British actor Daniel on his Indian debut film Thangalaan

British actor Daniel Caltagirone, known for his roles in films such as The Pianist and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life, is making his Indian cinema debut as the antagonist Lord Clement in the highly anticipated Tamil film Thangalaan. Directed by Pa Ranjith and starring Vikram, the film promises an epic drama set against the backdrop of the Kolar gold mines, a setting previously popularised by the Kannada franchise KGF. Caltagirone, who is currently in Chennai for the film’s promotion, shared his thoughts on the role and his experience working on the project.
In a recent interview with PTI, Caltagirone emphasised that his portrayal of Lord Clement in Thangalaan is far from a stereotypical villainous role. “When Pa Ranjith first approached me, we had an extensive conversation about the character. I didn’t audition; Ranjith simply called my agent and expressed interest. I was keen on understanding the portrayal of British characters in Tamil cinema. I was cautious about stepping into a role that might end up being cliched or tokenistic,” Caltagirone revealed.
He praised Ranjith’s vision, stating, “Ranjith made it clear that he wanted me to avoid the typical British antagonist role. He aimed to showcase something different in Indian cinema and I was excited to be part of that vision.” Caltagirone, who had previously worked with international directors like Tarsem Singh and Shekhar Kapur, found Ranjith’s approach refreshing and innovative.
Caltagirone described Lord Clement as a complex character with a rich backstory. “Lord Clement and Vikram’s characters are two sides of the same coin. The film explores how both characters, driven by their desire for gold, are shaped by their harsh experiences. It’s not just about being evil; it’s about understanding what made them that way,” he explained. This nuanced portrayal contrasts with the more straightforward villain roles often seen in cinema. The actor spoke candidly about the challenges and the extensive time commitment involved in Thangalaan. “Shooting for Thangalaan took over a year. I arrived in India in October 2022 and wrapped up in November 2023. It felt like working on a project for a century due to the demanding schedule and the physicality of the role,” Caltagirone joked. He also shared insights into the rigorous stunts he performed, expressing his admiration for Indian actors, who often undertake demanding roles without relying heavily on stunt doubles.
Caltagirone expressed his respect for the Indian film industry and its actors. “My experiences in India have always been profound. The actors here push boundaries and I have immense respect for their dedication. Indian filmmakers are incredibly passionate, and that enthusiasm has made each project I’ve been part of truly memorable,” he said.
Reflecting on his previous experiences in India, including working with Tarsem Singh on The Fall and Shekhar Kapur on The Four Feathers, Caltagirone noted a deep connection with the country. “India has always felt like a second home to me. There’s something about Indian cinema and culture that resonates deeply, and working here has always been a significant part of my career,” he shared.