Your acting debut wasn't exactly received with raves...
True. But people who once asked me to stop acting, are now requesting me to act in one film and direct another. I have at least grown up to that extent. Also, many good directors are now offering me lead roles in their films, and I am happy about the progress. However, I consider Karthik Subbaraj's film as my first step towards being an actor. My life starts from here.
Did you never think of quitting, considering all the negative comments?
We might think that we are the best actor in the industry, but that's not true. Others must agree with it, if they don't, there is something wrong with you. I am a person who has a lot of self-realisation sessions — with myself, of course. I understood the reality, and began to analyse where things went wrong. See, when I doubled up as an actor and director in New, it was OK. Later, my acting got commented upon; some said I was more of a komali on screen, they started to mimic like me. 'Irukku aana illa' and 'Indha poonai pidikuma' dialogues of mine became mimicry artistes' favourites. But I was happy with that also, as I had managed to reach that level of connect with the audience. In the later films, I think my talent didn't match the directors' requirements — for, nobody managed to exploit my potential as an actor. So, I waited for my chance. I understood what's wrong with me, and tried to change it. I took some time, so, I bided my time doing cameos for free. I learnt. Now, I want to prove myself as an actor, and Iraivi is the first step towards achieving that dream.
And marriage?
According to me, I have just started my career. I haven't thought about marriage yet. I have a lot to prove as an artiste and my travel cannot accommodate a love-life for now.
So, never been in love?
Of course, I have. Twice, in fact. I don't want to take any names, but yes, I do know what love is. Most of my films like Anbe Aaruyire and Isai are based on my real-life experiences.
'Raunchy' gets branded as 'SJ Suryah kind of film'... any comments?
It might be due to my previous films. But it's fine by me. I just execute ideas that come to me — I don't analyse whether it's right or wrong. Those days, my state of mind was different. But now, things have changed. I still look back and think of the blast I had making New and Anbe Aaruyire. Even if I watch those films now, it's like 'Evolo seta pannirukoma namma!'. But then, as a kid one can demand chocolates, it's when as an adult you continue to do that, that things go wrong. The other thing is, in both these films, people faulted me, but they let me off easily as well because of the other aspects of the films. I think it was when I played the character of a playboy in Kalvanin Kadhali that I got branded!
And those industry backstabbers?
Theethum nandrum pirar thara vaara. I don't want to blame anyone. I firmly believe nobody can destroy, or help others. Everything is about what you do.
About Iraivi, and your teaming up with Karthik Subbaraj, now...
Karthik told me that he wrote the script with me in mind. I was happy. All my life, I was yearning for this — that moment where an established director considers me an actor, and ropes me in for his film. So in that sense, Karthik has ignited the fire for a new life in me. He is a contemporary director — I would even call him a modern-day version of Mani Ratnam. He has a lot of stuff in his head.
