Showing posts with label Soorarai Pottru. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Soorarai Pottru. Show all posts
The world wants to see how India lives, moves and dances-Guneet Monga
9:20 AM
Shreya Varanasi (BOMBAY TIMES; July 31, 2025)
When The Elephant Whisperers made history at the Oscars 2023, it wasn’t just a proud moment for Guneet Monga — it was a milestone for Indian storytelling. Sharing the spotlight with Naatu Naatu’s big win that same night, Guneet remembers being awed by the impact of Telugu cinema on the global stage.
In a chat with Hyderabad Times, the producer, who was in town for the ‘Golden Lens’ symposium hosted by YFLO, opened up about her journey, the growing resonance of local stories, and her admiration for Tollywood. “I’m a big fan and would love to produce a Telugu film someday, if the stars align,” she said. “I’m always thinking about how I can add value to a project, and if there’s a meaningful way to contribute, I’d be more than happy to be involved.”
‘RRR is one of the best examples of how local stories resonate globally’
For Guneet, the success of Indian films on the world stage boils down to authenticity. “RRR is one of the best examples of how a deeply local story can have global resonance. Whether it’s Baahubali or RRR, our culture, language, and music captivate audiences around the world.”
It’s not just the big, grand spectacles that travel well. Films like The Lunchbox, Masaan, and The Elephant Whisperers also struck a chord globally because they’re rooted, real, and unmistakably Indian, she reckons. “These are the stories the world wants. People may not travel here, but they’re deeply curious about India, our culture, our people, and even our dances.”
‘My memories of Hyderabad are all about great food and vibrant places’
Guneet finds something enchanting about Hyderabad every time she visits. “My memories of Hyderabad are all about great food and vibrant places. And what really fascinates me is the number of lehenga stores! I always find myself looking at those big wedding wear storefronts, they’re everywhere.” There’s one Hyderabad staple she’s looking to discover more of though. “A really good biryani! I don’t have a go-to spot yet, but I’d love to try one.”
‘Many films have left an impact on me’
Whether it’s the timeless charm of Bollywood or the quiet brilliance of international indies, Guneet draws inspiration from across the spectrum. “My first memory of cinema was watching Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. I was completely obsessed with the love story and the romance,” she recalls, adding, “And then I remember watching Boyhood on a flight, it completely blew my mind. I couldn’t stop thinking about how someone could film for so many years (the film was shot across 12 years from 2002–2013) and piece it together. That kind of ambitious storytelling inspires me.”
‘Portrayal of women is something I deeply care about’
Known for championing strong women-centric narratives, Guneet believes the strength of a woman’s portrayal lies in thoughtful writing, not just lead roles. “One of the films I’m proud to have produced is Soorarai Pottru. Though it was Suriya sir’s film, Aparna Balamurali’s character sparked meaningful conversation,” she says, adding, “In The Elephant Whisperers, Bellie stood out so beautifully, just like Huma Qureshi did in Gangs Of Wasseypur.”
For her, what matters most is depth. “Even submissive characters must have redemption. The portrayal of women is something I deeply care about as a producer.”
‘I fall in love with scripts that move or challenge me’
Reflecting on her journey post-Oscar, Guneet said the recognition has opened doors and pushed her to dream bigger. “It expanded what’s possible for me as a filmmaker,” she said. But for her, it’s never about chasing a trend. “I fall in love with scripts that move or challenge me,” she added. Among the stories she’s hoping to bring to the screen someday is a full-fledged female-led action film. “I think we’re ready for that, and I’d love to be part of making it happen.”
‘We’re building a space for women in cinema to connect, be heard & create change’
At the ‘Golden Lens’ symposium hosted by YFLO, Guneet struck a chord with an audience of over 200 with a nearly two-hour-long conversation as candidly she spoke about the highs and heartbreaks of her journey. “Life gave me 10 ‘Nos’ before a single ‘Yes’, but I chose to celebrate every ‘No.’ Because each one took me a step closer,” she said, drawing applause.
She also spoke passionately about the Women in Film – India Chapter, part of the global WIF network. “Less than 10% of Indian film directors are women. That reality deeply concerns me,” she said, adding, “Through this chapter, we want to build a space where women in cinema can connect, be heard, and create lasting change.”
I thought, ‘Suriya can sell ice to an eskimo’. That’s the same quality I saw in Akshay Kumar-Sudha Kongara
8:46 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 9, 2024)
It’s not often that a filmmaker remakes their own film a few years after the release of the original. But with Sarfira, which is slated for release this month, Sudha Kongara has. The Akshay Kumar-starrer is the Hindi version of her National Award-winning Tamil film Soorarai Pottru (2020).
