Suriya says ‘sun has to set for a new day to rise’ at Kanguva audio launch: ‘I have understood the power of forgiveness’

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Suriya also had warm words for the other debutant, Bobby Deol. “You are truly a brother from another mother. He comes from such a rich legacy of stardom, and when he walked on to the sets, it was actually like a star descended on the ground,” said Suriya, who wished they had worked earlier in their careers. “Kanguva was a Tamil film that became a pan-Indian film when Bobby entered the project.” 

“Gnanavel Raja does talk a lot without filters…”

Backed by KE Gnanavel Raja’s Studio Green, Kanguva is shaping up to be one of the biggest Tamil films in terms of scale and vision. Talking about how Gnanavel was the base for many other aspects of his career, Suriya said, “Everything started from Studio Green. Be it Potential Studios, Dream Warrior Pictures, my own 2D Entertainment, Studio Green was the base. In fact, he is an important reason for making Karthi an actor.” 

Crediting Gnanavel for pushing the envelope every single time, Suriya said, “He doesn’t listen to what the market suggests. He wants to do bigger things. I know of the battles that go inside Gnanavel’s mind. Of course, he does talk a lot at times, but now, he has Neha and Aadhana (Gnanavel’s wife and daughter) to regulate what he says.”

“DSP called me and manifested working together in Kanguva”

Asserting that Kanguva is built on the hard work and efforts of his cast and crew, Suriya spoke highly of the core technical team of the Siva directorial. Starting off by praising cinematographer Vetri to the hilt, Suriya said, “We were shooting the portions that were supposed to be set 700 years back in time. It is impressive how he never used an artificial light to shoot these portions. Even during the night scenes, he used the light from fire to film the scenes.” 

Kanguva marks the fourth collaboration between Suriya and fellow National award winner Devi Sri Prasad after Aaru, Mayavi, and Singham. “DSP brother has been part of important films in my career. He called me and said that we’ve collaborated on a variety of projects, but we need to do an important Tamil film. He manifested Kanguva, and reiterated my belief in the power of manifestations.” 

The Jai Bhim actor also spoke highly of lyricist Madhan Karky, Viveka, costume designer Anu, and his makeup team for ensuring Kanguva’s authenticity would take Tamil cinema to the next level. An emotional Suriya also spoke about production designer Milan, who passed away recently. “The world of Kanguva is very new. Milan created it for us. He is our Brahma. I must thank his wife Maria for taking it forward. She is a wonderful woman, and I wish the best in her journey.” 

Here’s the full video:

“I have a responsibility to take cinema forward” 

Over the years, Suriya has developed the image of being a socially conscientious person, whose films, many a time, reflect this aspect. “Art is the voice of society. A lot of good things can come from cinema, literature etc… I see Meiyazhagan as an important film because it facilitated a change in perspective in the minds of many members of the audience. It was like a medicine that allowed them to cleanse their minds,” said Suriya, about his recent production venture, headlined by Karthi and Arvind Swamy.  

The actor also spoke about his experiences working with his childhood friend Siva. “As an actor, I approach every film with the belief that I’d become a better actor at the end of it. But with Siva, I came out of Kanguva as a better human,” said Suriya, who spoke about the two important life lessons he learnt from his Kanguva director. 

“He always believes that whatever happens, happens for the good, and he is steadfast in not giving anyone else the license to upset him. About 5-6 years back, I used to be like Rolex, and get angry at tweets and posts. But now, I have understood the power of forgiveness,” said Suriya, who turned it into a lesson for his fans too. “Hate begets hate. Let’s always respond to hate with love. It will take us to greater heights. Don’t waste your time responding to destructive criticism. We have better things to do.”

“Congratulations to Boss, and my friend…” 

Actor-filmmakers Bose Venkat and RJ Balaji ensured that Kanguva audio launch wasn’t just another run-of-the-mill promotional event. They brought in more than just a touch of politics, and it became impossible for Suriya to skirt around the topic, especially since the event happened a day before the big launch of Vijay’s new political party. 

However, Suriya, in his own way, spoke about the political developments in the state without ruffling any feathers. Speaking about a junior in college, Suriya said, “When you are studying in Loyola, it makes you believe you can do anything. I know of someone who was a year junior to me in college. I used to call him Boss, and he even produced two films with me. And now, he is Udhayanidhi Stalin, the deputy chief minister. I like how he is still very accessible.” Then, the Kanguva star spoke about his first onscreen co-star, Vijay, who was stepping into his first big stage as a politician. “It is a huge day for my friend (Vijay). It is a new path, a new journey, and I hope his entry is a good one.”

ALSO READ: Suriya sir, don’t join electoral politics’ urges RJ Balaji, Karthik Subbaraj praises Kanguva star for ‘not taking stardom and fans for granted’

“Big thanks to the women who held the fort back home”

Kanguva was shot for around 170 days, and it required immense manpower behind the camera, and in front of it. Acknowledging the relentless work of his cast and crew, Suriya also took a moment to thank the sacrifices of their families. “Big thanks to the women in our homes to take care of everything. We couldn’t have done Kanguva without your sacrifice, blessings, and strength,” said the actor, who reserved the best for the last, and spoke about the immense love of his ‘anbaana fans’. 

Addressing the ups-and-downs in his career, Suriya said that it is important for the sun to set for it to rise again. “We wouldn’t get a new day otherwise. Similarly, the setbacks have made me come up with newer attempts and newer films. I see the love from fans as the love from a mother. It is unconditional. My school exam marks didn’t change her love for me. Similarly, my movie’s results didn’t diminish your love,” said the actor, who assured that Kanguva will be a fitting feast for all the outpouring of love. “An arrow has to be pulled back for it to go hit the target. On November 14, you are all going to get a fiery film. With your love, and blessings, Kanguva will reach its destination.”