Soori essays Kumaresan, a cop eager to rise up the ranks and take down separatist leader Perumal Vaathiyaar (Vijay Sethupathi) in Vetri Maaran’s Viduthalai. The role marks a departure for the actor, featuring him in a serious, brooding avatar after nearly two decades of comedic roles. In an exclusive conversation with Krishna, the actor spoke about his admiration for Vetri Maaran and the challenges he faced playing Kumaresan.
As someone who is foraying into drama, Soori reveals that it was difficult for him to switch gears and play Kumaresan. “Initially, when we were shooting, Vetri Maaran sir told me that I was letting my mannerisms creep in and overpower the character. He told me, “I don’t want the comedian Soori in my film. I recognize that it isn’t easy to perform comedy, but I want you to be completely fresh in the film. If you follow whatever I tell you, my expectations of this particular character will be fulfilled.” Since that day, I only followed Vetri sir’s instructions,” says the actor.
Before Viduthalai, Soori and Vetri Maaran were on opposite ends of the spectrum regarding their cinematic choices. Despite this, the actor says he shares a great equation with the director and it was very comfortable working with him. “Vetri sir is actually a very cheerful person, contrary to popular perception. There is a certain image of him as a serious intellectual and that perception gets reflected in the kind of questions that interviewers ask him. However, you would be enthralled if you engage in a lighthearted conversation with him. He is a great company.”
Soori is effusive in praising Vetri Maaran and attributes his enhanced scope and newfound acting depth to the director's inputs. "I have learned acting from Vetri sir. I have imbibed the finer nuances of dialogue delivery, body language, and the way you look at someone on screen from him. He is skilled at identifying an artiste's weaknesses and makes us work on our flaws. In fact, one can write books on cinema just by observing him shoot a particular scene", asserts the actor.
Post Viduthalai, the actor has exciting projects in the pipeline, including Kottukkaali, helmed by Koozhangal fame director PS Vinothraj, and a said collaboration with director Ram. However, Soori says that the experience of playing Kumaresan is yet to leave him even as he embarks on new ventures. “The character of Kumaresan is still festering in my mind. The frustration that the character experienced is still very much a part of me. Certain portions of the film keep playing in the back of my head, and I can’t stop it. I haven’t been able to come out of it yet.”