Suriya as Athreya is highlight of '24', reveals director Vikram Kumar

Director Vikram Kumar is looking forward to the release of his film 24 on May 6.  Starring Suriya, Samantha and Nithya Menen, this sci-fi film is also produced by Suriya. The filmmaker says that no one other than Suriya could have performed these roles or produced this film on this scale. In a chat with dna, the Manam director talks about Suriya as a producer and actor and his film 24.

When did you start working on the script of 24?

The idea for 24 came to me when I was directing Yaavarum Nalam and then took shape over two years. Before I started directing Manam, the screenplay was locked and I started pitching the film after the release of Manam. 

Was Suriya the only actor you pitched the film?

It was taken to another actor before and then while making Manam, I pitched it to two Telugu stars. After Manam released, I was called by Suriya sir to discuss the possibility of remaking Manam in Tamil. It was then that I told about 24 and he heard it and liked it.

That must have been a good break for you.

It was the biggest thing to happen to 24! To have a star of Suriya sir’s stature to back a film like this is a huge push for your film. When he was willing to produce, it gave a lot of confidence to everyone about the quality of the film as well.  And we knew what we were setting out to do was going to be something exciting.

How was Suriya, the producer?

This is a producer’s film. The first person you’ll want to meet and congratulate after watching 24 will be the producer. Suriya has made the film with no compromises and you’ll see the producer in every frame. But film production is not just about money. It’s also about aesthetics, understanding the craft and making the right calls at the right time. Suriya sir was with me right through, got the best people on board, quick with decisions and so on. There was no expense spared.  All this reflects the kind of producer he is and the support he gives to his director and entire team. We shot 24 in Mumbai and abroad and our stay was looked after by the producer. He pampered every one of us and looked after us really well. This speaks a lot about the kind of person that he is. 

We all know Suriya is talented and very versatile. How is he to work with as an actor?

He is talented, versatile and highly dedicated. He does a lot of prep and research. Every morning when he lands up on set, he is fully charged up about the day’s shoot. Every day is a new day for him and it’s really nice. Suriya’s body of work clearly states what kind of actor he is and the kind of experimentation he likes to do as an actor. 24 is yet another step in that same journey. A lot of people are gifted and he’s one among them. But apart from that, acting is a highly physically strenuous job and that requires a lot of hard work and sacrifices. And Suriya does that. I think that’s an important part of who he is as an actor. 

Vikram Kumar with Suriya and Samantha on set

What was your reaction when AR Rahman came on board?

Getting Rahman sir on board was one of the best things that happened to the film. Suriya and Rahman sir are good friends. After Rahman sir heard my narration, he called and spoke to Suriya sir. What he said was the catalyst for Suriya sir to say let’s start the movie now. It was an amazing journey and I’m so glad that he was a part of this film. His music and background score for 24 has made the movie the way it is. It was the icing on the cake!

Tell us about Samantha and Nithya Menen.

Both these ladies are dear friends of mine and I’ve worked with them before. They are highly talented, strikingly beautiful and lovely people. They are very vivacious and having them on set every day was so much of fun. Both of them play radically different characters and they’ve portrayed each character so well. They are integral to 24 and when you come out of the film, both of them would have found space in your heart. 

Give us some tidbits about Athreya (Suriya in a negative role).

Athreya is going to be the highlight of 24. The way Suriya has portrayed him – he has enjoyed this role and done it. It’s going to be talked about. The prep he did and the zest with which he performed was very cool. Suriya is a mainstream, popular star and for him to play the baddie is very cool! He’s done it really well.

Is Suriya a perfectionist like people say?

He’s even a little more than a perfectionist. But that’s the beauty of it. It shows his love and passion for cinema and the drive and fire he has. That’s something we all need to have. We envy his perfectionism.  

What can the audience expect from 24?

The audience can expect a lot of masala in this film! (smiles) As a sci-fi film, it’s a little out of the box but all the masala they expect from a mainstream film is very much there in 24. Come prepared to have a fun ride! It’s made for kids, families, for everyone. 

How will 24 impact your career?

This is the biggest film I’ve undertaken and Suriya’s the biggest star I’ve ever worked with. For me personally, I think it’s probably the most exciting story I’ve told. Till 2016, I would probably say 24 is my dream project – it’s been brewing in my mind for a long time. The fact that I got to make 24 is one of the coolest things that has happened to me. I hope 24 gives an opportunity for young filmmakers and producers are willing to invest in any new or unique genre. I hope it opens out avenues for young filmmakers where they can make films they feel like instead of what the market is demanding. 

Watch the 24 trailer here: