Actor Suriya recently shared insights into his bond with his younger brother Karthi, expressing a sense of “fatherly affection” towards him. He acknowledged that fans frequently approach him solely to inquire about Karthi, and he reflected on the pivotal moment that made him realize Karthi’s potential in the film industry.
According to Suriya, this realization came during the filming of “Paruthiveeran.” At the audio and trailer launch for Karthi’s upcoming movie “Sardar 2,” Suriya remarked, “I was truly amazed for the first time while watching ‘Paruthiveeran.’ That was the beginning of everything.” He humorously recounted how Karthi, after returning from the USA, had gained weight, joking about his brother’s fondness for snacks while abroad.
Karthi had pursued a degree in Industrial Engineering at Binghamton University in New York before returning to India. While there, he attended a few film courses at New York State University, which ignited his passion for acting. Upon his return, he was offered a role in Mani Ratnam’s “Aayutha Ezhuthu” in 2004, but he opted to serve as an assistant director instead. It was director Ameer who later gave him his first lead role in “Paruthiveeran.”
Suriya praised Karthi’s remarkable transformation for “Paruthiveeran,” saying, “He completely revamped his appearance and physique for the film. Witnessing that change was truly impressive.”
Delving into their personal relationship, Suriya expressed a rare emotional openness for a public event in Tamil cinema, stating, “I regard Karthi as more than just a brother; I see him with a father’s affection.” He emphasized that there is no rivalry between them.
To highlight their relationship dynamic, Suriya shared a light-hearted anecdote, noting, “When fans come to me, they don’t inquire about my work; instead, they express their admiration for Karthi and ask about him.” He viewed this not as a grievance but as a testament to Karthi’s significant influence.
Suriya remarked, “Karthi has a profound understanding of cinema and remains genuine to the audience, more so than I do.” Both brothers are the sons of renowned Tamil actor Sivakumar, who has a prolific career with over 180 films spanning five decades. Despite their family’s extensive film history, they have often stated that their father did not facilitate their entry into the industry.
While both Suriya and Karthi have achieved star status, they have yet to co-star as leads in a film. However, they have collaborated on their respective projects through Suriya’s production company, 2D Entertainment, and have appeared together at promotional events.
“Sardar 2,” directed by PS Mithran, showcases Karthi in dual roles as Sardar and Vijay Prakash, reprising characters from the original film released in 2022. The cast includes notable actors such as S.J. Suryah, Malavika Mohanan, Ashika Ranganath, Rajisha Vijayan, Yogi Babu, Achyuth Kumar, and Balaji Sakthivel. The film is set to premiere worldwide on September 10.
Stay updated with the latest news from the film industry by following Screen Digital on YouTube.
