Think Madurai lingo, and Soori is among the first actors to come to our mind. Flashing a toothy smile and talking in his trademark sing-song tone, the comedian leaves everyone in splits. He has come a long way from playing docile side roles in films to becoming mainstream comedian in several popular films. None can forget the entertaining scene from Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu , where he attempts to wolf down 50 parottas. The film earned him the moniker ‘Parotta’ Soori. “I managed to eat 13, even though I don’t like parottas. Director Suseenthiran gave my first break and I wanted to bring out the comical overtone of such ‘eating contests’ that are common in rural areas,” recalls Soori.
Known for unassuming spontaneity and witty one-liners, Soori’s brand of comedy is inspired by the people he grew up with. As a son of a milkman who also ran a tea-stall in suburban Madurai, Soori keenly observed the comical mannerisms and the slang of the local people. “There’s a story to everyone in Madurai and the way they narrate it with effortless animation adds drama to it. People in the region have an inherent humour sense in them. Sitting in my father’s tea stall every evening and supplying milk every morning, I got to hear a lot of real-life comedies,” says Soori. “In fact, my father R Muthusamy was a humorous man and is my biggest inspiration. He would ease out even tense situations with his impulsive jokes.”
Dad’s the way
He adds that the popular one-liner ‘ Naangellam appove andha madiri’ in Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam is his father’s. Soori and Sivakarthikeyan have proved to be an entertaining pair with consecutive hits starting from Manam Kothi Paravai, Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga, Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam, and Rajini Murugan . Add to the list Seema Raja , that’s to be released on September 13. “I have an inexplicable bond with Sivakarthikeyan, and am extremely comfortable with him. I call him thambi and we both are good at pulling off comedies unforced,” says Soori. “Apart from being a hero, Siva is primarily a comedian with an amazing sense of humour. He gives me enough space and freedom on-screen and also contributes to better the comedy.”
“I don’t insert slapstick in the script but just play around with dialogues,” says Soori. “I add comical undertones within the scope of a given scene. If I feel it may spoil the crux of the scene, I don’t overdo it. For instance, in Kadaikutty Singam , there’s a fight sequence where I do good with just a comical punch in the opening, so that the fight doesn’t really become a clown’s show.” He adds, “It was a rewarding experience to work with Karthi after a long gap. The last film we did together was Naan Mahaan Alla .”
The big leap
After entering cinema in 1996, Soori struggled for well over a decade and it’s his humour sense that kept him going. On the trend of comedians turning heroes, Soori says he has a lot more to explore in comedy before thinking of turning hero. “Though I may be open to the idea in future, right now, I would want to hang in where I am and establish myself before moving on. Legendary comedians Nagesh and NS Krishnan are my cine-field role models and I dream of doing at least a fourth of what they achieved.”
“Comedy for me is like the piquant pickle in a feast. Though it’s just a minuscule part of a film, it adds flavour and elevates the experience of movie-watching,” says Soori, who has five films in his kitty, including Saamy 2 and Kanchana 3.
