Maaman actor Soori on why he can no longer be the one among the background artistes | Exclusive interview

After starring as the lead in films like the Viduthalai duology, Garudan and Kottukkaali, actor Soori is gearing up for the release of his next film Maaman, an endearing family drama about a maternal uncle and his nephew. This film is special, as the comedian-turned-hero has penned the story of Maaman himself. For Soori, he says that every human has a story to tell drawn from their life. “Everyone has stories to tell, and likewise, I too have some to narrate. After seeing me in films like Viduthalai, Garudan and Kottukkaali, I began to get similar roles, either action-oriented or very rustic, and I was looking for a variety. That’s how Maaman, a family drama, happened,” Soori says.

Maaman actor Soori Interview:

After hearing a couple of stories from Prasanth Pandiyaraj, who last made Vilangu web series, Soori felt that those were away from what he expecting to do. “After sending him back, I called and spoke to him about how I would not be able to do his stories right now. Later, the producers suggested that why not do the story that I have (Maaman) already. I did not want to compel Prasanth to do it either, but it so happened that he too liked the Maaman script and resonated with the story. He, too, wanted to do something different from Vilangu,” Soori recalls.

Soori says that the story of Maaman could have happened in everyone’s life. He adds, “After seeing the film, you may feel we have copied your story (laughs), because it might happen in everyone’s lives. Without revealing the conflict, whatever happens in the film has been going on in families for ages, but has become rampant in recent times. Maaman is a dedication to each and every one.”

Just because he has written the story for Maaman, Soori is not in a rush to jump into direction as well. Mentioning how there are many filmmakers who are writing for him, the actor says that all he wants to do is concentrate on acting and choosing the right scripts among the plethora of stories written for him. “I never go in search of stories for the sake of it. When I think, I get to think of such stories and keep them in a bank. I have a script based on my father’s life and will do it as a film someday,” Soori says. When asked about how he sees the competition coming from Santhanam’s DD Next Level and Yogi Babu-starrer Jora Kaiya Thattunga, Soori says, “There is no competition. My films are never a competition to any films, and they are unique. A Soori padam is only a Soori padam.”

‘In future, I will take up roles only if my character has importance’

As a lead actor, Soori mentions that he is responsible in choosing good scripts, unlike back in the days when he couldn’t be questioned on films he acted in as a comedian. “My family should like my films. Society should like and respect my films,” he says. At the same time, when asked if he will ever go back to playing side/comedian roles, Soori is quick to say, “I can no longer be the one among the background artistes. If they call me, I will see if my role has enough weightage and importance in the story. Only if there is any importance for my character, will I take it up. But just because my friends and famous directors call, I cannot take up such roles because it will not reflect well on producers and makers who have invested a lot in me as a lead actor.” But at the same time, he is also open to doing grey shades and antagonist roles in the future, if he thinks the roles are correct for him. “I will not do any roles that will adversely affect society.”

Calling Mayandi Kudumbathar one of his favourite films that focuses on relationships and family, Soori says he comes from a joint family and Maaman talks about how relationships are getting strained, and this film celebrates the beauty of families.

Speaking about his next film, Mandaadi, Soori says that it is his toughest work so far. “It will even surpass the efforts I had made for Viduthalai. It is also by far my biggest film. It is about a sport in Ramnathapuram, which revolves around sailboats. It is a risky sport, but culturally rooted. Not much about this sport is known to outside people.”