What prompted the remake? “With so much new content being released, I feel the film’s been forgotten,” she says.
Although OTT helped the film reach audiences in north India, she feels it deserved a bigger release: “I was shocked that a Tamil film was trending in Rajasthan and Chandigarh, but a small percentage saw it overall. I strongly believe it’s a theatrical film.”
Kongara reveals Kumar was her first choice for the remake because he shares “many similarities” with Suriya, who played the lead in the original and has a cameo in the remake. “When I approached Suriya, I thought, ‘He can sell ice to an eskimo’. That’s the same quality I saw in Akshay sir. I didn’t have any doubts about either of them,” she ends.
"I got to know at the last moment who my co-star was," says Radhika Madan on being paired opposite Akshay Kumar
3:21 PM
As her casting opposite Akshay in Soorarai Pottru’s remake sparked discussion over their 27-year age gap, Radhika says she chose the film for its powerful content
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 2, 2023)
When choosing projects, Radhika Madan has a simple rule — go by your instinct. That’s exactly what she did when she gave her nod to Kacchey Limbu, which dropped on Jio Cinema last month.
“[Before] saying yes to Kacchey Limbu, I heard all sorts of advice about the films that work today, and how young actors should position themselves. But I chose it because I knew in my gut that this is a film I should do. When a script like this comes, you have to remind yourself why you became an actor in the first place. It’s hard to take risks with such films, but I don’t want to win the race, I want to enjoy it,” she starts, evidently taken by the movie about sibling revelry.
While Shubham Yogi’s directorial venture — which had its première at the Toronto International Film Festival last year — aligns with the actor’s vision, her decision to team up with Akshay Kumar for the Soorarai Pottru remake seems uncharacteristic of her. The 27-year age gap between the leads was widely discussed on social media, especially since Madan has established herself as someone who wouldn’t conform to the lure of doing a star project just to have a big-ticket movie to her name.
“I was in love with Soorarai Pottru [2020], and the character essayed by Aparna [Balamurali]. I didn’t even know who was co-starring with me. I got to know at the last moment who my co-star was. My instinct was right [about the film]. After we finished shooting the remake, [the original] won five National Awards. I made the right choice of finding the right movie, regardless of who I am acting with.”
While she has the Soorarai Pottru remake and Sanaa in the pipeline, we wonder about the sequel to Madan’s film Shiddat (2021). Rumours are rife that she has been replaced by Parineeti Chopra. Madan clams up about it, only stating, “I have no idea about it. The makers are the right people to answer this.”
Akshay Kumar didn’t make me feel that he is a megastar. He is so grounded-Radhika Madan
8:34 AM
Unfazed about comparisons with Aparna’s act in Soorarai Pottru, Radhika says she has brought a new flavour to her role in the official Hindi remake of Suriya's hit Tamil drama
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; January 13, 2023)
Remaking a popular film can be a risky move. But a change in approach can make a recreation seem new, says Radhika Madan, who stars in the Soorarai Pottru remake opposite Akshay Kumar. Inspired by the life of Air Deccan founder G R Gopinath, the 2020 Tamil original starred Suriya and Aparna Balamurali. Madan says she has brought her own interpretation to the role in the Hindi adaptation helmed by Sudha Kongara.
“I didn’t think about the comparisons. I love the original. But my job is not to play the same character because people have already seen that. So, I have approached the character in a different way, and brought a new flavour so that they aren’t reminded of Aparna. When I went on the set, I almost forgot about the original film,” she states.
The actor’s job was made easier with the support of her director and co-actor. “Akshay sir didn’t make me feel that he is a megastar. He is so grounded. Everyone wants to work with Sudha ma’am. She is so honest in her work. Just by being in their company, I learnt so much.”
The past year has been hectic for Madan as she shot for six films. But it also brought a wealth of lessons. Filming with Tabu, Pooja Bhatt and Kumar for Kuttey, Sanaa and the Soorarai Pottru remake respectively has enriched her as an artiste, she says.
“They are above the rut and the chase. [I am] still finding my footing. [In contrast], they know who they are. So now, they work purely for their love of the art. The clarity that they have is what I would want in my life.”
