Firstpost exclusive: Suriya talks about sci-fi thriller '24' and what he's got riding on it

Among the most popular stars to emerge from the South Indian film industry, Suriya is not only among the top-five actors of Kollywood, he also enjoys a phenomenal reach all over the globe. His latest film — 24 — is a sc-fi thriller directed by Vikram Kumar. It also features Samantha and Nithya Menon alongside Suriya. [caption id=“attachment_2757916” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Suriya in ‘24’[/caption] 24 releases worldwide on 6 May in Tamil and Telugu, across 2,200 screens. Suriya has a lot riding on this film, as his previous one (Mass) did not do very well at the box office. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Suriya opens up about what’s in store for audiences with 24: What is 24 all about? It is a sci-fi thriller about time travel. The film directed by Vikram Kumar is going to be an all new experience for the audiences. The film is very special for me, as I have done something different within the commercial format. How did you manage to rope in AR Rahman as the music director for the project? It was a great honour for Vikram when Rahman sir agreed to hear the script of 24 and gave him 30 minutes to narrate it. But soon he got hooked to the story and Vikram ended up with a 5-hour narration! Later, he texted us saying he is on board. The music of AR Rahman is one of the highlights of the film. Are you playing a triple role in the film, as hero and villain? [Smiles] If the trailer is any indication, I may be playing a triple role in the film. But you see the film and take a call whether I’m playing the hero or the antagonist! A lot is riding on 24, your most costly film till date. Do you feel a sci-fi film can do well in Tamil and Telugu? The landing cost of 24 would probably be between Rs 65 to 70 crores. It is produced by my 2D Entertainment Company and is being distributed by Eros International and Studio Green. The film is based on time travel but has all the basic Indian sentiments and entertainment packaging. I feel our audiences are looking for something different within the commercial format. The film has got a U certificate and is meant for kids and the family audience — like a Disney film. It is the complete summer entertainer. Regional language films from the South, especially Tamil and Telugu, are doing well in the overseas market. Why do you think that is? There is a huge south Indian population in the overseas markets, mainly USA and Europe. Thanks to the internet, our films have found acceptance among the new generation of Indian audiences. I will be attending the world premiere of 24 in USA on 5 May.