Actor Suriya tells subha j rao why Pasanga-2 excited him both as an actor and as a producer

Suriya’s just back after watching his second production, Pasanga-2, and he can’t be prouder. “It is an emotional movie for all of us involved,” he says. Promotions for the Pandiraj film were not possible as the Chennai floods turned all plans haywire. “I just could not bring myself to tweet about the movie during the calamity.” The actor says he finally released the film—and without guilt—as it is a sensitive take on children. “If it had been a commercial film, I would have postponed the release.”
Pasanga-2 was a project of passion. “Pandiraj did endless research. He’s now almost like a human encyclopaedia on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. He kept improvising till he was satisfied and managed to get so much out of the children, especially Vaishnavi and Nishesh. We included incidents from our lives too…”
Showcase of goodwill
The film is also a showcase of the goodwill Suriya and Pandiraj command in the industry. “So many people wanted to be a part of it; no one spoke about money. Bindu Madhavi would act, and then help with the clapboard. Editor Praveen and cinematographer Balu have given their all to this film too. We were about 25 people; it felt like one big family.”
The best part of the film, however, was how he bonded with the children. “Kids are great stress-busters, and I was constantly on my toes during a take, as they are quite unpredictable.”
Pasanga-2 was supposed to be 2D Entertainment’s first production venture, but 36 Vayadhinile came out first instead. “It got a great response from the family audiences; all credit to director Rosshan Andrrews. We normally tend to assume what the audience will relate to and what they won’t. But you never know what strikes a chord,” he says. The film also resulted in Suriya, wife Jyotika’s biggest fan, having a great day at the cinemas. “It was a dream come true to watch her again on screen. The film also showed another facet of hers to our children, Diya and Dev.” But it resulted in the children asking a few difficult questions. “Diya recently asked me why I was on the phone always. I said I was working. She immediately asked why Jyotika, despite being a big actress was not on the phone always. I had no answer,” he smiles.
Suriya is very charged about production. “I want to make films that are different, that are Walt Disney-esque. Pandiraj brought Pasanga-2 to me, and I knew he already had the experience of shooting two films (Pasanga and Marina) with children. He wanted me to act too. I usually flex my muscles, and pretend to move mountains… but this was a chance to get real. In 14 days, Pandiraj made me do things I’ve never done before. The film also helped me open up in real life. At home, I’m more serious, and the kids’ punching bag. Only Jo can make them laugh at will. I’m happy that being a producer gave me the freedom to do what I want without bothering about salary or image.”
He is keen to work with new people. “I’m trying to work with more directors and interact more with creative people… I’m still experimenting. I’ve had a great run as producer. Both Rosshan and Pandiraj have worked on a first-copy basis, and working on 24 (Suriya’s upcoming film), a project close to my heart, has been a great experience too.” He is off next month to shoot for Singam 3, the third in the super-successful Singam franchise.
Controversy-free
Suriya is one of those actors who has managed to stay free of controversy. “I rarely speak out. I did after the Nadigar Sangam elections, because it was getting acrimonious. We all have to work together. I stayed neutral even though Karthi was contesting. We are bound by blood, yes, but I don’t have to advertise my love for him.” Part of the reason for his level-headedness is his biggest role—that of a father. “When I get too busy for family sometimes, Jo reminds me of how fleeting time is. That’s motivation enough to remain grounded.”