Actor Soori believes his journey from comedy roles to leading roles has changed the way he approaches films. After earning recognition for Mandaadi, the actor spoke about the responsibility that comes with being a hero and why he now wants to be more careful with his choice of films.Sorey says audience expectations have also changed since his transformation into a leading actor. “I have a lot of respect for the fans. I want to give them what they expect. It is their recognition that has brought me to where I am today,” he told Cinema Vikatan, explaining why he doesn’t want to rush into his next projects.
Suri opens up about tough sea shoots and physical challenges in ‘Mandaadi’
Soori also recalled the difficult experience of filming Mandaadi, which required him to spend over 100 days at sea. The actor said the film pushed him physically in a way he had never experienced before.“It was the most risky film I’ve ever made. Even after spending so many days at sea, I couldn’t fully understand its nature,” he said.Soori explained that he trained more than usual for the role and had to prepare his body to stay strong while operating the boat and filming in challenging conditions. According to the actor, swimming in the sea was also very different from the type of swimming he was used to.
Suri says this is the director of Mandaadi Matimaran the vision took him beyond himself
Talking about his transformation in Mandaadi, Suri said that he was completely focused on director Mathimaran’s vision. In the role of Muthukali, the actor appeared with a thick beard and long hair, making it difficult for the audience to see the familiar Suri on screen.“Once I first realize all my doubts about the script, I never interfere during filming. I have been following this principle since I started acting. My job is to do what the director asks me to do,” he said.Soori also received praise for his dance performance in the film. He said such appreciation encouraged him to focus more on dance in his future projects.
Soori credits Vetri Maaran for changing his image outside of comedy roles
Soori also spoke about how Vetri Maaran’s Viduthalai changed the way audiences looked at him as an actor. He recalled that he initially approached the film expecting to be offered the role of a character, but the director told him that he was the main character.“Besides comedy, he taught me a different way of acting,” Soori said.The film marked a major turning point in Sorey’s career, allowing audiences to see him in a completely different avatar after years of being associated primarily with comedy roles. His subsequent work as a leading actor further confirmed his ability to play emotionally and physically complex characters.Now the actor wants to work with both established and new directors, while remaining grounded. “If we don’t forget the past and don’t get carried away, I believe cinema will never leave us,” he added, reflecting the approach that shaped his journey from a comedian to one of Tamil cinema’s established leading actors.
About Mandaadi
Mandaadi stars Muthukali as Suri and features Mahima Nambiar, Suhas, Mithun Jaishankar and Sathyaraj in key roles. Directed by Mathimaran, the film explores the lives of coastal fishermen and the intense world of traditional boat racing. The story combines emotion, rivalry and survival, with characters set against a complex backdrop of coastal life and traditional boat racing. The film also made a strong impression at the box office, earning over Rs 30 crore in its first four days.
