Abhirami on ‘Blast’: fitness leap, broken stereotypes in Tamil cinema
Actress Abhirami discusses her physical transformation for ‘Blast’, the shift in Tamil cinema roles for women, and her comeback with Arjun Sarja.
Abhirami reveals a grueling fitness regimen sparked by a back injury. She says Tamil cinema is finally moving beyond age‑old stereotypes for female stars.
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Actress Abhirami steps into a fresh phase of her career with the release of Blast, which hit theatres on 28 May 2026. Known for earlier work in Virumaandi and Maharaja, she now shows a markedly different look and an action‑packed performance.
In an exclusive chat with Etimes, she admitted the preparation was “tough”. The end goal, however, kept her going. She says the before‑and‑after photos of her transformation are now a personal motivator, and fans are already buzzing about the new look on social media.
Talking about women’s space in cinema, Abhirami said she feels “lucky and blessed” to still receive substantial roles after decades. She noted that Tamil cinema is slowly shedding the old age‑related stereotypes once attached to actresses. “Not everyone gets good roles. I see this as a positive change in cinema,” she added.
She pointed out that earlier, once an actress crossed a certain age, options narrowed. “Beyond that, the stereotypes have been broken. People have started thinking differently,” she observed, a sentiment that resonated with many women followers.
The fitness journey, she explained, actually began because of a back injury sustained before shooting began. While health and fitness were always part of her routine, the injury forced a more serious approach. “Little changes helped me in a big way,” she said, crediting a nutritionist, physiotherapist and trainer for the physical and mental uplift.
Since Blast revolves around a martial‑arts family, the action sequences demanded rigorous training. “If we don’t train properly, the audience will immediately notice it,” she warned. She praised stunt master Prabhu, actor‑stunt veteran Arjun Sarja and the entire stunt crew for their support and safety measures during demanding scenes.
Reuniting with Arjun Sarja was another highlight for her. She recalled their first collaboration when she was a newcomer, noting the bond has only grown stronger over the years.
Overall, Abhirami’s message is clear: the industry is shifting, and she’s ready to ride that wave, one disciplined workout and daring stunt at a time.