One can never have a dull moment when shooting with Akshay Kumar-Saurabh Goyal
11:08 AM
'Chhorii' actor Saurabh ecstatic to team up with idol Kumar in 'Soorarai Pottru' remake
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 26, 2022)
It took almost a decade for Saurabh Goyal to bag a lead role in a Hindi film. After playing significant parts in several shows and web series, including 'The Test Case' (2018) and 'The Final Call' (2019), the actor was seen opposite Nushrratt Bharuccha in 'Chhorii' (2021). While the film may have received an underwhelming response, he caught the attention of director Sudha Kongara, who roped him in for the Hindi remake of 'Soorarai Pottru' (2020).
Goyal, who recently wrapped up the Akshay Kumar-starrer, is elated to have worked with his cine idol. He shares, “One can never have a dull moment when shooting with Akshay sir. I am fortunate to have worked with him for so many days on such an inspiring project. 'Soorarai Pottru' is a huge film, and I can’t imagine anyone except Akshay sir leading the Hindi remake. He is a versatile actor, and has the intensity that one needs to drive this film.”
The biopic, a remake of the 2020 Suriya starrer, is based on the life of the Air Deccan founder G R Gopinath, who made air travel affordable for the common man. While Kumar steps into Gopinath’s shoes, Goyal’s character, too, is inspired by a real-life person. “Since my character hails from a certain part of Mumbai, I visited the place to get an understanding of its [residents’] lives. I studied their lifestyle and body language to do justice to my part.”
68th National Awards: Ajay Devgn, Suriya win big
8:30 AM
Winners of the 68th National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi on Friday
HINDUSTAN TIMES (July 23, 2022)
Honouring the best of 2020’s cinematic excellence, the 68th National Film Awards were announced on Friday in the Capital. The report related to the awards was submitted to the Information and Broadcasting Minister, Anurag Thakur, and 10 jury members, headed by filmmaker Vipul Shah, took the final call.
Ajay Devgn and Suriya shared the Best Actor award. Devgn won it for the period drama Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior and Suriya for Soorarai Pottru. His co-star in the movie, Aparna Balamurali, won the Best Actress award.
Devgn on receiving his third National Award said, “I’m elated to win the Best Actor Award along with Suriya. I thank everyone, most of all my creative team, the audience and my fans. I also express my gratitude to my parents and the Almighty for their blessings.”
Soorarai Pottru won the Best Feature Film, while Tanhaji... was declared the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Nachiket Barve and Mahesh Sherla won the Best Costume Designer award for the same movie.
Child actor Varun Buddhadev got a special jury mention for the Sanjay Dutt and Rajiv Kapoor-starrer Toolsidas Junior, which also won the Best Feature Film, Hindi. It was also Kapoor’s last film before he died in Feb 2021.
Lyricist Manoj Muntashir won the National Award for Best Lyrics for Saina. Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj bagged the award for Best Music Direction (non-feature films section) for 1232 Kms: Marenge Toh Wahin Jaakar. HTC
Anurag Thakur, Union Minister for I&B, told ANI, “I want to congratulate all the jury members and all those people whose work was reviewed and would like to congratulate the recipients. A word of appreciation for everyone who has done an outstanding job.”
Winners
Best Feature Film: Soorarai Pottru; Tamil
Best Actress: Aparna Balamurali (Soorarai Pottru)
Best Actor: Suriya (Soorarai Pottru) & Ajay Devgn (Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior; Hindi)
Best Lyrics: Manoj Muntashir (Saina; Hindi)
Best Costume Designer: Nachiket Barve & Mahesh Sherla (Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior)
Best Music Direction in Non-Feature Films: Vishal Bhardwaj (1232 Kms: Marenge Toh Wahin Jaakar; Hindi)
Radhika Madan opposite Akshay Kumar in Soorarai Pottru’s adaptation that rolls this summer
8:37 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 24, 2022)
After south superstar Suriya made waves with Soorarai Pottru (2020), it is Akshay Kumar’s turn to bring the story alive for the Hindi audience, under the supervision of Sudha Kongara who had helmed the original. One hears that Radhika Madan has joined the cast of the remake, and will reprise the role essayed by Aparna Balamurali in the original.
A source says, “The film is in pre-production stage, with the director having reportedly set the adaptation in western India. In all likelihood, Radhika will play a woman from rural Maharashtra. She will have to learn a specific dialect before the film goes on floors.”
The Tamil drama is loosely based on the life of Air Deccan founder G R Gopinath, who made air travel affordable for the common man. Abundantia Entertainment has bought the official rights for the remake. While the actors have yet to sign on the dotted line, the makers hope to begin workshops this month, thus setting the stage for a summer shoot.
mid-day reached out to the team of Abundantia Entertainment, who remained unavailable for comment.
