Etharkkum Thunindhavan, starring Suriya, is set to hit the big screens on March 10, and addressing a press meet in Chennai on Wednesday, the actor said that it was a special day for him as a film of his is opening in theatres again after nearly 2.5 years.
Suriya’s last film in theatres was 2019’s Kaappaan.
Etharkkum Thunindhavan is backed by Sun Pictures. The film’s trailer was released by the makers on Wednesday.
Other members of the cast, such as Priyanka Arul Mohan, Sathyaraj, Vinay Rai, Soori and Ilavarasu, were also present at the event, alongside the film’s director Pandiraj and the technical crew.
Suriya began his speech with a request for a moment of silence for those stranded in Ukraine.
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“It’s been 2.5 years since I took the stage and saw you all. It’s a special day. I have learned everything about films by watching them in theatres. Etharkkum Thunindhavan is likewise going to be watched by all of you in theatres, and it’s perfect. This is a film meant to be watched in theatres, made for my fans. At the same time, it will address an issue that is often brushed aside at home,” he continued.
“A lot can be achieved by making some sacrifices. It could be sorrows or old habits, but if we are ready to do it, the journey becomes pleasant. Sathyaraj sir left his home and his family and came to Chennai in search of his dream. Similarly, Vinay was a hero who was ready to embrace change. Now, he is doing a fantastic job playing villain roles,” said Suriya.
The actor mentioned that he has started to work on Vaadi Vaasal, his film with director Vetrimaaran.
He also thanked his fans for dealing with the criticisms over his film Jai Bhim with ease and maturity.
Actor Sathyaraj applauded Suriya for working on projects such as Jai Bhim and Soorarai Pottru. “As a follower of Periyar, I am happy to see Tamil cinema embracing his teachings, especially films like Soorarai Pottru, and the ideas of Ambedkar given voice in Jai Bhim. I would like to bestow the title of ‘Puratchi Nayakan‘ on Suriya,” he added.
Sathyaraj, who started his career playing villains, appreciated Vinay’s performance as the antagonist in Etharkkum Thunindhavan. “Success for an actor playing a villain is seen when the audience requests you to recite your famous dialogues. Vinay has succeeded in this,” he observed. Sathyaraj also expressed his interest in taking up meaty, well-rounded antagonist roles in the future.
Emphasising that Etharkkum Thunindhavan is meant to be watched in theatres, director Pandiraj said that a good script chooses its own hero and that’s how Suriya got roped into the project. He also requested the audience to not spoil the climax for others after watching the film.