At one point, debates were rampant about who could be the rightful heir to acting legends Sivaji Ganesan and Kamal Haasan. With stars like Vijay and Ajith focusing on mass-entertainers, following in the footsteps of MG Ramachandran (MGR) and Rajinikanth, the discussion often leaned towards Vikram or Suriya as the successors to Sivaji and Kamal. This was in the 2000s, when Vikram and Suriya were making waves with both commercial and intense films, showcasing their versatile acting skills. While Dhanush had not yet fully emerged as a top contender, Suriya’s performances in certain controversial films set him apart as a potential heir.
Early Career and Breakthrough with “Nandha”
Suriya, born Saravanan Sivakumar, is the son of renowned Tamil actor Sivakumar. He made his debut with “Nerukku Ner” alongside Vijay, directed by Vasanth and produced by Mani Ratnam. Despite early successes like “Friends” (2001), it was director Bala’s “Nandha” that truly transformed Suriya’s career. In “Nandha,” Suriya played a troubled youth dealing with the consequences of his past, a role that showcased his depth as an actor. Despite the film’s problematic portrayal of poverty and suffering, Suriya’s performance won him the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor.
Rise to Stardom with “Kaakha Kaakha”
In 2003, Suriya starred as ACP Anbuselvan IPS in “Kaakha Kaakha,” directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon. The film glorified extrajudicial killings and depicted police officers as heroes without moral ambiguity. Suriya’s portrayal of a righteous cop, marked by a measured dialogue delivery and a disciplined body language, resonated with audiences and established him as a leading actor. The film’s romanticization of police encounters sparked debates, but Suriya’s performance was widely praised.
Versatility in “Perazhagan”
In 2004, Suriya took on a dual role in “Perazhagan,” a remake of the Malayalam film “Kunjikoonan.” He played Chinna, a man with physical disabilities, and Karthik, a short-tempered, able-bodied character. The film’s treatment of disabilities, using them for comedic and tragic effects, was controversial. However, Suriya’s transformative performance as Chinna, combined with his dynamic portrayal of Karthik, highlighted his versatility and acting prowess. His ability to bring depth to both characters helped mitigate some of the film’s unsettling aspects.
Establishing a Legacy
These three films, despite their controversies, were pivotal in establishing Suriya as an exceptional actor. His performances in “Nandha,” “Kaakha Kaakha,” and “Perazhagan” demonstrated his ability to handle complex and challenging roles. This laid the foundation for his future successes in films like “Ghajini,” “Aaru,” “Sillunu Oru Kaadhal,” and “Vaaranam Aayiram,” cementing his status as one of Tamil cinema’s leading actors.
