'Mandaadi' star Soori opens up about journey from comedy roles to leading man

Actor Soori believes his journey from comedy roles to leading man has changed the way he approaches cinema. After earning appreciation for 'Mandaadi', the actor has opened up about the responsibility that comes with being a hero and why he now wants to be more careful with his film choices.Soori says audience expectations have also changed following his transformation as a lead actor. “I respect the fans a lot. I want to give them what they expect. It was their recognition that brought me to where I am today,” he said in a chat with Cinema Vikatan, explaining why he does not want to rush into his next projects.

Soori opens up about tough sea shoot and physical challenges of 'Mandaadi'

Soori also recalled the demanding experience of shooting 'Mandaadi', which required him to spend more than 100 days at sea.

The actor said the film pushed him physically in ways he had not experienced before.“This was the riskiest film I have done so far. Even after spending so many days in the sea, I could not fully understand its nature,” he said.Soori explained that he worked out more than usual for the role and had to prepare his body to remain strong while operating boats and shooting in difficult conditions. According to the actor, swimming in the sea was also very different from the kind of swimming he was familiar with.

Soori says 'Mandaadi' director Mathimaran's vision took him beyond himself

Talking about his transformation for 'Mandaadi', Soori said he focused completely on director Mathimaran's vision. The actor appeared with a thick beard and long hair for the role of Muthukali, making it difficult for audiences to see the familiar Soori on screen.“Once I understand all my doubts about the script in the beginning, I never interfere during the shoot. I have followed this as a principle since I started acting.

My job is to do what the director asks me to do,” he said.Soori also received praise for his dance performance in the film. He said the appreciation has encouraged him to focus more on dance in his upcoming projects.

Soori credits Vetri Maaran for changing his image beyond comedy roles

Soori also spoke about how Vetri Maaran's 'Viduthalai' changed the way audiences viewed him as an actor. He recalled that he initially approached the film expecting to be offered a character role, but the filmmaker told him that he was the protagonist.“Beyond comedy, he brought a different kind of acting out of me,” Soori said.The film became an important turning point in Soori's career, allowing audiences to see him in a dramatically different avatar after years of being associated primarily with comedy roles. His subsequent work as a lead actor has further established his ability to take on emotionally and physically demanding characters.The actor now wants to work with both established and new directors while remaining grounded.

“If we don’t forget the past and don’t get carried away, I believe cinema will never abandon us,” he added, reflecting the approach that has shaped his journey from comedian to one of Tamil cinema's recognised leading actors.

About 'Mandaadi'

Mandaadi stars Soori as Muthukali, with Mahima Nambiar, Suhas, Mithun Jaishankar and Sathyaraj in key roles. Directed by Mathimaran, the film is set against the lives of coastal fishermen and the intense world of traditional boat races. The story blends emotion, rivalry and survival, while placing its characters against the challenging backdrop of coastal life and traditional boat racing. The film has also made a strong impact at the box office, earning over Rs 30 crore in its first four days.