Suriya has the biggest market after Rajini: Gnanavel Raja

Suriya is No. 2 in K’town after Rajinikanth’, vouches producer Gnanavel Raja of Studio Green. Si-3, the third instalment of the Singam franchise, starring Suriya as the lead protagonist playing the role of police officer Duraisingam, is to hit the marquee on February 9.

“Number 1, 2 or 3 is not determined by what actors command as salaries, but is based on the business their films make. In that sense, Suriya has the biggest market after Superstar not only in Tamil Nadu, but also in Telugu film industry,” Gnanavel remarked during a recent media interaction.

Though, it’s unusual of any producer to reveal business figures even before its release, Gnanavel, wanting to prove his point, said, “Si  3 has done a pre-release business of Rs 100 crore.”

The producer had also apologised to the fans for the delay in the release of Si 3, and cited multiple reasons that were beyond the production house’s control. He stated that demonetisation’s effect, sudden demise of the former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, the cyclone Vardah, and the recent jallikattu agitations delayed the movie’s release.

However, Suriya was quick to respond when asked if he believes that his market is next to the Superstar’s. “I don’t really believe in these number games. I am a baccha (small child) in this regard,” he says.

Speaking about how important the Singam franchise is to him, Suriya reveals, “It’s 20 years since I came into this profession and I have done more than 35 films. My major identity is the Singam franchise, as it has given me a new reach. My mother watched Si 3 at a special screening and told me that she loved the third part more than the previous ones — that was a touching moment for me. With Hari sir, it was a beautiful journey, and a true blessing. We worked for 120 days for Si 3, and his sincerity and responsibility really amazes me!”

Talking about Hari’s speed, he admits, “I have heard that Sanjay Leela Bhansali used to film only two shots a day (smiles). Normally, filmmakers will shoot 30 to 35 shots in a day. But for Hari, it is more than double and he would complete 90 shots in a day, which is unbelievable!”