Latest news with #Kottukkaali
India Today
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Actor Soori on evolution as lead actor: Will do socially responsible films from now
Actor Soori's growth in the Tamil film industry screams hard working behind the scenes and doing odd jobs on film sets to becoming one of the leading comedians and headlining director Vetri Maaran's 'Viduthalai' films, his meteoric rise is one for the books. With his upcoming film, 'Maaman', he has also doubled up as a 'Viduthalai's success, he followed it up with 'Kottukkaali' and 'Garudan'. Soori is now upbeat about 'Maaman', which is intended to leave audiences emotional when watching the family entertainer. With 'Maaman' all set for release, actor Soori exclusively spoke in detail with India Today Digital about his career, the film and the responsibilities that come with the tag 'lead actor'.advertisementQ: When did you realise that you had a writer in you? A: Each one of us has a story in us. Likewise, my life has many stories. 'Viduthalai' gave me a break and I followed it up with 'Kottukaali' and 'Garudan'. The scripts that were offered to me had similar storylines. I felt I needed to branch out and wanted to do a family entertainer. I started listening to stories, and I managed to meet director Prashanth Pandiraj, who made 'Vilangu'. He narrated two stories and I liked them both, but felt it was quite removed from my a few rounds of talks, my friend suggested that I share my story with Prashanth. I was initially hesitant thinking if a director would do a story written by me. Then, when I narrated 'Maaman's' story, he was in as well. He told me that 'Maaman' is a perfect script for How did the story writing process come to you?A: Maaman is a story about a maternal uncle and his nephew. Also, it explores the relationship between a brother and sister and a couple as well. I used to think of stories that I read and come across. I have several stories in my bank that suit my image. I feel I am close to a guy who is one in your family. So, the stories that I have will cater to my image. The stories come to me naturally – while going to the shooting spot or in between shots.I have a biopic about my father and I believe in it the most. I've narrated the film to many directors, and I am hoping that I'll be able to fulfil it. Q: Do you want to do these stories or are you willing to give them to other actors?A: No, no, I don't have the idea of giving my scripts to any other actors. These are the stories that I envisioned for myself. Hence, they are more suited to me, my market and my image.Q: Do you have directorial dreams?A: Right now, there are people who write stories for me. So, I don't have dreams of becoming a director now. Also, I need to take care of myself, physically and mentally, to be able to perform to the best of my 'Maaman' seems to be a heartwarming family entertainer.A: Maaman is a story that appeals to everyone. In fact, I dedicate the film to all the people I know. I did the film thinking of certain milestones. There are people that I know who are separated and if they get back with each other after watching this film, I'd feel achieved. If they get back, I will share the happiness with them.Q: After 'Viduthalai,' has the process of selecting scripts changed?A: When I was a comedian, I did prove myself in the characters that I received. I was an entertainer and actor. Now, after becoming a lead hero, I feel more responsible. I want to do socially responsible films. Irrespective of its performance, I have certain responsibilities. I have also developed certain rules for myself. I am careful about not being questioned for my choices. I don't want to explain or jot down the character traits that I won't display in my roles. If there's something in the script, I request my director to remove it. It all circles down to the responsibility I hold to the Does this mean you will not do comedian roles hereafter?A: I cannot pick stories like before. I will analyse if the role that I am being offered has enough scope and importance. I am open to doing dual hero subjects as well, provided the character does justice to the story. Even if my friends call me, I cannot sign the film considering their friendship. I am at a point in my career where I will have to decide based on my character. If I do that, my account balance might get filled, but it won't add to my filmography and will be an injustice to the producers who put their money on also spoke highly of his upcoming film, 'Mandaadi'. 'I thought I put in my maximum effort for Vetri Maaran's 'Viduthalai'. But, this film will surpass that effort. It is my biggest film, in terms of budget. Like Jallikattu, 'Mandaadi' is about a risky sport, akin to sailing. Not much is known about this sport and my film will shed light on it.'Meanwhile, 'Maaman' will release in theatres on May 16.
