Actor Arya has opened up about the physically demanding underwater stunt sequences for his upcoming film, 'Mr. X', directed by Manu Anand. The actor described these scenes as the most challenging part of the movie's production, requiring significant endurance and focus in frigid conditions.
Filming in Extreme Depths
The intense action sequences were shot in a specialized diving pool in Mumbai, reaching depths of approximately 20 feet. Arya explained that while typical underwater film shoots often occur in shallower water, the team for 'Mr. X' opted for greater depth to achieve a more authentic and visually stunning portrayal of deep-sea environments. This decision, however, significantly amplified the difficulty for both the cast and crew.
Battling Icy Waters and Breath Control
One of the primary challenges Arya faced was the extremely cold water temperature, which hovered around 15 to 16 degrees Celsius. Adding to the difficulty, Arya had to perform shirtless. He recounted the necessity of controlling his body's natural shivering response to the cold. To maintain composure and realism on camera, he had to hold his breath for extended periods, ranging from 30 to 40 seconds per take. This required immense physical and mental discipline.
Long Underwater Sessions and Unique Communication
Beyond the cold and breath-holding, the cast and camera crew spent considerable time submerged. Arya noted that once underwater, they would remain for up to an hour and a half to two hours to maximize shooting efficiency. Communication with director Manu Anand was facilitated through specialized underwater speakers and microphones, allowing Arya to receive instructions while performing the complex action choreography.
Despite the immense difficulties and physical toll, Arya expressed satisfaction with the final results. He believes the audience will appreciate the extraordinary effort invested in creating these realistic and visually impressive underwater scenes when 'Mr. X', also starring Gautham Karthik, Manju Warrier, and Sarathkumar, releases on April 17.