“Coffee is actually a women-centric film, and Ineya plays the main lead. But my character is sort of a lead, similar to what Aadhi did in U-Turn,” he says.

He calls his role in #Thalapathy63 a short but key one. “I have only six scenes — two in the flashback portion and the rest set in the present-day at a crucial juncture in the film. I have been told by the director to not reveal anything, so I cannot say more, but it will be noticed,” is all he is willing to reveal.

But he admits that he will be seen sharing screen space with Vijay. “I’d already worked with him in Theri, but shot with him only for three days. This time, I shot for one more day with him. Acting alongside him was a learning experience for me. He doesn’t rehearse much. The director will rehearse the shot with the supporting artistes and once Vijay sir arrives, he will explain what he has to do. Vijay sir often finishes the shot in one take. I find this quality of his impressive. He focuses on what the director wants and gives exactly that. He instinctively understands where the camera is and knows how to build on a performance. I consider myself lucky to see this from very close quarters and that is why I call this a learning experience,” he gushes.

Meanwhile, he has played the main villain in two ready-to-release films, Kallan and Aruva Sandai. The former stars Karu Palaniappan in the lead while the latter has a new hero, but has been made by Silanthi director Adhiraj. “I play a guy with immense caste pride. Audiences en character-a thittama velila varamaataanga,” he predicts.