The Hindu
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Actor Soori opens up on criticism against ‘Kottukkaali': ‘PS Vinothraj should continue making such films'
Tamil actor Soori, awaiting the release of Maaman, on Tuesday responded to the criticism that his 2024 film Kottukkaalireceived and opened up on whether he would take on another such experiment. For the unversed, the film's director, PS Vinothraj, had stated that Soori may never do another Kottukkaali. The 2024 film earned critical acclaim globally and did phenomenally in the festival circuit. Even upon its release in India, critics hailed it as one of the best films of the year. However, to much surprise, the film was met with overwhelming criticism from the audiences and tanked at the box office. Criticising its art-house sensibilities as unfit for commercial consumption, many even slammed Soori and Vinothraj for making the film. The response triggered a debate on the standard of mainstream cinema consumed and whether efforts like Kottukkaali needed to be encouraged. The controversy further blew up when filmmaker Ameer Sultan criticised producer Sivakarthikeyan for releasing an art house film in theatres, an act he said was 'a kind of violence against Soori.' In December 2024, in an interview with Cinema Express, Vinothraj opened up on the controversy and said that Soori may never do another film like Kottukkaali. 'Soori was so confident in that film. He put so much effort, and his performance is irreplaceable. However, he didn't get enough credit for it. Instead, they asked why he chose to do a film like this. Obviously, he would question himself, right? Also, he is an artist who has struggled hard to reach the place he is in, and so he won't do a film like that again,' said Vinothraj. Now, in an interview with The Hindu, Soori disagreed with Vinothraj and said he would choose a similar script if it spoke to him. 'We just need to be clear and honest about the kind of film it is, about how it deserves to be made and how it should be released.' The Viduthalai-star added that box office collections cannot be used as a metric to measure the success of such off-beat attempts. 'Kottukkaali will be one of the most important films in my career and one of the most favourite films of my life. I will always carry Kottukkaali on my hips and admire it; I won't even place it on the ground. Pandi, the character I played, stands tall in my heart, and so if Vinoth has another such story, and if I like that story, I would love to do it,' he said, before pointing out the critical acclaim Kottukkaali got in the global arena. 'It's just that the audiences here felt it lacked some commercial aspects. That doesn't mean filmmakers like Vinothraj should discontinue their efforts. They should continue doing more such films,' he said. Rooted deep in its milieu, Kottukkaali revolved around a young girl (played by Anna Ben) who is forcibly taken to an exorcist because she is in love with a man from an oppressed caste. The film followed her on a road trip with her fiancé (Pandi) and their families, as they hope that a regressive ritual will 'break the spell' she is in. 'Without being pompous about its themes, Kottukkaali excels at showcasing a day in the life of a dysfunctional family doused with patriarchal norms. In an industry where directors suffer from the sophomore curse, Vinothraj delivers a more well-rounded second film, and proves that he's here to stay... and win,' read The Hindu's review of the film. The film received rave reviews at the Berlin International Film Festival — the first-ever Tamil film to premiere at the Berlinale — and the Transilvania Film Festival. It won the Grand Prix Award at the Amur Autumn International Film Festival. The film's ensemble cast and Nature got a Special Mention for Best Performance at the Singapore International Film Festival. Backed by Sivakarthikeyan's SK Productions in association with The Little Wave Productions, the film had cinematography by B Sakthivel and editing by Ganesh Siva.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Lokesh Kanagaraj hails Soori's rise in Tamil cinema at 'Maaman' audio launch
' Maaman ' is an upcoming Tamil family drama starring Soori in the lead role. Directed by Prasanth Pandiyaraj , the film promises a heartwarming rural tale packed with emotion, humour, and strong performances. At the audio launch of 'Maaman', acclaimed director Lokesh Kanagaraj expressed his admiration for actor Soori's meteoric rise in Tamil cinema . Lokesh Kanagaraj remarked that Soori has become such a dependable actor that nearly half of the scripts he receives are written with Soori in Soori's impressive journey from comedian to lead actor, Lokesh Kanagaraj added that his growth is not only inspiring but also a source of joy for those around him. 'What's beautiful is that no one envies him everyone celebrates his success. That's what real growth looks like,' he said.'Maaman' set for May 16 release with a stellar ensemble cast'Maaman', in which Soori takes on the lead role, is set for theatrical release on May 16. The film is written and directed by Prasanth Pandiyaraj and features a stellar ensemble cast including Aishwarya Lekshmi , Rajkiran, Swasika, Geetha Kailasam , Viji Chandrasekhar, Nikhila Sankar, and Bala Saravanan . Music for the film is composed by Hesham Abdul Wahab. Lokesh Kanagaraj, who watched the trailer just two days before the event, said the film promises to be a strong commercial success with its blend of emotion, humour, and family Wanted to star in a lighthearted family entertainerActor Soori also spoke at the event, revealing his intent to shift gears after a string of emotionally intense roles in 'Garudan', 'Viduthalai', and 'Kottukkaali'. Wanting to explore something lighthearted, he sought a suitable story but struggled to find one that resonated. Eventually, during a conversation with longtime friend Prasanth Pandiyaraj, Soori shared one of his own story ideas. Impressed by it, Prasanth developed it into 'Maaman', which now marks Soori's next milestone as a lead builds as 'Maaman' trailer receives positive responseThe recently released trailer has significantly boosted audience expectations. The audio launch was a star-studded affair, attended by directors Mari Selvaraj and Lokesh Kanagaraj, along with key cast members Aishwarya Lekshmi, Swasika, and Viji Chandrasekhar. The event underscored the excitement building around 'Maaman' as a wholesome family entertainer.
