Over the years, we’ve seen him as a filmmaker delivering blockbuster hits with the biggest stars in the industry, and we’ve also seen him entertain us as an actor. But it is Karthik Subbaraj, who has taken on the onus of showing us what S.J. Suryah is actually capable of — the latter’s portrayal as Arul, an alcoholic and vulnerable director in Iraivi, has brought a new dimension as a performer, to his career.
Suryah, who is currently basking in the success of the film, speaks about acting being his first love, his upcoming projects and his take on feminism (which Iraivi delivers in the most unconventional way), in a candid conversation with DC.
“Women are more powerful than men. They’re better than us in every aspect. Maybe that’s why we, as men, have been built to control them right from childhood. I thank Karthik sir for his attempt to break this barrier,” starts Suryah on a thoughtful note. Speaking about the response he got for his performance, the Isai actor says, “It’s rare to win both critics and general audience unanimously. I feel overwhelmed with the love and affection, and how my role has been received. But, what gives me the utmost satisfaction is that top directors from the industry personally congratulated me.”
Telling us about his rapport with Karthik, Suryah heaps praises on the talented director — “He is one of those directors who is not good in narrating a story verbally. But, I know how good a craftsman he is. That is why I immediately gave my nod when he approached me. Further, it’s not easy to handle a plot like Balachander and give it a Quentin Tarantino kind of filmmaking. He has managed to achieve that.” He adds, “Many people are praising me for the scenes in which I’ve acted as a drunkard. I owe it all to Karthik sir , who moulded my role perfectly.”
Suryah also feels that one can become a better actor if he or she doesn’t have any insecurity about their co-stars. “It’s all about complementing each other’s work. Vijay Sethupathi, Bobby Simha and I were never jealous of each other and that’s why the chemistry between us is reflecting on screen.”
Despite all the positive feedback, Suryah feels that he is still learning as an actor. “An artiste’s career is similar to a human’s life cycle. He enters the field as a newborn boy, turns into an adolescent and finally becomes a wise old man. I’m yet to reach the final stage” he laughs.
Sharing interesting titbits about his most awaited directorial venture with Pawan Kalyan in Telugu, he reveals, “Pawan Kalyan sir is a legendary actor and you need an intense script to suit his image. This is my third film with him and hence, I know his strengths. The story will be based on Rayalaseema and it will be a factionist love story.”
So, when we ask if he would also be directing in Tamil soon, he replies diplomatically, “I am very busy till next January. I only have to decide post that. So, we’ll see.”
Suryah gets instantly excited when we ask about his forthcoming acting project under Selvaraghavan’s direction. “It was an incredible experience acting for him. Like Iraivi, Nenjam Marapadhillai will also remain very close to my heart. I also feel that this movie will be my ticket to stardom,” he says and bids adieu.
