The English actor shared the he had extensive discussions with Pa Ranjith before accepting the role and didn't even audition.
Published Aug 09, 2024 | 1:58 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 09, 2024 | 1:58 PM
Daniel Caltagirone gets candid about 'Thangalaan'. (X)
Daniel Caltagirone is making his Tamil debut in Pa Ranjith’s Thangalaan, starring Vikram. The film is releasing on Independence Day (15 August) alongside Keerthy Suresh’s Raghu Thatha and Arulnithi’s Demonte Colony 2.
Thangalaan sees Daniel Caltagirone in a significant role, not just a “token” presence. He plays the antagonist in this 19th-century action drama set in the Kolar gold mines.
London-born Daniel Caltagirone is known for his roles in Legionnaire (1998), The Pianist (2002), and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider–The Cradle of Life (2023). He had extensive discussions with Pa Ranjith before accepting the role.
“When Ranjith roped me in, we had an extensive conversation. I didn’t audition; he simply called my agent, saying, ‘This guy is interesting, I want to work with him,” Daniel Caltagirone shared.
The director assured him that his role wouldn’t be the stereotypical British character. Instead, Ranjith wanted him to be “one of the first British actors to do something different” in Indian cinema.
“If that succeeds, it would be incredible for me to be among the first British actors in a lead role that isn’t just tokenism,” the actor said.
He added, “In Thangalaan, you’ll see my character fighting against the hardships life has thrown at him, which turns him bad. Vikram’s character goes through something similar, but I won’t spoil the ending. Both characters are consumed by the desire, need, and greed for gold. I hope I’ve done my job well.”
Daniel Caltagirone admitted he was fortunate with his co-stars. “I was nervous about how the big Indian stars would treat me, but we all got along well.”
“I have immense respect for Indian actors because they often go above and beyond, unlike some Western actors who immediately rely on stunt doubles or avoid getting their hair messed up. When I was told I’d be doing a lot of my stunts, I was all in, saying, ‘Yeah, let’s do it!'”
Daniel Caltagirone with Vikram and Pa Ranjith. (X)
Daniel Caltagirone described Vikram as a brother, calling him “the greatest artiste in India” and a significant part of his life. “Vikram is my Chennai brother,” he said, adding that over the past year, he’s become familiar with all the actors and technicians involved. “This experience is unforgettable.”
In an interview with a leading website, Daniel Caltagirone mentioned that he watched Indian films, including RRR (2022). He pointed out that while SS Rajamouli and Pa Ranjith are very different directors, he admires both.
“Pa Ranjith is more of a social commentator,” he pointed out, adding, “The international success of RRR highlights the impact of Indian cinema. Each Indian film I watch has the same incredible, infectious energy.”
Thangalaan, in production since 2022, is based on a real story set in the Kolar Gold Fields during British rule in India.
The film features Parvathy Thiruvothu and Malavika Mohanan as the female leads, with Pasupathy and Harikrishnan Anbudurai in key roles.
It includes a musical score by GV Prakash Kumar, cinematography by A Kishor Kumar, and editing by Selva RK. The screenplay is co-written by Pa Ranjith and Tamil Prabha.
Tamil Prabha also wrote for Ranjith’s previous productions, Sarpatta Parambarai (2021) and Blue Star (2024).
Produced by KE Gnanavelraja’s Studio Green Films, Thangalaan will be released in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
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