Actor Arya, known for his role in director Manu Anand’s upcoming spy thriller “Mr X,” shared the demanding experience of filming an underwater sequence for the movie. The scene, shot at a 20-foot deep diving pool in Mumbai, required Arya to descend to 20 feet into ice-cold water, holding his breath for an unprecedented Tamil cinema moment.
In most Indian films, underwater scenes are typically filmed at a depth of six feet on submerged stages. However, for “Mr X,” Arya had to go deeper to authentically portray the deep ocean, facing extreme physical challenges like the frigid water temperature of 15 to 16 degrees. Despite the harsh conditions, Arya had to maintain control and deliver a convincing performance without any visible reactions to the freezing environment.
The shoot’s logistics demanded prolonged physical endurance, with Arya and the underwater camera crew staying submerged for up to two hours at a time to minimize disruptions. Arya described this experience as the most physically demanding of his career, emphasizing the need for complete physical control and focus underwater. Advanced technical features like underwater speakers and microphones facilitated communication between Arya and the director, enhancing the filming process.
Reflecting on the challenging shoot, Arya expressed satisfaction with the sequence’s outcome and highlighted its significance in the film. “Mr X” is a spy thriller based on real incidents in India from 1965 to 2023, featuring a talented cast including Gautham Karthik, Manju Warrier, and Sarathkumar. The movie, produced by Maverik Movies Pvt Ltd and Prince Pictures, is scheduled for a global theatrical release on April 17 this year.
