“For once, the Ritz was my home. It was used for sleeping and sleeping during journeys. I have never spent so much time with this car in my life. Arun Verma, the director of Garudan movie, can’t say enough about Ritz, who joined him in 2010. The new guest in Arun’s life is a Kia Seltos gifted by his producer, friend and brother Listin Stephen. Arun is also holding Ritz while welcoming the guest with open arms. Arun Verma opens up about his cars, travels and film career with Manorama Online…
Road to cinema
Although he is from Palakkad, Arun was born and brought up in Chennai. His father was a liaison officer in a leading company in Chennai and his mother was a beautician. All of Arun’s studies were in Chennai. I was very fond of cinema right from the time I was in school. All that time I was in the mood to act. It is the father who gives us more insight into the behind-the-scenes activities of the film. My father asked why not focus on scripting and directing.
Later, he started watching all the films of leading Malayalam directors seriously. Padmarajan, KG George… and so on. Slowly the direction became clear. So after school, he joined Loyola College, Chennai for Visual Communication. The time given to Arun by his father was two years. His father’s suggestion was that if nothing happened in the film, then he should work on something else. But even before completing his studies, Arun got an opportunity to work as an assistant director in Major Ravi’s Keerthichakra. Arun Varma says that his unquenchable passion for cinema is what fortunately opens up opportunities for him.
Friendship with Ritz
Arun Varma has worked with Major Ravi in films ranging from Keerthichakra to Kandahar. Later he started his own production house. Did many small and big advertisements. Meanwhile, Ritz joins. Ritz was bought in 2010 with financial help from my father. Swift was in high demand at that time. But the Ritz had the same features as the Swift and was more budget friendly than the Swift. That is why Arun decided to buy the Ritz. But Arun soon realized that Ritz was smart not only in terms of profit but also in usage.
Arun says that he has never spent so much time with anyone else in his life as he did with Ritz. Ritz was on a regular run from Chennai to Cochin for the film. Both Chennai and Bangalore are well known by the train. Have been on Ritz Kochi to Kasaragod Mookambika Yatra. Later on, a big day-long trip to Jog Falls, Hampi, Mysore, Kotak and so on has been done in Ritz. The car has been driven for an all India trip. But what surprises Arun is that even after all these years, the car has never been returned. Maruti Suzuki cars are suited for Indian roads. Arun also underlines full marks for Ritz.
Distance from Ritz to Kia
Arun’s run for the film Garudaan was also at the Ritz. Arun was thinking of getting a new car after the Garuda movie. Was thinking of buying either Seltos or Harrier. Kia Seltos comes in hand while thinking about what to do with the fund.
I was very happy when I bought the key to the Kia. Arun says that the Kia gives him joy not so much as a car but as a recognition from his brotherly List. “A big producer like Listin Stephen, who has produced 24 films, gave an opportunity to a beginner like him. That in itself is a great recognition. Arun says that the Kia Seltos that he has just received as a gift is the most valuable thing in his life.
Arun Varma’s next film is also being done for the list. This gift is also a great responsibility. Arun Varma also says that this gift is an inspiration for the upcoming film Garudaan to stand beyond the cinema.
About Kia
Arun likes driving a lot. And the gear carts are comfortable. So semi-automatic is preferred. Kia is a very smooth driving car. As it is semi-automatic, it has gears but no clutch. Good comfort, good performance and easy maintenance are all the features of Kia Seltos. Arun Verma is planning to go on a trip soon with the car. Karnataka and North Kerala are under consideration.
driving
Arun Verma is more obsessed with driving than cars. The passion for driving comes after meeting with Major Ravi. For the purpose of the film, I will leave Chennai early in the morning for Kochi, carrying a bag with him. “Major Ravi sir drives well. It was his driving and accompanying trips that made him interested in driving,” says Arun. Then the trips from Chennai to Palakkad in my youth also increased my love for driving. And Arun says that all those trips made him a road person.
RELATIONSHIP TO LIST
At a time when many were asking for the opportunity, Listin Stephen gave the opportunity without having seen any of his previous works. It was the biggest support a beginner could give. The reason for that may be the faith in the subject of the Garudan movie and then the faith in me.
Arun Varma also directed the superhit promo song ‘Palapallali’ of Tiger movie. Listin Stephen also paved the way for it. “Initially, I was not very close to Listin sir. And when he comes to Chennai, he calls. If he comes that day, Ritsu will be with him when he travels with him. Our relationship grew through those trips to Chennai. It was later that Listin met Sir’s family. More than just a producer, I have a close relationship with him. Arun said that even if he doesn’t do another film, he wants to maintain this closeness like this.
