S.J. Surya became an overnight celebrity after his first movie Vali. Following the grand success of Kushi he went places and now back in Kodambakkam with his his home production 'New'. The direcotr who is known for his innovative screen plays is busy with his additional role as hero of this movie. ' We managed to steal some time off him for an exclusive interview for nilacharal:

You have not been a long time assistant to any director. You have not had a formal education in filming. Yet, you have a great success story. What do you think is the reason?

I have worked with many directors and I have tried to grasp all their positive points. I personally feel that it is not necessary to have a formal education in filming. It is an art of creativity and skill. And I feel that there is no degree for either of these. What is necessary is to have practical knowledge which can be gained by working experience. The reason for my success story is my hard work and confidence and my belief in my ability.

Story of 'Vali' is from Ramayanam. 'Kushi' does not have a story. 'New' is based on an American serial. When are you coming out with your own story?

I believe that "Guinness is not making different things but making things differently." Story of 'Vali' is from Ramayanam, 'Kushi' does not have a story; in spite of these limitations, both the films have been super hits. The basic perception of a success story is capturing the audience pulse. Any kind of film can be a hit, provided it reaches across to the hearts of all people. It doesn't matter whether it has a recurrent plot or has no story. What is more important is the screen play and, direction with appropriate music and camera work can make the film a tremendous success. Therefore the films 'Vali', 'Kushi' and 'New' are the results of my hard work. And they are my own stories.

You have done 'Kushi' in 3 languages. Which one did you enjoy the most? Can you rank them in the order of your satisfaction?

I enjoyed doing all the 3 films. I have employed my best efforts for all the three. So there can be no question of which one of them is the best because I feel that it is a formidable task to choose among them. All the three films were done in different languages depending on the time and availability of the artistes. They have different artistes, music, crew but the story, screenplay and direction are the same. So there can be no ranking among them.

Do you think that without knowing a language and culture you can make a good film?

I feel what is more important is the story. Knowing the language and culture is definitely an added advantage.

There are strong rumors that you get involved with your heroines. What is your comment about it?

No comments

There are accusations that your movies are vulgar. How do you react to such comments?

I don't react to these kinds of accusations. I speak about sex in my movies which others deem as vulgar. But isn't sex a part of everybody's life? I do bring out the approved forms of sex in my films which I cannot concede as vulgar. Everyone has enjoyed my movie 'Vali' and it is a super hit. Many don't consider 'Vali' as vulgar and the movie has reached across to people of all ages . Every person has his own definition for vulgarity. And I feel I haven't crossed the boundaries of my definition.

You select heroines to suit your script in the movies. What are the criteria for your heroine in life?

I don't have a heroine in my life neither have I given it much thought. What ever has to happen will happen.

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