Happy Birthday, Suriya: Ten popular films of the versatile actor that displayed his acting prowess

Suriya's filmography is a testament to his versatility and ability to tackle diverse roles, be it action-oriented characters, emotionally charged roles, or complex historical figures. He continues to be a prominent and admired actor in the Indian film industry. On his birthday today, we take a look at a few roles that proved his versatility as an actor

Nandha (2001)
Directed by Bala, the critically acclaimed drama showcases Suriya as a young man, who has spent years in a juvenile prison for killing his own father during his childhood. After being released from prison, Nandha tries to lead a new life and seek redemption for his past actions. The film explores themes of family, love, and forgiveness. Nandha is often regarded as one of the pivotal films in Suriya's career.

Kaakha Kaakha (2003)
Suriya plays Anbuselvan, a fearless and dedicated police officer, who is determined to take down a ruthless gang of criminals in this action thriller helmed by Gautham Menon. Suriya's portrayal of Anbuselvan is intense and emotionally charged, reflecting the challenges and sacrifices faced by police officers in their line of duty. The film's gripping narrative and Suriya's powerful performance received widespread acclaim, establishing him as a bankable actor in the industry.

Pithamagan (2003)
Director Bala's Pithamagan had Suriya playing the role of Sakthi, a con man, who later befriends Sithan (Vikram), a mentally challenged man who has grown up in a graveyard. Suriya's portrayal of Shakti is both heartwarming and poignant. The film was well received by the audience and the performances were lauded. Ilaiyaraaja's music was a feather in the cap.

Ghajini (2005)
Ghajini, the psychological thriller directed by AR Murugadoss, had Suriya playing Sanjay Ramasamy, a wealthy businessman who suffers from short-term memory loss following a tragic incident. Suriya's performance in this film is remarkable, showcasing his ability to effortlessly transition between various emotional states, from love and tenderness to intense vengeance. The film's gripping narrative and Suriya's dedication to the character contributed to its massive success.

Vaaranam Aayiram (2008)
Vaaranam Aayiram, directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, revolves around the relationship between a father and son. Suriya plays dual roles in the movie, portraying both Krishnan and his son Surya. The film takes the audience through an emotional journey, and Suriya's portrayal of both characters stands out for its authenticity and depth. The film won several awards, and Suriya's performance was highly appreciated.

Singam (2010)
Singam and its sequels Singam II and III,directed by Hari, are action-packed Tamil films that feature Suriya as Durai Singam, a righteous and fearless police officer. Suriya's portrayal of Singam is energetic and commanding, and he effectively brings out the character's strong sense of justice and duty.

7aum Arivu (2011)
7aum Arivu is a Tamil science fiction thriller directed by AR Murugadoss. Suriya plays a dual role as Bodhidharma, a legendary Buddhist monk from ancient history, and Aravind, a circus artist in the present day. Suriya's exceptional performance in both roles adds to the film's appeal, and his action sequences and emotional scenes were well received by the audience.

24 (2016)
24 is a sci-fi thriller directed by Vikram Kumar. Suriya plays triple roles as Dr Sethuraman, his twin brother Athreya, and Mani, Sethuraman's son. Each character has its own unique traits and mannerisms, and Suriya's versatility shines through as he effortlessly switches between these roles. The film received critical acclaim, and Suriya's performance was highly praised.

Soorarai Pottru (2020)
Soorarai Pottru, directed by Sudha Kongara, is a biographical drama inspired by the life of Captain GR Gopinath, the founder of Air Deccan. Suriya plays the role of Nedumaaran Rajangam, a passionate entrepreneur who overcomes numerous obstacles to fulfill his dream of making air travel accessible to the common man. Suriya's portrayal is grounded, inspiring, and marked by the emotional depth he brings to the character.

Jai Bhim (2021)
Legal drama Jai Bhim directed by TJ Gnanavel is inspired by a real-life incident, which involved Justice K Chandru. Suriya played the Justice Chandru in the film, which revolved around three men from an oppressed community being arrested in a fake theft case. Unable to tolerate the brutal torture from cops, they escape the jail in a mysterious circumstance. The film also delved into police torture and discrimination against the marginalised.

About the author: Chandragupta is part human brain, part generative AI. The former provides intellect while the latter does the heavy lifting of an artificial neural network. The name, if you haven’t already worked it out, is a backronym of ChatGPT.