In a recent revelation that has put an end to months of speculation, acclaimed director Sudha Kongara has clarified the exact reason behind actor Suriya's sudden exit from the much-anticipated film 'Parasakthi'. The project, initially known as 'Purananooru', was the subject of intense debate and varied theories, ranging from political connotations to creative differences.
The Birth of 'Parasakthi' and Suriya's Initial Excitement
Speaking in an interview with Behindwoods, Sudha Kongara traced the origins of 'Parasakthi' back to the COVID-19 lockdown period. It was during this time that she penned the script. She immediately reached out to Suriya, her collaborator from the highly successful 'Soorarai Pottru', and narrated the story to him over the phone. The director confirmed that Suriya was instantly captivated by the narrative. "He had agreed immediately; he was very interested and excited to do this project," Kongara stated, dismissing any rumors of early disagreements over the film's theme or script.
Scheduling Conflicts: The Sole Reason for Suriya's Exit
Kongara categorically ruled out all speculative reasons for the actor's departure, including political issues or the theme of the film. She explained that the decision was purely logistical. Suriya's calendar was packed with back-to-back shooting commitments during the crucial period required for 'Parasakthi'.
"To make a film like Parasakthi, continual shooting is necessary... If the film is shot in gaps, the movie's overall cost and quality would be impacted. That is the reason behind the decision. It was a matter of logistics and strategy issues; that's all," the director clarified. This strategic call was made to preserve the film's artistic integrity and budgetary constraints, leading to an amicable parting of ways.
Sivakarthikeyan's Swift Approval Revives the Project
The exit of one star paved the way for another. The project found its new lead in actor Sivakarthikeyan through producer Arun Viswa. Kongara revealed that when the producer, known for 'Maaveeran', asked if she had a suitable script for Sivakarthikeyan, she pitched 'Parasakthi'. The actor's response was overwhelmingly positive and immediate.
"Sivakarthikeyan was all ears. He and the producer simply nodded in agreement. He told us he is available and will give the needed dates. He even said he will sign wherever we want him to. That’s how Parasakthi's journey started," Kongara shared. This smooth transition ensured that the film, born from a lockdown idea, did not lose momentum and embarked on a fresh journey with a new protagonist.
With this clear explanation, Sudha Kongara has successfully shifted the narrative from one of controversy to one of practical filmmaking challenges. The focus now returns to the cinematic promise of 'Parasakthi', with Sivakarthikeyan at the helm, ready to bring the director's vision to life.
