'They show how strong our people are': Tamil star Suriya speaks about Bollywood films that inspire him

Tamil superstar Suriya believes that films should give hope and inspiration, beyond entertainment. He is not against the concept of larger-than-life films, but he primarily looks for stories that inspire.

Although he has featured only in one Hindi film, "Rakht Charitra 2", by Ram Gopal Varma, as an audience he does watch a lot of Bollywood films, and the ones inspired by true stories have certainly left him impressed.

Speaking about the same, Suriya told IANS, "You always have a special place for films like Neerja, Padman, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, and Manjhi. These films somewhere take a special place in your heart. They not only tell stories but also give hope and inspiration. They show how strong our people are." 

He further spoke about larger-than-life films and said, "I have done movies like Singam and Ghajini, and I loved them. But for me movies, apart from entertainment, should have an impact. There should be some learning, something that you want to keep, something that will make you ponder. I think those takeaways are also important in movies apart from entertainment. Something that will make you think or change your beliefs...movies can do that. They help to take life decisions. I like those experiences."

His recent release "Soorarai Pottru" has been praised by many for narrating an inspiring story. The film is a fictionalised account of the life of GR Gopinath, founder of the low-cost airline Air Deccan.

"It is not a biopic. It's a blend of a lot of instances. We have not named the main character Gopinath. Definitely his army backdrop, then being a teacher`s son, and getting into the airline industry -- all these are said in a different way in the movie. It's more dramatic, making it a wonderful watch," said Suriya. 

(Inputs from IANS)