Chennai, India – March 14, 2026 – For over three decades, Milind Soman has been a multifaceted presence in India’s cultural landscape. From gracing the covers of magazines as a defining model of the 1990s, to inspiring millions as a symbol of endurance and athletic prowess, and most recently, captivating audiences on both the silver and small screens across various languages, Soman continues to evolve. At the age of 60, he demonstrates a remarkable ability to seamlessly navigate these diverse artistic realms. His latest endeavor sees him re-enter the Tamil film industry after a four-year hiatus, starring in the gritty folk-noir crime series, Muthu Engira Kaattaan. This M. Manikandan creation, featuring the acclaimed Vijay Sethupathi in the titular role, marks a significant return for Soman to Tamil cinema, a move he explains is driven by a fundamental appreciation for compelling narratives.
A Career Defined by Versatility and Enduring Appeal
Milind Soman’s journey in the public eye is a testament to his adaptability and enduring appeal. Emerging as a male supermodel in the 1990s, he not only redefined advertising aesthetics but also became an icon of masculine charm and fitness. This initial phase of his career established him as a household name, a figure synonymous with style and aspiration. However, Soman’s ambitions extended far beyond the realm of fashion. He progressively transitioned into acting, taking on roles in a variety of Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, and Telugu, alongside his foray into international cinema with projects in English, Japanese, and Arabic.
His passion for physical endurance later propelled him into the world of athletics. Soman became a prominent advocate for fitness and healthy living, participating in and organizing numerous marathons and ultra-marathons. His dedication to a disciplined yet accessible approach to fitness has inspired a generation to prioritize their well-being, solidifying his image as a role model for active and conscious living. This duality of artistic expression and physical commitment has allowed him to maintain a unique and respected position in India’s entertainment and fitness spheres.
"Muthu Engira Kaattaan": A Return to Tamil Roots Fueled by Storytelling
Soman’s decision to join Muthu Engira Kaattaan was, by his own admission, a straightforward one, rooted in the core principles of good filmmaking. "If the project is interesting, the role is interesting, I like the people, then I do it," Soman stated in a recent telephonic interview with The Hindu, ahead of the series’ premiere. He emphasized that language is merely a medium, not a barrier, in the pursuit of powerful storytelling. "I’ve worked in many languages – Japanese, English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and Arabic. So, the language is not important in cinema. It’s the storytelling. The story is the number one thing," he asserted. This philosophy underscores his belief in the universal language of cinema and his commitment to projects that resonate with genuine narrative depth.
The series, which is set to stream on JioHotstar from March 27th, marks Soman’s return to Tamil cinema after a four-year absence. His involvement in Muthu Engira Kaattaan is particularly significant given the calibre of the creative team involved. Directed by M. Manikandan, a filmmaker renowned for his realistic and poignant narratives in films like Kadaisi Vivasayi and Kaaka Muttai, the series promises a nuanced exploration of its themes. Soman’s collaboration with Manikandan is a notable aspect of the project, bringing together two artists with distinct yet complementary visions.
The Character of Sivettan and the Mentor-Mentee Dynamic
In Muthu Engira Kaattaan, Milind Soman portrays Sivettan, an influential character whose relationship with the protagonist, Muthu, played by Vijay Sethupathi, forms a crucial emotional core of the narrative. Soman found the dynamic between his character and Sethupathi’s compelling. "The relationship between my character Sivettan and Vijay Sethupathi’s character Muthu is very interesting," he revealed. "It’s a beautiful, warm, affectionate relationship of a mentor and mentee. Almost like a father-son kind of relationship." This portrayal suggests a nuanced exploration of mentorship and familial bonds within the context of a crime series, adding layers of emotional complexity to the unfolding plot.
The script’s exploration of this particular relationship was a significant draw for Soman. It highlights his preference for roles that offer depth and emotional resonance, rather than purely plot-driven characters. The opportunity to delve into such a profound connection, set against the backdrop of a gritty folk-noir crime narrative, likely appealed to his artistic sensibilities and his consistent pursuit of challenging and meaningful roles.
Collaboration with M. Manikandan and Vijay Sethupathi: A Seamless Creative Environment
Working with M. Manikandan proved to be a positive and productive experience for Soman. He lauded the director’s clarity and vision on set. "He’s very clear about what he wants," Soman commented. "I think that’s the mark of any good director; when he’s able to explain exactly what he wants. At the same time, good directors also allow the actors to improvise and suggest. Then it becomes a collaborative effort." This description of Manikandan’s directorial approach highlights a collaborative spirit, where the director’s clear vision is balanced with an openness to the actors’ contributions, fostering an environment conducive to creative synergy.
Soman also expressed his comfort and ease working alongside Vijay Sethupathi, who not only stars in the series but also serves as its producer. "He’s very easy to work with, and makes sure that everyone is having a good time. There’s no stress on the set," Soman noted. This statement speaks volumes about Sethupathi’s reputed ability to create a positive and relaxed atmosphere on set, which is often crucial for artists to deliver their best performances. Despite the potential for language differences, Soman felt fully integrated and understood within the production. "He’s (Vijay Sethupathi) obviously very comfortable in Tamil, it’s his first language. It’s not my first language, but I never felt that we have to compromise on something because of that," he explained. This indicates a strong rapport and efficient communication between the lead actors, transcending linguistic barriers and contributing to the overall success of the project.
Milind Soman’s Enduring Philosophy on Fitness: Simplicity and Consistency
Beyond his cinematic endeavors, Milind Soman remains a prominent figure in the fitness community, advocating for a sustainable and accessible approach to well-being. When discussing his fitness regimen, Soman dismisses the notion that it requires complex or extraordinary measures. "I don’t have any coach or trainer or dietitian or nutritionist. I don’t go to the gym, I have no routine, no regime," he stated, revealing a refreshingly uncomplicated philosophy. He attributes his sustained fitness to a deep, decades-long understanding of his body’s needs. "I have an understanding which has developed over the decades of what I absolutely need to do. Every day I do that, maybe 10 minutes, 15 minutes, but not more than that," he explained. This emphasis on short, consistent bursts of activity, integrated into daily life, is a cornerstone of his message.
For individuals who feel intimidated by fitness, especially those starting later in life, Soman offers practical and encouraging advice: "If you’re intimidated, then start very, very small. If one day you want to just do one push-up, do it. And if you feel comfortable, do two. Slowly and gradually you improve." This approach champions the power of incremental progress and celebrates small victories, making fitness feel achievable for everyone.
His core belief in the transformative power of consistency is evident in his advice. "Eventually, if you’re consistent, you can run a marathon," Milind Soman concluded. This statement encapsulates his journey and his message: that dedication, even in small doses, can lead to extraordinary achievements. For a man whose career began with an iconic image that captured the nation’s imagination, his current philosophy of starting small and persevering resonates deeply, offering a timeless lesson in both personal growth and physical health.
Muthu Engira Kaattaan premieres on JioHotstar on March 27th.
