Pandiraj opens up on ‘Etharkkum Thunindhavan’ failure, reveals rejected Suriya’s script, and questions late praise for ‘Kathakali’ | Tamil Movie News
Following the success of the film ‘Thalaivan Thalaivii,’ director Pandiraj‘s comments in an interview regarding his previous film ‘Etharkkum Thunindhavan’ have created a stir on social media. While fans had already criticized the film starring Suriya for not being as well-received as expected, Pandiraj’s explanation has led to new debates.
Says he toiled 3 years; accepts blame
Speaking in a YouTube chat with Gopinath, Pandiraj said that “It hurts to be told that I gave a flop film to Suriya sir and a hit to others. I worked for three years on the film ‘Etharkkum Thunindhavan.’ I worked tirelessly even in the midst of COVID-19. It’s my fault that the film wasn’t well-received. But I shouldn’t let that get in the way.” He also said, “I gave my brother Karthi the hit ‘Kadaikutty Singam.’ I worked hard to give my brother an even bigger hit. But the box office collection of ‘Etharkkum Thunindhavan,’ which has been considered a flop, is higher than Suriya’s last two films.”
The unique script was rejected by Suriya
In the interview, Pandiraj also shared an important piece of information: “First, I told Suriya sir a story like ‘Michael Madana Kama Rajan.’ A very unique script. But the production company did not agree. It would have surprised everyone if that film had come out,” he said. This information has caused surprise and disappointment among fans.
Late ‘Kathakali ‘ praise raises questions
Pandiraj further added that “Now everyone is talking like they liked ‘Kathakali.’ But I didn’t know where they all went at the time of release! It was because ‘Rajinimurugan’ was a big hit on the day of release; after that, I continued with films like ‘Kadaikutty Singam’ in the same model,” he said, sparking discussion among fans and cinema circles. These honest statements by Pandiraj have created more love among his fans and mixed reviews among Suriya fans.
