Following the success of ‘Soorarai Pottru’, there was a buzz that director Sudha Kongara would team up yet again with actor Suriya, initially for a film called ‘Purananooru’, which was later renamed ‘Parasakthi’. However, from the time the news of Suriya taking up the project to his sudden exit, it has been a hot subject of debate. Political connotation, Hindi imposition, difference in opinion – the reasons have been varied. Sudha Kongara, however, has put an end to all speculation and clarified in a recent interview the actual cause behind Suriya’s departure from the film.
Sudha Kongara reveals the birth of ‘Parasakthi’
Talking with Gopinath to Behindwoods, Sudha Kongara said that the script for ‘Parasakthi’ was written during the COVID-19 lockdown. “At that time, I called Suriya and narrated the story to him over the phone…He had agreed immediately; he was very interested and excited to do this project,” she said. This gave everyone hope that Suriya would voice star in the movie. Sudha said they didn’t have any differences in opinion regarding the theme of the film and the actor had absolutely no qualms about the script since the beginning.
Suriya stepped back due to scheduling conflicts
It was purely a matter of coincidence. “During the period in question, Suriya was preoccupied with shoots back to back. To make a film like Parasakthi, continual shooting is necessary, after which the shoot should be completed. 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. It has nothing to do with any political issue or anything,” revealed Sudha Kongara.
Sivakarthikeyan ’s immediate approval gave ‘Parasakthi’ a new beginning
Sudha Kongara further elaborated on how Sivakarthikeyan became a part of the project. “It was producer Arun Viswa, who made Maaveeran, who asked if I had a good script for Sivakarthikeyan. I immediately pitched Parasakthi’s story to him, and 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,” she said. With this explanation, Sudha Kongara has categorically ruled out that Suriya’s exit was due to unavoidable scheduling and production constraints, and not any controversy concerning the film’s theme.
