Though Mani (Ratnam) sir was satisfied, Suriya insisted on more refinement for his character with each take, she recounted.
Published Jul 23, 2024 | 5:37 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 23, 2024 | 5:48 PM
Latest photo of Sudha Kongara and Suriya. (X)
Director Sudha Kongara, whose latest release was Sarfira, the Hindi remake of Soorarai Pottru (2020), recently discussed her experience working with Suriya on Aaytha Ezhuthu (2004) and Soorarai Pottru. She praised the actor for his consistent dedication to improving his performance.
“Suriya may appear quiet and reserved, but his preparation is intense. I’ve seen him practice his dialogues against a wall, continually refining his performance. He notices the improvements with each take and often requests additional ones, driven by his sense of progress,” she shared in an interview.
Recalling a moment from the set of Aaytha Ezhuthu, Sudha Kongara said, “As an AD on that film, I saw Suriya do 26 takes for a simple door-opening scene. Mani sir was satisfied, but Suriya kept pushing for better with each take, insisting on more refinement for his character. He never settles for ‘enough’, and I had to eventually tell him, ‘Suriya, you nailed it, let it be!’ His determination is truly admirable.”
In Aaytha Ezhuthu, Mani Ratnam highlighted the significance of youth participation in elections. The film follows three male characters whose distinct journeys converge at the climax, symbolising various stances the youth take on political engagement. It can be seen as Ratnam’s exploration of the evolving relationship between India’s youth and politics, a theme that remains relevant today.
In a recent interview promoting Sarfira, Sudha Kongara acknowledged that there is no one like Suriya. She admitted that she initially wanted Akshay Kumar to replicate Suriya’s portrayal from Soorarai Pottru, rather than interpret the role in his style. This led to tension between Kongara and Kumar during the first six days of filming.
Reflecting on the situation, the director noted, “Suriya is someone I’ve known for over 25 years, making communication smooth and relaxed. With Akshay Kumar, it was different—he’s addressed as ‘sir’, and it was our first meeting. My straightforward approach led to some tension during the initial six days.”
Sudha Kongara began her film career in 2002 by writing the Indian English film Mitr–My Friend (2002), directed by Revathi. It won three National Film Awards. She then worked as an assistant to Mani Ratnam, during which she became friends with Suriya. The actor played a key role in Ratnam’s political actioner Aaytha Ezhuthu, also shot in Hindi as Yuva.
Sudha Kongara’s other acclaimed works include Irudhi Suttrua ka Saala Khadoos (2016), its Telugu remake Guru (2017), and segments in the anthologies Putham Pudhu Kaalai (2020), and Paava Kadhaigal (2020).
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
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