British actor Daniel Caltagirone, known for his roles in films like The Pianist (2000) and Tomb Raider (2018), plays the antagonist in Pa Ranjith’s Thangalaan. In a recent interview, British actor Daniel Caltagirone shared insights into his experience working on the much anticipated Tamil film ‘Thangalaan’. Caltagirone, who plays the role of Lord Clement, revealed his initial expectations and the profound impact Ranjith’s direction had on him.
“I thought it would be singing and dancing. I couldn’t wait. Ranjith is an incredible social commentator.
I liked his style of filmmaking, how he utilised the camera and pushed his actors,” said the actor about his thoughts when he was first informed by his agent about the opportunity to work with an Indian director. Drawing parallels between Ranjith and other celebrated Hollywood directors, Caltagirone further added, “His style reminded me of Spike Lee, there is a tiny element of [Quentin] Tarantino as well.” When asked about the expectations Caltagirone had for Lord Clement’s character going into the film, he said, “I thought I’d be portrayed as the cliché English character who plays an out-and-out bad guy and then disappears.
But Ranjith wanted me to be the co-star to Vikram. I didn’t know who Vikram was at that point, but I assumed he was a big Indian star. Ranjith said, ‘I don’t want to go black-and-white with you.
This will be a fleshed out character’.” Daniel Caltagirone noted their discussions.