Vetri Maaran: ‘I respect my fans a lot’: Soori talks about his journey from comedy roles to leading man, remembers Mandaadi’s 100 days at sea and credits Vetri Maaran for changing his image | Tamil Movie News
Actor Soori believes that his move from comedy roles to leading man has changed the way he approaches cinema. After gaining 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 film choices.Soori says audience expectations have also changed after his transformation as a lead actor. “I respect the fans a lot. I want to give them what they expect. It was their recognition that got me to where I am today,” he said in a chat with Cinema Vikatan, explaining why he doesn’t want to rush into his next projects.
Soori talks about the tough sea shoot and physical challenges of ‘Mandaadi’
Soori also recalled the demanding experience of shooting ‘Mandaadi’, which required him to spend more than 100 days at sea.
The actor said the film demanded him physically in a way he had never experienced before.“This was the riskiest film I have made so far. Even after spending so many days at sea, I couldn’t fully understand its nature,” he said.Soori explained that he worked harder than usual for the role and had to prepare his body to stay strong while operating ships and filming in difficult conditions. According to the actor, swimming in the sea was also very different from the type of swimming he knew.
Soori says director of ‘Mandaadi’ Mathimaran The vision took him beyond himself.
Talking about his transformation for ‘Mandaadi’, Soori said that he completely focused on director Mathimaran’s vision. The actor appeared with a thick beard and long hair for the role of Muthukali, making it difficult for the audience to see the familiar Soori on screen.“Once I understand all my doubts about the script at the beginning, I never interfere during filming. I have followed 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 her dance performance in the film. He said the recognition encouraged him to focus more on dance in his upcoming projects.
soori credits for changing his image beyond comedy roles
Soori also spoke about how Vetri Maaran’s ‘Viduthalai’ changed the way the audience saw him as an actor. He recalled that he initially approached the film expecting to be offered a character role, but the filmmaker told him he was the lead.“Beyond comedy, it gave me a different kind of acting,” Soori said.The film became a major turning point in Soori’s career, allowing audiences to see him in a dramatically different avatar after years of being primarily associated with comedy roles. His subsequent work as a lead actor has further established his ability to play emotionally and physically demanding characters.The actor now wants to work with new and established directors while still keeping his feet on the ground.
“If we do not forget the past and do not let ourselves go, I believe that cinema will never abandon us,” he added, reflecting the approach that has marked his career from a comedian to one of the recognized leading actors of Tamil cinema.
About ‘Mandaadi’
Mandaadi stars Soori as Muthukali, with Mahima Nambiar, Suhas, Mithun Jaishankar and Sathyaraj in key roles. Directed by Mathimaran, the film is set in the life of coastal fishermen and the intense world of traditional boat racing. The story combines emotion, rivalry and survival, while placing its characters against the challenging backdrop of coastal life and traditional regattas. The film also made a strong impact at the box office, grossing over Rs 30 crore in its first four days.
