Some people are born for drama, some excel at flexing muscles and blowing things up, some can spread a smile on your face. Suraj Venjaramoodu belonged to the last category until last week. But, when the actor decided to break free from his comic roots in Action Hero Biju we were in for pure cinematic gold. “I recently got a facebook message from a boy saying he was skeptical when I got the national award. After watching AHB he wanted to apologise,” smiles Suraj.
While his normal slapstick avatar in 2 Countries is generating giggles and guffaws at nearby theatres, Suraj sinks his teeth into something totally unexpected in AHB. “I consider myself lucky to be part of this film that follows a mint-fresh format. It’s so realistic and has nothing to do with conventional cop stories. While many other characters in the film indulge in what I am good at, that’s making people laugh, I take a totally different route,” he says. In one of his two scenes Suraj walks into the frame pain etched all over his face and in the second he brings a lump in your throat. “It’s the first time in my career I am getting an applause for a sentimental scene,” he adds.
Suraj says the entire credit for his performance goes to director Abrid Shine and all his co-actors in the film including Nivin Pauly. The actor adds he had no qualms playing a two-scene character in the film which featured a spate of cameos, most by newbies. “I was ready to do even a one-shot character in an Abrid Shine film after watching 1983. I think I must thank Abrid for his courage and conviction in offering me such a terrific role .”
The actor, who bagged the national award a couple of years back, says he was a little dejected when his award-winning film couldn’t reach the audience. “From the day I received the national award congratulatory messages keep coming, but Perariyathavar hasn’t hit the screens yet. But since last Thursday my phone has been ringing off the hook. When a schoolteacher calls up and says he can’t sleep at night because of my character I feel happy and excited as an actor. I get umpteen calls like this and it’s like getting another national award, this time by the audience,” he says.
And Suraj adds he has no plans to stay away from humour as he considers it an equally challenging area. “I will be returning to humour for my next film, but this year you will see me playing a handful of different characters on screen. May be you can see me stepping into a completely serious role as well,” he winds up.