‘Youth’ Actor Suraj Venjaramoodu says theatres transform films into experiences unlike any other medium today

After making a mark with ‘Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2’, Suraj Venjaramoodu is back in Tamil cinema with ‘Youth’, a coming-of-age drama helmed by Ken Karunaas. Known for his versatile performances in Malayalam films, Suraj steps into the shoes of a parent in this theatrical release that aims to connect with audiences across age groups.Recalling his first interaction with Ken Karunaas, Suraj shares how the narration itself left a lasting impression. “When Ken had come down to Kerala to narrate the story, he performed every character with the required emotions. It was the first time I heard such a narration. He was like Anniyan, who was on fire and had made me feel I was watching a film. In fact, his narration had re-recording too. I was able to watch the full film and now when I see it, ‘Youth’ has come out bigger than we expected,” he shared with OTT Play.Initially unsure about collaborating with a debutant director, Suraj admits that Ken’s conviction changed his mind. “I see myself in him. In my early stages, someone had given me a chance, and it is my turn to do so. He had also taken so much efforts to reach me out,” he adds. He emphasises that ‘Youth’ is not restricted to teenagers alone, but resonates with audiences of all generations.Despite primarily working in Malayalam cinema, Suraj believes that language does not alter the core of acting.

“The approach towards a character is same and the source is the script. I should know the background of the role. Like for example, in ‘Youth’, my character is a Malayali. The approach is same to all characters, but I take the emotions and approach of that language from the observations and setting it is based on,” he explains.

Why cinema still stands apart

At a time when entertainment is consumed across reels, OTT platforms, and digital formats, Suraj strongly backs the theatrical experience.

“Cinema is always different. Theatres give you an experience, while other forms of medium can only make you watch a content. Big screens have the special power to make you experience a story,” he says, underlining the unmatched impact of cinema halls.

Journey of constant learning

From playing a menacing role in ‘Veera Dheera Sooran’ to being part of impactful films like ‘The Great Indian Kitchen’, ‘Android Kunjappan’, and ‘L2: Empuraan’, Suraj has explored a wide spectrum of characters.

Yet, he insists that the learning never stops. “I am still learning and there is lots to do. Acting is a continuous process,” he shares.Having spent over two decades in the industry, the actor highlights the difference in working across languages. While Malayalam films allow him more spontaneity, Tamil projects require structured preparation. “If I am doing a Malayalam film and I know everything about the story, I can say a dialogue or improvise on spot. But in Tamil, I have to learn the language… there is preparation time needed,” he notes.

What's next for Suraj Venjaramoodu

Suraj’s Tamil journey is only getting bigger, with projects like ‘Kara’ starring Dhanush, ‘Jailer 2’ featuring Rajinikanth, and ‘Texla’ directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth already in the pipeline.