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In an interview in Dubai, Suriya shares insights into the artistry behind crafting epic battle scenes in Kanguva

Dubai: National Award-winning Tamil actor Suriya, renowned for his nuanced performances in powerful films, makes a grand return to the big screen this week with the epic Kanguva.

Set against a backdrop of Indian mythology, Kanguva immerses audiences in a world of elemental deities and ancient tribal conflicts, with Suriya portraying the fierce and fearless titular warrior.

When asked if Kanguva was Tamil cinema’s bold response to global blockbusters like Game of Thrones, Suriya—dressed in black denim and yellow-tinted sunglasses—said it's a confident step in that direction.

"It was only a matter of when we would step into that world, and how we can show our audience that we too belong to a similar epic realm," Suriya shared in an interview with Gulf News.

Actor Suriya on Kanguva, Kamal Haasan's Legacy, and Taking Tamil Cinema Global

In an exclusive interview with Gulf News in Dubai, Tamil cinema’s National Award-winning actor Suriya discusses the making of Kanguva, his role in bringing Tamil mythology to life, and his thoughts on taking South Indian cinema to a global audience.

Published: November 13, 2024  

By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor  

Dubai: National Award-winning Tamil actor Suriya, known for his impactful roles in cinema, returns to the big screen this week with the epic Kanguva. The film, set in a world steeped in Indian mythology, showcases a vivid universe of elemental deities and tribal conflicts, where Suriya plays the fierce titular warrior.

When asked if Kanguva is Tamil cinema’s bold answer to global blockbusters like Game of Thrones, Suriya—dressed in black denim and yellow-tinted sunglasses—acknowledged that while it shares some similarities, it's more about exploring a rich, untold Indian heritage. 

"It was just a matter of when we would enter that world, and how we could show our audience that we also belong to such a fantastical realm,” Suriya said in the interview. “We have ancient history and mythology that stretches back 2,000 years. We wanted to share that with the world."

The film, which transports audiences to an era 700-800 years ago, is set during a time when faith-based conflicts dominated tribal life. Suriya hopes that Kanguva will continue the momentum set by films like Baahubali and KGF, helping elevate South Indian cinema on the global stage.

"What can we bring to the table?" he asked. "I hope Kanguva is a cinematic experience that resonates with audiences worldwide."

Directed by Siva, Kanguva delves into the world of ancient mythology and tribal warfare, featuring Bollywood actor Bobby Deol in his Tamil cinema debut. Suriya noted that, much like Deol, he’s a "late bloomer" in his career, having seen his path reach new heights in his later years.

In his conversation with Gulf News, Suriya shared insights into his preparation for the physically demanding role, his vision for Kanguva, and how the team worked to bring the action-packed scenes to life.

On Bringing Tamil History and Mythology to Life in Kanguva

"We’ve always admired stories like Game of Thrones, and I’ve often wondered when Tamil cinema would step into such a fantastical world," Suriya explained. "We have a rich heritage, with archaeological evidence dating back over 2,000 years. We wanted to tell the stories of our ancestors—their struggles, their beliefs, and their lives."

Kanguva explores tribal conflicts, where different tribes worship elemental deities like fire, water, and blood. "The character Kanguva is bound by the fire deity, and each tribe has its own elemental connection. It’s a world where devotion to these elements leads to both internal and external conflict," Suriya revealed.

On the Complex World of Kanguva

The world of Kanguva is intricate, with multiple islands and distinct deities tied to the elements. "The film is about the devotion of these tribes and the conflicts that arise because of their faith," Suriya said.

On the Physical Demands of Filming

With its intense action sequences, Kanguva posed significant physical challenges for Suriya. "It was tough, but thanks to director Siva and our stunt coordinator Supreme Sunder, who’s a national award-winning choreographer, everything was well planned. We didn’t overdo the takes. It was a collective effort, with 3,000 people working in sync to make sure the action scenes were impactful."

Suriya’s modesty and dedication to the craft shine through as he reflects on his role in Kanguva and his broader vision for Tamil cinema's place in the global film industry.

Read more: Bollywood actor Bobby Deol opens up on success, failure, and peaking in his '50s with 'Kanguva' starring Suriya.

On Maintaining Positive Energy with a Large Team  

"Working on a project like this is like a marriage—you learn to appreciate each other’s work, and that creates a positive atmosphere. The crew became like family, and when everyone brings that positive energy to the table, it makes even the longest days feel much easier. It’s about mutual respect and support, and that’s what keeps the energy high."

On Kanguva and Tamil Cinema’s Global Appeal  

"I like to think of it like a potluck dinner, where everyone brings something to the table, hoping others will enjoy it. With Kanguva, we hope to offer something that audiences will cherish and remember with love, long after they've experienced it. Films like Baahubali and RRR have already set the stage for South Indian cinema’s global reach, and we’re just adding to that momentum, hoping Kanguva will resonate across cultures."

On Being Compared to Kamal Haasan  

"Kamal sir is a huge inspiration to me. His versatility and ability to transform between roles, sometimes even within the same year, is incredible. I often wonder, 'How did he manage Sadma and Nayakan in the same year?' His evolution as an actor is something I admire deeply. I still have a long way to go to reach his level, but I’m committed to living an adventurous life. As an actor, you can choose to stay comfortable, or you can climb a mountain. Acting is like that—it’s a personal journey, and nobody forces you to take on the challenges you face. I’m here because Mani Ratnam sir saw something in me and chose me for this path, even changing my name from Saravanan to Suriya. And then with Bala sir, he always made sure that if I ever felt even a moment out of character, I could speak up. He wanted our films to be timeless, to leave a legacy. That’s what I aim for—making films that will endure and stand the test of time."

On Balancing Box Office Success with Critical Acclaim  

"In Indian cinema, films like Baahubali, KGF, Pushpa, and the remarkable work from Malayalam cinema have set a high standard and given us timeless experiences. Now, Tamil cinema has its own unique offering, and with Kanguva, I hope we create something that audiences will truly cherish—like a special dish crafted with love. As an actor, it’s important to connect with a wide range of sensibilities. I’ve often said that you have ten pockets, each representing different tastes. Some of my previous films may have filled a few of those, but with Kanguva, I aim to fill all of them, offering something for everyone. Ultimately, cinema should provoke thought. If it sparks conversation or even generates differing opinions, that’s a sign of its quality. It’s about striking a balance between mainstream success and critical recognition. I hope Kanguva finds that sweet spot and resonates with audiences."