For director RS Durai Senthilkumar, a hero is not just a character; it’s an ordinary man endowed with the grit, resilience, and capability to handle the extraordinary. His upcoming action film, Garudan, delivers a God’s eye view of three such heroes, making the film feel like a relay race. “Each of them takes up the baton and spearheads this story one after the other,” says Durai, underscoring the multi-hero dynamic that sets Garudan apart.
This ensemble approach isn’t new to Durai; it’s a hallmark of his filmmaking craft, influenced by his interactions with iconic directors Balu Mahendra and Vetri Maaran. “These traits likely stem from my experiences with them. A story told over two hours never thrives as a one-sided tale; it risks becoming formulaic. Strong supporting characters are crucial for enriching drama and intensifying conflict,” Durai notes.
Historically, Tamil cinema heroes have shied away from sharing the spotlight. However, Durai observes a shift as larger productions now often require multiple lead artists. “Heroes understand this change,” he states. Actor Soori, for instance, who significantly turned serious actor with Vetri Maaran’s Viduthalai, chose a multi-hero film like Garudan for his second outing as a lead. “He recognizes that despite the ensemble, he can shine in such a narrative.”
Garudan features Sasikumar and Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan as best friends, while Soori assumes the role of a vigilant protector of Unni’s character. This trio may remind some viewers of the Kishore-Dhanush-Daniel Balaji dynamic in Polladhavan or the Ameer-Samuthirakani-Dhanush relationship in Vada Chennai. Durai’s own 2016 hit, Kodi, featured a dual-role anchor of Dhanush and Trisha, and a brother figure portrayed by Dhanush. “Maybe that’s something I’ve picked up from Vetri sir,” Durai laughs.
Casting is the linchpin of Garudan’s buzz. Sasikumar, a staple for rural action films, was a natural choice.
. “We wanted a compelling counterpart to Sasikumar, which led us to Unni Mukundan, especially after his film Malikappuram succeeded in Tamil,” explains Durai.
Interestingly, the decision to cast Soori predates his acclaimed performance in Viduthalai. Durai reveals that the collaboration began while assisting Vetri Maaran on Viduthalai’s arduous train sequences. “Soori sir suggested a compelling character sketch, which intrigued me, and it birthed Garudan’s screenplay,” Durai recounts.
Soori’s transformation into a serious actor and the anticipated success of his upcoming film Kottukkaali have generated high expectations for Garudan. “Though it’s being marketed primarily as Soori’s film, I hope audiences appreciate the balanced storytelling that introduces multiple dimensions,” Durai shares.
Garudan’s release comes amid a peculiar phase for Tamil cinema, with box-office numbers dwindling while older films enjoy resurgent success. Durai remains optimistic, attributing recent dips to cyclical trends. “Ghilli remains the undisputed pinnacle of commercial Tamil cinema. There’s no universal recipe for what resonates with audiences today; it’s largely probabilistic,” Durai muses.
He points out that the packaging of commercial films might evolve, influenced by global cinema standards, especially as viewed through streaming platforms. “People are now consuming a diversified range of content, which pressures films to stay true to their genres without unnecessary embellishments,” Durai observes.
In Garudan, Durai is confident in elements that will appeal visually and emotionally to audiences. “Soori’s performance is exceptionally watchable. Moreover, like specific moments that turned Kodi into a hit, Garudan features several such transformative scenes,” Durai assures.
As Garudan gears up for its grand release this Friday, on May 31, Tamil cinema awaits to see if this action drama will invigorate the box offices and set new benchmarks for multi-hero films. The anticipation is palpable, with fans eager to witness how these intertwining stories and characters unfold across the silver screen. Will Garudan soar as the new high-flying hero epic of Tamil cinema? Only time will tell.
