Malayalam actor Surya Krish is riding a wave of enthusiasm following the release of his latest cinematic venture, 'Pongala'. In the film, he essays the second lead, sharing screen space with actor Sreenath Bhasi. For Surya, a trained dancer who transitioned into acting, this project holds special significance due to its grounding in reality.
The Real Story Behind 'Pongala'
Surya Krish reveals that 'Pongala' is inspired by a true incident that occurred in Cherai, Kochi. He emphasizes that while cinematic liberties were taken to enhance the narrative, the core characters are based on real people. "The characters are real, and we've only added cinematic elements to enhance the film," the actor stated.
In the movie, Surya portrays Martin, the protagonist's close friend. He describes the relationship as almost brotherly, yet fraught with complexities. "But there are ego clashes and other circumstantial issues that arise. Do I stay with him till the end? It's a very interesting character," he explained. Adding a personal touch to his performance, Surya also showcased his dancing skills in a dedicated sequence within the film.
From Dance Floors to Film Sets: Surya's Journey
'Pongala' marks Surya Krish's sixth film. His previous credits include notable projects such as 'Sashiyum Sakunthalayum' by RS Vimal, 'Soulmates' alongside Sunny Wayne, 'Kakkipada', and 'Regina'. He clarified that these were all character-driven roles, and his experience also includes working as a junior artiste.
The actor's artistic journey began long before his film debut. A graduate in media and communication, Surya was a passionate dancer from a young age. At just 10 years old, he was the runner-up in a major junior dance show on Malayalam television. This early exposure to performance led to him playing the childhood version of actor Unni Mukundan in films like 'Samrajyam 2' and a role in the 'Mahabharatam' television serial.
He credits his father for his foray into acting. "That's when the question came up — why not continue this? All of it happened because my father pushed me forward and supported me. He showed me the path. Thankfully, my entire family is supportive," Surya shared. During his teenage years, he further honed his on-screen presence by working as an anchor.
Collaborating with Director Binil AB and Sreenath Bhasi
Reflecting on the making of 'Pongala', Surya had positive experiences working with both the director and his co-star. He spent considerable time with director Binil AB, particularly for his solo scenes. The director offered him crucial advice, suggesting that over-preparation could strip the character of its organic life.
His dynamic with lead actor Sreenath Bhasi was equally rewarding. "Bhasi bro was chill. During our first combination sequence, he was supportive. We shared a younger brother–elder brother vibe," Surya recounted, highlighting the comfortable and encouraging atmosphere on set.
With 'Pongala', Surya Krish continues to build his portfolio in the Malayalam film industry, blending his performance skills with stories drawn from real-life experiences.
