I took home the pattapatti underwear that I wore in 'Paruthiveeran' for nostalgia's sake.
Karthi
I loved Suriya's performance in 'Vaaranam Aayiram'; his expressions in the movie, especially the train sequences, were really fresh.
When 'Yuganiki Okkadu,' the Telugu dubbed version of 'Aayirathil Oruvan,' released, I didn't like dubbing for my character. Someone much older had done it, and it didn't have the flavour.
I would say I was not working in the real sense in 'Paiyaa.' After doing very heavy scenes in my first two films, in 'Paiya,' I was romancing a girl, talking all sorts of funny things, and doing all light things just as if I were not acting!
I had to go for physical training for 'Aayirathil Oruvan.' I had to do stunts which required huge leaps.
For me, Surya's 'Varanam Ayiram' is a big inspiration.
I have been receiving calls from all quarters since the release of 'Madras.' I need to thank audiences for believing in me and making this film successful.
I just want to be fit because I want to look nice without a shirt.
I always remember what my dad told me when I decided to turn into an actor. He was emphatic that whatever I do, I should get accepted by the audiences who watch my films.
There's nothing experimental about 'Kaashmora,' as it's a blend of fantasy and entertainment. The only experiment we did was with my makeover in the film.
I want to travel all over India.
Fortunately or unfortunately, 'Baahubali' has become a benchmark for all historical-costume dramas.
I loved movies and watched a lot of them. But my father insisted that I get a good education before I joined the film industry.
The theme of 'Bombay' will make you fall in love with it again and again.
Since one of my roles is that of a con man, I actually mingled with a few pickpockets in north Chennai to get a hang of their body language and mindset.
Sayyeesha is a great dancer.
'Mouna Ragam' is my all-time favourite, and it will always be.
Only Superman needs a six-pack, that's why I don't do that kind of films.
When I was in the U.S., I was caught by the cops for speeding and charged a fine of 200 dollars. I didn't have so much money then - I was still a student - but I certainly didn't want to spend a night behind bars. I called a few of my friends frantically and they bailed me out of the situation.
A film like 'Dangal' is universal; though it narrates a story that happened in Punjab/Haryana, we like its inspirational story and its idea of celebrating the girl child.
I'd like to have coffee with Farhan Akhtar. He's an all-rounder in the film industry, and I have heard many good things about how he goes about planning all his productions.
The audience in Kerala have been giving a good response to my films, including 'Paiyaa' and 'Siruthai.'
I see many youngsters giving up their IT jobs and going to farming or taking up organic farming so that kids in future will stay a bit more healthier. That's one cause I really want to take up.
It is a treat to do scenes where you silently enact.
I've known Radhikaa akka for a long time, and have seen her perform like a pro in front of the camera. But, to work with her and mouth dialogues in her presence had me in jitters.
I have drawn a clear line between my personal and professional life.
We should teach our children about the reality of failure. Instead of buying them iPhones and iPads, we should teach them values and reality.
Suriya is more handsome than me.
I've always been a fun-loving guy, and my films will always have some humour.
I've always wanted to do a double role.
My role in 'Kashmora' required me to take horse riding lessons.
'Paruthiveeran' was a difficult film to work on. It was my first film but a very strong character.
I think people need to understand the amount of emotions I can pull off. I want films I'm offered to have these dimensions.
I've not done the Jackie Chan kind of stunts.
In Tamil Nadu, watching a film on a festival is a part of our culture. People prefer going to a theatre rather than bursting crackers at home.
Everything is new about 'Siruthai.' This is the first time I'm playing a dual role - a thief and a police officer!
Writing is not my forte, but I am good at visualising.
Our country is an agriculture-based country. And slowly, we are forgetting our roots.
Many people tell me that my pairing with Tamannaah worked big time towards the success of 'Paiyaa.' In 'Siruthai,' our on-screen chemistry will crackle as we share a terrific rapport.
I would say 'Siruthai' is a masala film with all the masalas in the right proportion.
I always knew I wanted to be in films, but I did not know exactly what I wanted to do.
Even for 'Paruthi Veeran,' I'd work out for six hours every day and lost 10 kg.
Each time when my films get released, people always compare it with my debut film 'Parutthiveeran' and comment that nothing comes near that flick.
I was dying to start shooting for 'Paiyya.' I had worn no good clothes for months, and I was dying to wear good clothes. And, for 'Paiyya,' they gave me eight clothes to change in a day!
An actor has to do everything, all genres of films.
After I did my graduation in mechanical engineering, I got a scholarship to go to the U.S. to do my master's. So I did that. I also worked there for a while. After my master's, I did a course in Film Appreciation.
Your entire world revolves around your kid, especially when you are a dad to a girl child. Your responsibilities become more.
Actors usually feel skeptical about double hero films because one character might overshadow the other, but the late scriptwriter K. Subash has penned 'Karuppu Raja Vella Raja' in such a way that Vishal and I have equal scope in the film.
I started off as an assistant director in Mani Ratnam's 'Ayudha Ezhuthu' and 'Yuva.'
My fans loved 'Rathnavel Pandian,' as they love mass, but 'Theeran' gave me complete satisfaction.