Madras High Court passes stay order on Hindi remake of Suriya’s Tamil film Soorarai Pottru
7:57 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; August 5, 2021)
It was recently announced that the critically acclaimed Tamil film Soorarai Pottru, which featured South star Suriya, will be remade in Hindi. The Tamil movie, which was released in November 2020 on a digital platform, was inspired by the life of Captain G R Gopinath, founder of Air Deccan and pioneer of low-cost aviation in India. Now, BT has learnt that the Madras High Court has directed a stay on the recently announced Hindi remake. An injunction restraining Suriya’s 2D Entertainment from exploiting the Hindi rights of the film based on the book Simply Fly — A Deccan Odyssey authored by Captain G R Gopinath has been issued.
The original film in Tamil was made by Guneet Monga’s Sikhya Entertainment and Suriya’s 2D Entertainment. Sikhya Entertainment had approached the Madras High Court against the latter over the rights of the film, including the remake in Hindi. Earlier this month, Abundantia Entertainment, known for backing prominent films like Sherni, Shakuntala Devi, Airlift and Toilet - Ek Prem Katha, had announced that they would be collaborating with 2D Entertainment for the Hindi remake of Soorarai Pottru.
On probing why Sikhya Entertainment approached the Madras High Court, a source informed us, “Sikhya Entertainment and 2D Entertainment had made Soorarai Pottru together, and they were supposed to make the Hindi film together, too. However, apparently, 2D Entertainment selling the rights to Abundantia Entertainment without Sikhya’s consent and not fulfiling obligations under the original agreement between them led to Sikhya making the move.”
Critically-acclaimed Tamil film Soorarai Pottru to be remade in Hindi
8:09 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (July 12, 2021)
Two of India’s leading content creators and producers, 2D Entertainment and Abundantia Entertainment, have joined hands to remake the critically-acclaimed Tamil film Soorarai Pottru (Praise The Brave) in Hindi. The film showcases an emotional and impactful story based on the life of Nedumaaran Rajangam or Maara, played by Suriya, who sets out to ensure that the common man, too, can fly, and in the process, takes on the world’s most capital-intensive industry.
The film was partly inspired by events in the life of Air Deccan founder, Captain G R Gopinath. It made history by being the only Indian film to be ranked third on IMDb’s highest-rated films list. While the casting is underway, the director of the original, Sudha Kongara, will helm the Hindi remake as well.
Abundantia Entertainment, led by Vikram Malhotra, constantly endeavours to be audience-focused in its approach to tell inspiring stories. Their films, much like the recently released Vidya Balan-starrer Sherni, Shakuntala Devi, Airlift and Toilet - Ek Prem Katha, have always made an impact. 2D Entertainment, led by Suriya, actor Jyotika Sadanah and Rajsekar Pandian, believes in harnessing the power of great stories to touch people’s lives, besides entertaining them. Their diverse range of films such as Ponmagal Vandhal, 24 and Soorarai Pottru echo this sentiment.
Singer Jonita Gandhi to make her acting debut with a Tamil movie
8:15 AM
Sharanya Cr (BOMBAY TIMES; March 1, 2021)
Singer Jonita Gandhi is all set to make her debut as an actress with the Tamil film Walking/Talking Strawberry Ice Cream. The romantic drama, helmed by Vinayak V, has South actor Krishnakumar (aka KK) playing the lead.
Vinayak says, “Though it’s a romance drama, it’s not the regular boy-meets-girl movie. This film will take the audience on a nostalgic trip, with the hero reminiscing about his past and reliving those memories. Since this is a love story, the film will be musically driven. We will be finalising the composer soon.”
Talking about his lead pair, the director says, “After seeing Soorarai Pottru, I felt he would be apt for the role. He has a theatre background. Since I needed a method actor, I feel KK is the best find. As for Jonita, I needed a fresh face. She has certain traits that are very similar to what I’ve sketched for the character. She listened to the narration and came on board immediately. I didn’t have to coax her because she loved the role.”
I am trying my best to learn Hindi-Suriya
8:14 AM
As he awaits Soorarai Pottru's release, South star Suriya discusses why he won't explore Bollywood without perfecting the language
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; November 11, 2020)
Given his pan-India popularity, one would have expected Suriya to break the language barrier and explore Hindi cinema. However, the South superstar has been content taking the Tamil film industry by storm. The actor, who is counting the hours to the release of his ambitious film Soorarai Pottru, acknowledges that he is divided about making Bollywood his next stop. "I don't believe in just delivering a dialogue; I should be able to emote through the language. I can't give it my all as an actor if I don't get the language. I am trying my best to learn Hindi," reveals Suriya.
