Yes, he is. I think Vaaranam Aayiram will change all that. It is not a Marlon Brando in God Father or a Kamal Hasan in Nayakan. But it will be Surya all the way in Vaaranam Aayiram. It is a very subtle but in-your-face performance.

After watching the film, people will probably ask why wasn't he used like Kamal Haasan. Here is a super star who is a good actor too. I am not going to work with him in the next two years, so, I am not saying this for any other purpose. I haven't said this about anybody else other than Mr Kamal.

Those who have directed Kamal Haasan say that you won't get satisfied with any other actor once you work with Kamal Haasan.

I am lucky to have worked with Surya! Going from Kamal Sir to Surya was a dream for me. This man also gave me whatever I needed.

Among the directors belonging to your generation, you are the only who has directed Kamal Haasan. Has the attitude of other actors changed after that? Do they respect you more?

I don't think so. Neither do I want that. I think it is an industry where people generally do not come forward and appreciate good work. The industry is not very supportive. I don't say everybody is fake but they look to pull a film down.

I am not like that, and there is a group of young directors who also appreciates good work. I saw Subramaniyapuram and I loved the film. I went for all the functions of the film because the director called me. I like Selvaraghavan's work. I loved and enjoyed Saroja thoroughly.

I read a statement from Prakashraj that, 'I have more respect for myself after Kancheepuram.' Similarly, I have more respect for myself with the way I handled Kamal Sir. I don't care what others say. They said, he looked disinterested in the film. Come on, that's the look I wanted from him, from the protagonist. He didn't go over the top at all. That is why I gained my own respect after the film.

Also Read: Surya's hattrick!

Back

|

Next