Actors welcome in politics

Suriya says there is nothing wrong in actors venturing into politics. "I feel those legendary actors like MGR and Jayalalithaa madam who ventured into politics gave good governance and served the society and we still miss JJ madam. Now, I see lot of changes happening in the industry. Rajini sir, Kamal sir and Vishal are embarking on a new journey and I wish them all success," Suriya said while speaking to DC at the audio launch of his upcoming film.

His new film, Thaanaa Serndha Koottam may have been inspired by Akki's Special 26. The movie, which has Keerthi Suresh as his romantic interest, is hitting the marquee on Pongal day. Suriya remarked that it has been seven years since a movie of his got released on a festival day.

"First of all I thank all my directors who have given me good films and shaped up my career spanning 37 films," is how Suriya gets the conversation going. Apparently, it was producer Gnanavelraja, an integral part of Suriya's career, who was instrumental in his meeting director Vignesh Shivan. "I used to discuss every project with Hari sir. He is not a person who would instantly give his decision. But when I told him I am meeting Vignesh, he immediately asked me to work with him."

The actor says Thaana is not the exact remake of Special 26.  "Vignesh Shivan told me that he has two scripts ready and written for Sivakarthikeyan and Vijay Sethupathi.  So we wanted to go in for something new when Special 26, based on a real life incident in 1987, was suggested. But Shivan, deviating from the original, narrated something even more interesting. I like film genres like Kamal sir's Varumayin Niram Sivappu and Sathya and Vignesh's narration contained those shades. Vignesh has taken a new angle to the same real life incident. I thought why not go back and revisit old times and gave my nod."

Working in TSK was a new and enriching experience, says Suriya. "I am portrayed as an angry person in most of my films. Vignesh said 'for a change you will be projected as a calm and cool person'. Just the opposite of what I was doing all along. At times, I took a longer time to perform while shooting. There's lot of freshness and you will see a new Suriya in it. Thanks to Vignesh and TSK has an all 'Vignesh Shivan Stamp'."

Surprisingly, the film does not have a statutory warning card on smoking and drinking, which is normally screened before any film starts. "That's because there is not even a single scene of smoking or liquor consumption in the movie. Even the Censor Board appreciated our effort," he said.

The actor added in a lighter vein, "Keerthi Suresh said she saw my film when she was in the 5th grade. That reminds me that I have been around in the industry for 20 years (laughs)".

Heaping laurels on Ramya Krishnan who does a crucial role in the film, he said, "She has an imposing personality. Her energy levels are infectious. I am in awe of her for being the best of both worlds - balancing home and profession so well."

Others who were present on the occasion included Thambi Ramaiah, Suresh Menon and Kiran. Anirudh who had scored the peppy album was conspicuous by his absence.