Viduthalai Part 2 actor Soori Interview: Cinema has now become more than entertainment for me | EXCLUSIVE

Viduthalai Part 2 actor Soori Interview: The comedian-turned-actor speaks about his experience working in Viduthalai duology, how it shaped his vision as actor, his learnings and lot more

Soori in Viduthalai

For Soori, Viduthalai - Part 1 was not only a turning point in his career, but also a film that proved boxing a person within an area of their specialisation may not be the best of practices. Soori, who until then was a man who gave the much-needed laughs in predominantly rural-set stories, soon became the kadhai nayagan (as the actor often terms it), as he starred in impactful roles in films like Garudan and Kottukkaali this year. Now, ahead of Viduthalai - Part 2 release, Soori, becomes Kumaresan once again, a rookie cop who is entrusted to capture the leader of the people’s movement.

Soori Interview for Viduthalai: Part 2

“Kumaresan was not just a role—it was a transformation for me,” says Soori in a chat with OTTplay, as he adds Viduthalai demanded not just acting but living through his character’s struggles, emotions and growth. With the duology getting released after a significant gap between them, Soori says, “I noticed a significant shift in my own emotional range and depth. I became more patient, introspective, and willing to surrender myself entirely to the director’s vision. As Kumaresan grows stronger and more aware in the story, I found parallels in myself as an actor evolving to take on greater challenges.”

Also read: Viduthalai- Part 1 on OTT: Before watching Vetrimaaran’s sequel, stream the first part HERE for free

‘Cinema has now become more than entertainment for me’

Soori, who comes from a non-filmy background, started out as a comedian and sidekicks as humble beginnings before rising to be the actor he is now. Soori says that the way he sees cinema has definitely changed over time. “As a viewer, I always approached cinema for its entertainment and emotional value. But as a comedian, I realised the responsibility of timing, character depth, and the importance of making people laugh,” Soori says as he goes on to explain the mammoth task of being a protagonist.

“I understood the weight of storytelling on my shoulders. It’s no longer just about being a part of the narrative but leading it, making sure my performance resonates emotionally with the audience. Cinema has now become more than entertainment for me—it’s a craft that demands truth and dedication,” Soori explains.

Also read: Vijay Sethupathi Interview: The day I face camera with overconfidence is when my defeat begins | Exclusive

So, what’s his understanding of a good story? The actor is quick to reply that it is the one that connects with people emotionally and leaves them thinking even after they’ve left the theater.
“It doesn’t need to be grand or complex—it needs honesty, relevance, and characters we can relate to. A good story should transport us to its world and make us feel its pulse.”

‘With Viduthalai, I could prove comedians too can deliver depth and nuance’

Soori, who has been choosing to play protagonists in his stories variedly, played a ruthless casteist man in Kottukkaali, a fiercely loyal servant in Garudan, and a timid but righteous Kumaresan in Viduthalai. When he could avoid the stereotypes of a commercial hero, was he not able to do the same as a comedian and avoid the regular comic roles?

Soori says that as a comedian, it is not always easy to avoid stereotypes because the roles are often written that way. However, mentioning that he always tried to bring a uniqueness to his performances, whether through body language, dialogue delivery, or expressions, with Viduthalai it was a different experience altogether. “I had the chance to break away from all kinds of stereotypes and showcase an entirely different side of myself, proving that comedians too can deliver depth and nuance,” he adds.

But what about the aftereffects of performing tough protagonists who often go through a roller-coaster of emotions, which is not the case with comic roles? “As a comedian, you can often detach from the role once the shoot is over, but being a protagonist stays with you. It’s an intense experience, emotionally and physically. For Viduthalai, I carried Kumaresan’s burdens even off-sets because the character demanded complete immersion. Being a protagonist requires understanding the character’s psyche deeply—it’s not something you can easily switch off.”

As we conclude the conversation, Soori speaks about how being part of a film like Viduthalai keeps constantly evolving and taking shape as it progresses. “Viduthalai taught me that acting isn’t just about delivering dialogues or expressions—it’s about understanding the layers of the script and letting the story dictate your performance. The film’s evolving nature also showed me how critical it is to trust the director and the process. As an actor, I learned the importance of restraint, patience, and adaptability, which has enriched my understanding of cinema as an art form,” Soori signs off.

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