Vignesh Raja Calls Maari Dhanush’s Toughest Role Ahead of Kara Release

Director Vignesh Raja has revealed what he believes to be the most demanding role in Dhanush’s diverse career. Speaking ahead of his upcoming film Kara, Vignesh shared that Dhanush himself considers his performance in Maari, directed by Balaji Mohan, as his toughest.

According to Vignesh, Dhanush described the role as “walking on a knife,” as it required portraying a rogue character with questionable actions—like intimidating children—while still retaining the audience’s affection. Striking that delicate balance, he noted, demanded immense effort and precision.

Reflecting on Dhanush’s filmography, Vignesh praised the actor’s versatility across roles—from relatable everyday characters to intense and unconventional portrayals—calling it a privilege to collaborate with him.

The director also shared a nostalgic memory tied to Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam. He recalled watching the comedy-drama, which starred Prakash Raj and Shriya Saran, during his school days. Despite being in the middle of board exams and unable to visit theatres, he managed to watch it on a laptop and remembers it as one of the most enjoyable cinematic experiences of his life.

Vignesh Raja’s latest directorial venture, Kara, is slated to hit theatres on April 30. Co-written with Alfred Prakash, the film features a strong ensemble including Mamitha Baiju, Jayaram, KS Ravikumar, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Karunaas, Sreeja Ravi, Prithvi Pandiarajan, and National Award-winning actor MS Bhaskar.

In Kara, Dhanush plays Karasaami, also known as Kara—a robber navigating survival during the backdrop of the Gulf War, which triggered a fuel crisis in Tamil Nadu and shaped his character’s journey.