Sitting inside the Studio Greens office, Suriya looks relaxed. In fact, throughout the chat with CE, the leading man was cool, calm and completely at ease answering questions. He wasn’t impulsive, of course, and yes, there were guarded replies sometimes but he was never evasive. He admitted being happy doing films that made him feel good, and talked about the finer points of his career and personal life. Excerpts follow…
How have you managed to be on top of the game?
I really don’t know if I am there (smiles). But reaching the top is easier than staying there. Maybe there was a time when I purposely wanted to do all that. It has changed now. Everyone works in a different way. If you think successful people are organised, you’re wrong. They don’t follow any specific working pattern. We just do what clicks for us. You can’t be creative if you adhere to the rules.
On what basis do you choose scripts?
I go by the gut feeling mostly. I don’t want to do a specific set of movies catering to certain sections of the audience. I must like the character, and the backdrop should be different. The way the character behaves must be new, if not unique. Every film has its own destiny, and I strongly believe in it.
If you go by that formula, don’t you think you’ll end up choosing complicated scripts?
I don’t want to restrict myself to anything. My ultimate intention has been to explore all the time. I want to act in challenging films which I can be proud of. You can’t guarantee 100% success for any film. I should be a part of films which audiences think I can’t do. I don’t want to be in my comfort zone. That doesn’t interest me. I have been okay essaying larger-than-life roles. The pressure to succeed works for me. For instance, when I did Ghajini (2005) or 24, it was initially tough for me. Then I had this mindset — if this is not the time to do such exciting script, then when? I get high doing such films. It’s all about giving varied content; that’s what I constantly keep thinking about. I don’t want to have easy success!
Tell us about S III...
Singam (2013) is not just a franchise! I have had people tell me that they wanted to join police force after watching my film. Every time you watch a James Bond film, you experience something different. I want that kind of experience to happen to the movie-goers. It has been more than six years, since the first part (Singam) got released. Back then, the role was rustic. Now, considering the audience demographics, we have worked on that. S III will be totally sophisticated. My character, and the approach to the script, etc. Also, we have retained the Duraisingam flavour for my loyal fans. It’s a proper sequel sorts.
Is Singam 4 on cards?
I haven’t thought about it so far. If the situation demands, I can space out accordingly. But only after 3-4 years! (Laughs)
Given a choice, which Hollywood venture he’d love to be a part of?
I don’t believe in remakes, because everyone watches Hollywood films in Chennai. To make a film work in the box-office, it has to be definitely Indian-ised. No such film has inspired me so far to have a scene-by-scene remake, per se. But again, I can’t do films for myself. We should be able to take our children to well-made Indian films, not just Hollywood releases.
Karthi is quite active in the Nadigar Sangam circuit, but you are not...
That’s his calling, and he realised it. He has been compromising so much on his family time. It has been a long time since he played with this daughter. Beyond everything, he has made time for that, which I couldn’t. I am always with him. He’s genuine, and I am proud of him. He didn’t involve himself in the sangam to prove anything to anyone. He’s genuinely interested to help people. Very rarely, he and I discuss the related things.
Which one do you enjoy more — being an actor or a producer?
I don’t produce many films in a year or go in search of any script. I take up producing only if things fall in a place. When I felt the need to support good films, I decided that I produce Pasanga 2 (2015) and 36 Vayathinile (2015), and I wanted Jyothika to be a part of it.
What’s next?
I want people to experience the kind of films I want to watch. I have been delaying this film, which was supposed to happen with Anjali Menon who did Bangalore Days (2014). The fault is mine. I am eagerly awaiting my wife’s upcoming film Magalir Mattum. I am producing it. When Bramma narrated the script to us, both of us liked it. I am sure the audiences will get to see a different Jo. She wants to do something different from her comeback film, 36 Vayathinile.
You are also a part of Thaana Serndha Kootam and Selvaraghavan’s yet to be titled flick...
I have wanted to work with Selva for a long time, and he’s a master craftsperson. He can bring ‘classy-ness’ within limited resources. He’s an intense filmmaker. As far as Thaana... is concerned, it’s unusual cast and crew. It’s a comedy film. When Vignesh Shivn approached me for the script, I want to do it. It’s partially a rural and urban based script, set in 80s.
How do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
I don’t know for how many years I’ll be acting (chuckles). I mean it when I am saying that. I am not sure how long people want to see me onscreen. I am aware that everyone has an expiry date. I am not sure if I can do the same set of films after 10 years.