Suriya begins shooting for his first feature with director Pandiraj

Actor Suriya, who was seen recently in Sudha Kongara’s Soorarai Pottru (2020), began shooting on Monday for his next Tamil project with filmmaker Pandiraj. The project, which is not yet titled, marks the maiden collaboration of Suriya and Pandiraj.

Though Suriya had produced Pandiraj's Pasanga 2 (2015) and even had a cameo in it, this is the first time he and the filmmaker are joining hands for a full-length project.

While the makers haven’t officially announced the full cast list, it is learnt that Vinay Rai will play the antagonist while Priyanka Arul Mohan will be the leading lady.

A recent report in The Times of India newspaper revealed that Priyanka had been signed as the leading lady.

“The film will be a rural action entertainer," the report quoted a source as saying, "and the team was looking at an actress who could perform as well as look the part. They have zeroed in on Priyanka.”

Suriya currently has multiple projects in his kitty. He was seen recently in the Tamil biographical drama Soorarai Pottru, which skipped a theatrical release and was premiered on Amazon Prime directly. The film is based on the life of Captain GR Gopinath, founder of the now-defunct low-cost airline Air Deccan.

Suriya recently completed shooting for the upcoming Netflix original film Navarasa (2021). This project marks his reunion with director Gautham Menon after many years. They had previously worked together on Kaakha Kaakha (2003) and Vaaranam Aayiram (2008).

Navarasa is a joint venture between Netflix India and filmmaker Mani Ratnam, who is bankrolling the project along with filmmaker Jayendra. The film will feature nine shorts directed by nine filmmakers on the theme of nine ‘rasas’. The project marks the digital debut of Tamil movie stars Suriya and Vijay Sethupathi.

Suriya also has a film each with directors Vetrimaaran and Siva. While Vetrimaaran’s film will be based on the book Vaadivasal by CS Chellappa, Siva’s is expected to be a rural actioner.