear: 'Please don't suggest my name to the production. I just want to know the right path to get an offer, like whom to contact or how to get an audition.'
"Vijay gave me his manager's number. A few days later, I messaged him."
Irfan, known for his role as Malik in " Blood Brothers: Bara Naga", credits his performance for leading to an invitation to India.
"As soon as GOAT was released, I got a message from Vijay's manager asking me to go to India.
"After that, he asked me to visit an office and meet Arvin, the assistant director of 'Jana Nayagan'.
"Arvin took my number and photo, and I did an audition. They gave me a filming date and discussed my payment."
While Irfan remains tight-lipped about his character until the script is released, he said that his role in "Jana Nayagan" is larger than his previous appearances in foreign films.
"I'm grateful for this offer because it gives me the chance to act alongside big names in the film industry there, such as Vijay and Bobby Deol."
Irfan, also known for the 2023 Tamil drama "Manmadha Bullets", believes he is among the few domestic actors to share a film set with a Indian star in a long time.
"I think the last time a Malaysian actor worked with a Indian star was Datuk Adi Putra in 'Don 2' with Datuk Shah Rukh Khan. After that, it's me.
"I feel proud and grateful for this opportunity. I also can't wait to show Malaysians what I've done."
Irfan hopes that his dedication will boost support for the domestic film industry.
"I hope that from now on, Malays will watch more Tamil stories, and Tamils will watch more Malay stories.
"When I saw so many people supporting 'Blood Brothers', it showed it can be a bridge between the two communities.
"I feel proud because I can unite the two groups."
Irfan is completing 'Jana Nayagan' in India, which began filming in stages last November.
The film, starring Vijay, Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol, is slated for release on Jan 9 next year.
The film is expected to be Vijay's final acting role before he dedicates himself to politics.