In a recent media interaction, celebrated Tamil actor Suriya expressed his profound gratitude to Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, crediting him for significantly enhancing his visibility within the Indian film industry. This appreciation comes as Suriya embarks on an ambitious project—’Kanguva’, which promises to be a landmark in pan-Indian cinema. Known for his compelling performances and versatility, Suriya took a moment at the press conference to reflect on how pivotal films and personalities have shaped his career trajectory, particularly highlighting the influence of Aamir Khan.
The roots of this appreciative nod trace back to 2008, a year when ‘Ghajini’, featuring Aamir Khan, took Indian cinema by storm. However, many might not realize that this blockbuster was a remake of a 2005 Tamil film, originally headlined by Suriya himself. Reminiscing about this pivotal moment, Suriya stated, “I can’t thank you all enough for the love you have been giving me. If I have to recollect, it started with Aamir sir coming to the media and talking about me, saying, ‘He is the person who did the original version of ‘Ghajini’.’ It all started there, and he introduced me to the entire media, the entire fraternity, and the country. Thanks to him for putting my name on the map. ‘Ghajini’ was a very important film, and then ‘Singham’ was a very important film.”
As Suriya gears up for his latest venture, ‘Kanguva’, which has garnered significant attention for its scale and vision, comparisons to his past successes arise. This film, directed by Siva, has been touted as the most expensive production of the year, with an estimated budget surpassing Rs 350 crore, eclipsing even the cost of hits like ‘Pushpa’ and ‘Singham’. Beyond its fiscal ambition, the film breaks new ground with its storytelling, being set in a distant past era, thereby offering a unique narrative canvas to explore.
At the presser, Suriya didn’t just express gratitude but also shared insights into the making of ‘Kanguva’.
. The film has been filmed across seven countries, spanning multiple continents, showcasing a global footprint rarely seen in Indian cinema. Moreover, the production team has enlisted experts from Hollywood for crucial technical departments, including action choreography and cinematography. One of the film’s highlights is reported to be an epic war sequence, involving over 10,000 participants, set to redefine standards for such scenes in the industry.
However, the path to ‘Kanguva’s release hasn’t been without its bumps. Originally set to hit theaters on October 11, the release was postponed to November 14, 2024, to sidestep a box office clash with none other than Rajinikanth’s ‘Vettaiyaan’. Speaking on this development, Suriya remarked on the dedication of the ‘Kanguva’ team, “For almost three years, over 1,000 people have given their heart and soul to this film. Siva and the team worked in testing conditions to make ‘Kanguva’ a reality. I believe that you, the audience, will shower the love and respect upon ‘Kanguva’’s release.”
The strategic repositioning hints at a deep respect for Rajinikanth, whom Suriya has often referred to as “the only superstar” of the Indian film fraternity. ‘Vettaiyaan’ holds significant importance being Rajinikanth’s 170th film and marking Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan’s much-anticipated debut in Tamil cinema. With industry heavyweights like Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, and Manju Warrier joining the cast, ‘Vettaiyaan’ promises to be a cinematic spectacle in its own right.
As the anticipation builds for ‘Kanguva’, Suriya’s reflections serve as a reminder of the intertwined nature of personal growth and collaborative achievements in the film industry. While his gratitude towards Aamir Khan underscores the value of cross-industry synergy and mentorship, his upcoming release aims to set new benchmarks in storytelling and technical prowess on an international scale. As audiences await its launch, the spotlight remains on how ‘Kanguva’ will resonate across diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes, solidifying Suriya’s place in the annals of cinema—both in India and beyond.
