Arya Pushes Physical Limits for Intense 20-Foot Deep Underwater Sequence in Mr X
The actor descended 20 feet into ice-cold water, bare-bodied, holding his breath through 30 to 40 seconds of action at a time — for a sequence that Director Manu Anand says is unlike anything Tamil cinema has attempted before.
In one of the most physically demanding feats attempted by a Tamil actor in recent memory, Arya has revealed the extraordinary lengths he went to for a pivotal underwater sequence in the upcoming spy action thriller Mr X, produced by Maverik Movies Pvt Ltd and Prince Pictures, and is directed by Manu Anand. The sequence — the film’s opening shot — was filmed in a 20-foot deep diving pool in Mumbai.
A Test of Physical Endurance
Most underwater sequences in Indian cinema are filmed at a depth of six feet using submerged stages. For Mr X, that was not an option. The sequence required Arya to descend to 20 feet to authentically simulate the deep ocean — a depth that brought extreme physical challenges, most significantly the temperature of the water, which hovered between 15 and 16 degrees.
“As we go deeper, the temperature of the water reduces — it was around 15 to 16 degrees, ice-cold water. Performing the scene bare-bodied, the body shouldn’t shiver. Controlling the shivering while holding my breath for 30 to 40 seconds of action was an immense task for me.”
— Arya
Performing bare-bodied at that depth, Arya had to maintain complete physical control to prevent any visible reaction to the freezing conditions — all while delivering a performance that the camera had to believe entirely.
Hours Underwater, Shot After Shot
The logistics of the shoot extended the physical demand far beyond individual takes. To maintain efficiency and avoid the time lost by repeated ascents and descents, Arya and the underwater camera crew remained submerged for stretches of one and a half to two hours at a time. The actor has described it as the most physically challenging experience of his career.
“Once we went underwater, the camera team and everyone stayed there — we could only come back out after one and a half to two hours.
— Arya
Despite the extreme conditions, the set was technically advanced. Underwater speakers and microphones allowed Arya to hear Director Manu Anand’s instructions and receive real-time feedback on his performance between takes — a level of precision that reflects the broader ambition of the production.
Manu Anand’s Vision — Truth on Screen
The underwater sequence is emblematic of the philosophy Manu Anand brought to every frame of Mr X. Known for his meticulous research and commitment to authenticity — the film is based on seven real incidents that took place in India between 1965 and 2023 — he insisted from the outset that the film’s action be grounded in physical reality, not manufactured for spectacle.
Arya, reflecting on the process, said that while his body shivered between takes, he forced himself to stay completely still the moment the director called action. The discipline required to deliver that — sustained over hours, 20 feet below the surface, in near-freezing water — speaks to the commitment the production demanded of its cast.
“At the end of the day, when you see it on screen, I am very happy about the output of the sequence. When people watch the film, they will understand the significance of this sequence”
— Arya
Mr X, produced by Maverik Movies Pvt Ltd and Prince Pictures, directed by Manu Anand, also stars Gautham Karthik, Manju Warrier and Sarathkumar and others. The film releases worldwide in theatres on April 17, 2026.
