At 45, I get to play a 19-year-old: Tamil actor Suriya on Soorarai Pottru

After choosing movies like NGK and Kaappaan, Tamil actor Suriya’s refreshing, aggressive look in the trailer of Soorarai Pottru took fans to the times of Nanda and Kaakha Kaakha. “Well, this movie, however, took me back to the 90s, when I was struggling to find myself while trying to gain a foothold in the right career,” said the actor, adding that the first Rs 100 earned makes one realise the value of money and time. The challenging phase of his life seemed to resonate with the underlying theme of the movie, based on the life of Captain Gopinath – the man who redefined the aviation industry.

Why Gopinath? Director Sudha Kongara’s idea appealed to Suriya simply because Gopinath’s life “seems to be full of challenges”. “He didn’t settle for one thing. He tried agriculture, then went on to try his hand at irrigation, before exploring sericulture. He tried being the owner of an Udupi Hotel too. He later became interested in politics, helicopters, aircraft. He was just on a high throughout his life,” said the actor, terming Gopinath the king of many traits.

Captain Gopinath is the son of a school teacher, who later became an airline owner. He made 30 lakh people fly for Re 1. “He makes one realise no dream is too big that it’s impossible to achieve,” said Suriya, stressing on the fact that Gopinath transcended both cost and caste barriers with his ideology.

This film captures that ideology of Gopinath, highlighting four major chapters of his life. The 670-page book Simply Fly is the material used to create this film interspersed with some drama for the much-needed cinematic experience. “We have taken his ideology and energy. We have made our own characters, own backdrops. We have made other characters around him too. We have retained some drama, while narrating Gopinath’s adventure-ridden life,” added Suriya.

The actor has time and again stressed on the fact that he isn’t comfortable blending work and friends. And here, he agreed to work with Sudha, who he calls his “rakhi sister”. “We have known each other since Aayutha Ezhuthu days. She was the assistant director in Mani Ratnam’s film. We drifted apart, but we met once a year because she is my rakhi sister. After Irudhi Suttru, we got talking. Of course, we had our fights while shooting, but they were for the product (this film). After this film, our friendship has only gotten stronger,” said the Vaaranam Aayiram star.

In Vaaranam Aayiram, we have seen Suriya lose weight to play a young lad. And in Soorarai Pottru, the actor took 27 days to transform into a 19-year-old. “From day one, I kept those scene papers aside, thinking I’m not going to act this part. Sudha kept insisting that I play the role. We were shooting in Madurai and we had to finish these scenes too, which were pretty important for the film. So, I gave in to Sudha’s demands. Me being 45, I played that 19-year-old,” said Suriya, heaving a sigh of relief knowing that he was able to pull that off.

There are few films that provide hope, Soorari Pottru is one such film, believes Suriya. “While shooting this film, I saw 15 IAS officers from the Tamil Nadu cadre walk up to me at the airport to tell me how some of my films were an inspiration for them to choose their respective careers,” said the Tamil star reflecting a sense of pride.

Just like his wife Jyothika’s film Ponmagal Vandhal hitting the OTT platform, Suriya’s latest follows suit. Is that going to be the new norm, considering how fans go crazy in theatres during Diwali releases? “Nothing can give you more excitement than enjoying the film in the theatre, while hooting and whistling along with the crowd. That emotion cannot be matched. But nobody expected this to happen. We have to adapt and evolve. Digital platforms are going to change the phase of storytelling. Everybody’s safety is important with the pandemic now,” said the actor, whose film releases on Amazon Prime on November 12.

Instead of fans hitting the theatres for Diwali, Suriya said he is offering his film to every fan’s home as a Diwali gift. “There is a blessing in such critical times too. People are slowing down, valuing relationships and that positivity is needed to keep us going helping us coexist with nature. I see my children now understanding the seriousness of it and I learn from them about avoiding fireworks and much more,” said Suriya, emphasising on the fact that this (COVID era) too shall pass.

Tamil Nadu has been battling the pandemic as the state gears up for election 2021. What’s Suriya’s message on politics and actors turning politicians? “I want politicians to be strong opponents, picking up important issues. With actors getting into politics, I believe they have a larger vision. It’s a big commitment and they can’t go back. I will only wish them all the best,” said Suriya, who has no intention of entering politics.

“Acting is a huge responsibility. I’m happy I’m able to provide well for my family. At Agaram too, we want to help people achieve success in their respective fields while serving their family,” he said.

All that Suriya is worried about now is whether Gopinath would end up being happy with the way the film portrays his life.