For now though, his attention is trained on the Guneet Monga-backed offering that chronicles the life of Air Deccan founder G R Gopinath. "He hails from Karnataka, and changed the aviation industry of India. He granted us the permission to make a film, and I am happy to take his story across the country."
Unlike his past releases that are marked with hoots and whistles in cinemas, Soorarai Pottru will premiere on Amazon Prime Video. The actor-producer asserts that a digital release is pragmatic, given the current circumstances. "Hopefully, six months later, we can initiate a discussion with Amazon about taking the film to the theatres. That way, people who still want to watch it in theatres will have the opportunity," explains the actor.
Most stars in the South film industry are disciplined-Paresh Rawal
8:23 AM
Making his Tamil debut with Suriya-led Soorarai Pottru, Paresh Rawal discusses how the South industry is streamlined
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; November 8, 2020)
At 65, Paresh Rawal is ready to chart a new inning—the actor is set to make his Tamil debut with Soorarai Pottru, which is based on the life of Air Deccan founder G R Gopinath and features Suriya in the lead. In his first brush with the South film industry, the veteran is evidently impressed with its efficiency.
"It is such a joy to work with Suriya. He is such a huge star with [a massive following] across the nation, but he never behaves like one. Most stars here are so disciplined and focused; they don't throw a tantrum on set or throw their weight around. In the '90s, people appreciated the working style of the South industry. Here, your shoot gets over on time, you get your payment on time, and so on. If the director has called for a 9 am shift, the entire team will be present, regardless of how big a star one is," he says.
Rawal, who had collaborated with then-newcomer Jyothika in Doli Saja Ke Rakhna (1998), is amused how fate has now united him with Suriya. "After so many years, here I am, working with her husband!"
The actor plays an antagonist in the Guneet Monga-backed offering that drops on Amazon Prime Video on November 12. If finding his rhythm in another industry was easy, learning the language was an uphill task. "The people are simple, but their language is difficult for me. The team was patient with me as I learnt all the lines by heart. They constantly helped me with the dialogues."
On the Bollywood front, Rawal recently wrapped up shooting for Hungama 2. Talking about filming in the post-COVID world, he says, "The Coronavirus is not [abating] anytime soon, and we can't be sitting at home. So, one has to be alert and maintain social distancing while working. I will head to Chandigarh soon to shoot another film."
Shahid Kapoor approached for Hindi adaptation of Suriya-starrer Soorarai Pottru?
8:03 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 17, 2020)
Among the most awaited Tamil offerings of the year is Suriya-starrer Soorarai Pottru, based on the life of Air Deccan founder and pioneer of low-cost aviation in India, G R Gopinath. Even as the film was being shot, rumours suggested that producers Suriya and Guneet Monga were keen on making it in Hindi as well. Now, it is learnt that the makers have approached Shahid Kapoor to play the lead.A source says, "The film was always supposed to be made in multiple languages. Shahid enjoyed a mammoth hit in Kabir Singh last year, which was the Hindi adaptation of the Telugu blockbuster Arjun Reddy. So, he was the first choice of the makers. The actor is currently going through the script. After the leading man is locked, the team will zero in on the principal cast." If Kapoor gives his nod, it will be his third South remake after the upcoming Jersey.
mid-day reached out to Kapoor who did not respond until the time of going to press.
Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga hires an aircraft for grand song launch of Soorarai Pottru
8:23 AM
Pulling out all stops with her first big-budget movie based on Air Deccan founder, Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga organises a grand song launch with Suriya in aircraft
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 20, 2020)
With the success of her independent ventures, producer Guneet Monga showed Bollywood that small can be beautiful. But, in what she considers natural progression, Monga — the champion of indie cinema in India — is steering towards big-budget films. The producer is backing the Tamil movie, Soorarai Pottru, which is based on the life of Air Deccan founder G R Gopinath and features superstar Suriya in the lead.Interestingly, the makers recently hired an aircraft for the song launch. "We launched our first song mid-air, on an aircraft, three days ago. We took 100 underprivileged children for a ride on a Boeing 737 in Chennai," reveals Monga.
She adds that since the movie traces the life of the pioneer of low-cost aviation in India, large portions of the film have been shot inside real aircraft. Ask her why she chose to back a Tamil movie for her first big-budget project, and Monga says that plans are afoot for the Bollywood remake of the April release. "We procured the rights to tell [Gopinath's] story, developed the material and approached Suriya, who instantly came on board. Tamil and Telugu cinema are as huge as Bollywood. As this film nears release, I would love to make a Hindi version of it."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)