Jigarthanda Double X actors Raghava Lawrence & SJ Suryah on how the change in filmmaking is beautiful

Raghava Lawrence (left) and SJ Suryah play the leads in Karthik Subbaraj's just-released Tamil film 'Jigarthanda Double X'.

Tamil director Karthik Subbaraj brought his most-awaited Jigarthanda Double X to the theatres this Friday. The title comes up as a sequel to his popular Jigarthanda (2014). His Spaghetti Western-influenced new film has SJ Suryah and Raghava Lawrence in the lead roles, and also stars Malayalam actors Nimisha Sajayan and Shine Tom Chacko. Subbaraj has made an action thriller comic drama meta roller-coaster of a film, in which an aspiring director in 1970s Tamil Nadu tries his best to make a violent gangster film, a Western, but fails, discovers a mole in the gang, and matters go out of his control.

Suryah has, over the years, made a significant mark as both a director and an actor, a popular villain donning that '80s handlebar mustachio, and is, perhaps, one of the highest paid Indian villain.  As a director, he debuted with the Ajith-Simran-starrer blockbuster Vaali (1999), and then made Kushi (2000), New (2004), Anbe Aaruyire (2005), films that instantly connected with mass audiences. With his charismatic screen presence and the ability to portray diverse characters, he transitioned from behind the camera to in front of it, as the menacing antagonist in Spyder (2017), opposite Mahesh Babu, and in Subbaraj's Iraivi (2016). Music composition is another feather in his cap.

Lawrence, too, is known for his contributions as an actor, director, and choreographer, who started his career as a dance choreographer. He gained recognition for his performances in films like Muni (2007) and its sequels. As a director, he helmed the hit Kanchana (2011). He plans to start a charity trust to support underprivileged children's education and healthcare.

Suryah and Lawrence speak to Moneycontrol about their new film. Edited excerpts from an interview:

Raghava Lawrence (right) and SJ Suryah.

What inspired you to take up the role in Jigarthanda Double X?

Lawrence: My decision was driven by faith in Karthik Subbaraj. I trusted his vision, and there was no tension as we collaborated on this film.

Suryah, apparently you were initially hesitant about your role in Jigarthanda Double X?

Suryah: I had reservations at first, but after understanding the unique character and Karthik Subbaraj's vision, I accepted the role.

How would you describe the film and the experience of working on it?

Suryah: Jigarthanda Double X is a periodical movie with challenging dance, fights, and actions as advised by the director. Both SJ Suryah and I strictly adhered to Karthik Subbaraj's vision without interfering.

Could you share your perspective on the film's blend of commercial elements and a meaningful message?

Suryah: Jigarthanda Double Xdelivers a meaningful message along with commercial elements, and we've invested substantially in creating a unique village set to enhance the cinematic experience.

Lawrence, what can audiences expect from your character in the film?

Lawrence: Audiences will witness a new side of me in this film, with a compelling action part and emotional content in the second half.

How do you anticipate meeting the high expectations set by the success of the original Jigarthanda?

Suryah: The film has a substantial budget and extensive shooting on a village set, and we hope to meet the high expectations set by the success of Jigarthanda.

Lawrence, what's next for you in terms of projects?

I'm set to start Muni 5 and Kanchana 4 soon. Additionally, there are potential roles, including playing a villain in Rajinikanth's film.

Suryah, any plans for your own directorial project?

Suryah: Yes, I have plans to act in my own directorial project, and more details will be revealed soon.

Lawrence, you mentioned plans for a charity trust. Could you elaborate on that?

Lawrence: Indeed, I'm in the plans for opening a charity trust, and constructing a Raghavendra Swamy temple is also on my agenda.

Raghava Lawrence (right) and SJ Suryah in stills from 'Jigarthanda Double X'.

Suryah, as a director, you have given big commercial hits to Telugu actors like Pawan Kalyan and Nani? Why didn't you stick to directing?

Directing was a passion. I wanted to prove myself as a director and wanted to try my hands in it. Thankfully, the ones I directed in Telugu are huge hits. I wanted to work with other actors, too, but acting is something I cannot leave. So, chose to stick wiith it.

Isn't that the same case with you, too, Lawrence? You have also tried your hands in both.

Most of the actors would like to direct a movie. They also want to try direction. If you observe, many popular actors in the south have tried their hand at direction. When you are an actor, you know where else you can do things better, then you want to direct and satisfy the director within you. That's how I also made movies. I wanted to tell stories as a director.

There is a lot that has changed in the terms of filmmaking over the last decade. How do you look at it?

Suryah: I have seen different phases of film industry. Tamil cinema has seen some amazing changes in filmmaking in the last few years. Many young directors have come and they are here to tell stories in a way that nobody has ever thought of. They are seeing and showing cinema with a different perspective. That's a great change to welcome.

Lawrence: True. We have actors like Rajinikanth trying to break the stereotypes and do something different at his age and that is possible only because of the filmmakers who are here to show him in such way. So the change they brought is a beautiful change. There's a long way to go.