Incident in MGR, NTR regimes inspired S III: Suriya

Ever since the announcement and release of Singam in 2010, one has become accustomed to seeing Suriya sport a  handlebar mustache and a stoic pose, even off the sets. Be it at a press meet, an event, or at a party.  But when we met him for an interview, Suriya surprised us — he looked half a decade younger with trimmed mustache and short hair.

“This look is for my next film Thaana Serndha Kootam,” the actor says as he goes on to talk about his transformation as an actor, the plot of S III and his future projects.

“When I started my career with Nerukku Ner in 1997, I never dreamt that filmmakers would write a script like Singam with a powerful character like Duraisingam for me. The transition from NN to Singam has been amazing,” he said, adding, “It is fortunate for an actor to get an opportunity to work with the same director in different films. Earlier, it was only possible for an actor — who had 200 films to his credit — to team up with the same director many times. For me, it has happened within 35 of my films. I have now done five movies with Hari sir!” Recalling an incident, he says with pride, “Recently, an influential industrialist who was sitting next to me at an audio launch told me that he watches Aaru, whenever he feels low.”

Shedding light on the Singam franchise, he revealed, “The brand has an appeal among all age groups. We never thought we would be making S III. But wherever Hari sir went, people eagerly asked him about the third installment, and there were expectations from the trade circle. One day, he called and told me the one-liner for the new movie and we took off.”

Heaping praises on Hari, he says, “Sir usually takes eight months to one year to fine tune the script for each of his film. If you have to describe Hari sir in one word, it would be ‘Sincerity’. His speed is yet another thing which astonishes me — he plans everything methodically at the pre-production stage itself.”

So what’s S III all about? — “The film is set at the backdrop of Vizag. It is based on a real-life incident that took place at Vizag when NTR and MGR were the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu respectively. MGR came forward to extend help and sent a police force to Andhra to unravel the truth.  Irrespective of the character that is given to me, I feel it is my responsibility to make it real.”

He adds, “The third part has the same characters and the same team from Singam. Many interesting elements have been added, but the format is the same.” As we intercepted  him and asked if he marries Anushka in the film, Suriya laughs, “Yes, in the third part, I finally marry Anushka. But, Hari sir has dealt with the wedding in an interesting and entertaining way.”

Suriya further stated that Shruti Haasan gives a different colour to the film. “She is there throughout the movie.” Also, ‘Mr. World’ title-holder Thakur Anoop Singh who essayed the role of Dhritharashtra in the Mahabharat TV show plays the menacing villain in S III while Soori provides comic relief.

Talking about his next Thaana Serndha Koottam with Vignesh Shivan he said, “Vignesh’s writing has depth. I play the role of a lower middle class family boy struggling in life and waiting for a break. I found it very challenging. I have to break and come out of Duraisingam mode and become young. His dialogues and modulation are different — something I have not done so far.”

Ask him if the title TSK has any political connotations? he answered, “No, it is apolitical. There’s a humour element attached to it.” He heaped laurels on his brother Karthi. “I was in awe of his performance as Raj Nayak in Kaashmora. I don’t think any other actor could have done it. Most of them would reflect 60 per cent of their real-life characteristics on screen. He was totally in contrast in Kaashmora which amazed me.”

The 24 star surprised everyone when he announced recently that he would join hands with Selvaraghavan, whose style is totally different — “Five months back Selva approached Jyothika with two subjects. She was earlier supposed to act in Selva’s Tollywood movie Aadavari Matalaku Ardhalu Verule with Venkatesh. She even took advance, but had to return when our wedding got fixed. We have a lot of respect for Selva. When he came with a bound script for me, I was impressed and gave my nod. Every time, I work in a fresh theme, it helps to reinvent myself as an actor.”

Suriya says that he is ready to work with Gautham Menon and Bala anytime. “After S III, I was supposed to work with Gautham. But due to various reasons, it didn’t materialise. It will happen in future. As far as Bala sir is concerned, he is keen to do a film with Jo first. I hope to work with him soon.”

His eyes shone when he spoke about Jyothika. “For Diya and Dev (their kids), amma is their hero. They love her films and Diya watched 36 Vayadhinile four times. She knows all the dialogues by heart and entertains us by repeating them. Fortunately, Jo is getting good scripts. Earlier, Mozhi and Kakka Kakka were her favourites. Now 36 Vayadhinile is added to the list. When I approached Kamal sir for the title Magalir Mattum, which Jo is doing now, he said, ‘I am sure you would do justice to the title.’ Now, with Jo telling me that it will be better than her previous movie, I am convinced that I am producing a good film which fulfills Kamal sir’s expectations as well,” he signs off.