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Director S J Surya
 You'd never see him worried, tense, anxious, however trying the situation. Whether it's a misunderstanding with a hero he'd approached for a role; whether it's the heroine of his film who's suddenly getting married; or whether it's uncomfortable fielding ridiculous questions from the media.
S J Surya is always cool, the smile never leaving his face. Always oozing a lot of confidence. He was the same when he was an assistant director to Vasanth, and he's the same today after the two big hits he's given in
'Vaali' and 'Khushi'. The director who's turned producer and hero with his third film 'New' (a bilingual titled 'Nani' in Telugu) shares some of his experiences here.
Why have you gone for a bilingual this time?
I'd already narrated the script to Mahesh Babu and he expressed an interest in it. Since in Tamil I was launching myself as a hero and also planning to produce the film myself, I needed the finance. In fact, Mahesh, with his boyish looks, suited the role naturally and perfectly, whereas, in my case, I had to adapt myself to the character.
'New' is supposed to be inspired
by 'Big'?
Yes, and I've admitted that myself. I'd liked that film. It made a fascinating subject with a lot of potential to develop it. I can get the protagonist - a little boy in an adult's body - to go through various emotions and weave in a lot of humour too.
'New' would be a bit of 'Munthanai Mudichu' and a bit of 'Chinna Thambi' also.
What about Simran?
Simran was very cooperative till the last day prior to her marriage. She has always had good rapport with me. She knew me from my assistant-director days. Working in 'Vaali'
had been a good experience for both of us. She has a lot of confidence in my abilities and a positive feeling about me. She respects my work. While editing the film and seeing her performance, I felt a suddenly felt her absence from the industry. I was the only one she invited from the Tamil film industry for her wedding.
Any hassles on the production side?
Nothing that I couldn't manage. I always plan ahead. I prepare my budget much before planning the shooting schedule and the location. Like a pilot who knows which direction he's to take and the hurdles ahead, I work out my strategy. It will be safe landing then!
How was it working with A R Rehman?
If he has to give his best, Rehman needs to be inspired. If the song situation is clear, he's a fast worker. While discussing the song situation, if we can inspire him in the right way, he'll even give the music within a day. But the problem is in getting to meet him! He's given a blend of the classy and the commercial here.
It's almost a four-year gap between 'Khushi' and 'New'?
True. There was a long gap. But 'New' is a bilingual. We required about 240 days of shooting, both languages included. We had to coordinate the dates of the artistes of both languages. Mahesh Babu and Amisha Patel (for the Telugu version) are all busy artistes. I had to coordinate the dates of eight heroines, Rehman's dates, picturise eight songs in two languages. All this is time-consuming. Considering these aspects, I think I've managed to finish the film quite early! It has shaped up well, and all the effort seems worth it.
 The media is already buzzing about the 'sexy' parts in the film.
Sex is also part of life. Cinema being an entertainment medium, varied ingredients have to be included. But I've never crossed the limits anywhere. And then, this film carries a message too. I've tried to depict how a man can balance his life amiably between his mother and wife. It has a lot of mother sentiment.
You became emotional while shooting a certain scene?
That was the mother-son scene. I remembered my mother - and God - while shooting the scene, and became emotional. Real tears blended with glycerine then! The scene had 35 shots, and 125 takes. It lasts for a duration of 4 minutes in the film.
You're one of those who've approached Rajinikant with a script?
I met him for about three hours. I narrated a story to him, centering on the generation gap. About a grandpa, son and grandson.
Rajini liked it. "I regret not having met someone like you 15 year ago," he told me. He throws so much energy at you. If Rajini had agreed then, I was even willing to stop 'New' and start his film. I told him so. I'm waiting eagerly to work with him. After 'New' I'll probably give it another try!
Malini Mannath
Published on 20th April, 2004
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