Directed by Sukumar, with Allu Arjun in the lead role, ‘Arya’ shook the film industry upon its release. Premiering with a unique concept of one-sided love, the movie initially received mixed reviews but soon rallied to create a box office tsunami. Exhibited in many theaters for over 125 days, it garnered critical acclaim. Released on May 7, 2004, today marks exactly 20 years since its debut. On this anniversary, let’s delve into some behind-the-scenes secrets of Arya.
Sukumar’s Chance Post ‘Dil’ Success
Sukumar, who worked as an assistant director for the film ‘Dil’ starring Nitin, pitched the story of ‘Arya’ to producer Dil Raju during that period. Impressed, Raju promised Sukumar a directing opportunity if ‘Dil’ succeeded, advising him to ready the complete story in the meantime. Following the blockbuster success of ‘Dil’, Sukumar was given the green light to direct what would become ‘Arya’.
Allari Naresh’s Missed Opportunity
Initially, Allari Naresh was considered for the lead role in ‘Arya’, and Sukumar had even tailored the script with him in mind. However, due to certain reasons, the script never reached him. Naresh shared in an interview that during the making of ‘100% Love’, Sukumar told him, “Your acting in ‘Allari’ captivated me, and I had written ‘Arya’ for you.” Despite this, the role was destined for another, and Naresh remarked, “No one could have performed better than Allu Arjun as Arya.”
Finalizing Bunny for the Role!
After finalizing the script for ‘Arya’, there was some uncertainty about who should play the lead. During this search, a special screening of ‘Dil’ was held, which Allu Arjun attended. His sharp wit and comedic timing convinced the producers that he was the perfect fit for the story. Following conversations with Arjun post the screening, and his impressive performances post ‘Gangotri’, he was chosen as the lead, much to the satisfaction of everyone involved, including Chiranjeevi and Allu Aravind.
Star Director’s Role as an Assistant
Srikanth Addala, known for directing hit films like ‘Kotha Bangaru Lokam’, ‘Mukunda’, and ‘Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu’, served as an assistant director on ‘Arya’. He even made a cameo appearance in one of the scenes. Initially, there was some confusion about the film’s title. The team considered various options before finally deciding to name the film after Bunny’s character.
Rapid Completion of the Shoot
The shooting of ‘Arya’ was completed swiftly over 120 days, starting on November 19, 2003. This was the first collaboration between Sukumar and music director Devi Sri Prasad, whose soundtrack became a massive hit, especially the song ‘Aa Ante Amalapuram,’ which became immensely popular across diverse audiences.
Arya’s Impact on Stardom
The success of ‘Arya’ was a significant milestone in the careers of director Sukumar, actor Allu Arjun, producer Dil Raju, music director Devi Sri Prasad, and cinematographer Rathnavelu, transforming their lives and careers. As the film completes 20 years, Allu Arjun reflected on the impact of ‘Arya’ on his life, expressing eternal gratitude for the role that changed his trajectory.
