Jayasurya completes 100th movie in Malayalam cinema

One of the most popular new age actors in Malayalam cinema, Jayasurya has recently completed his 100th movie. The award winning actor, who made his dream debut through Oomapenninu Uriyada Payyan, would be playing his 100th character in Sunny directed by Ranjith Sankar. He dedicates his success to his guru, director Vinayan who gave him his first starring role. Even when he was roaming around the stages in Kerala with various mimicry troupes, Jayasurya had always desired to act in the movies. It was veteran mimicry artist Kottayam Nazir who invited Jayasurya to his Kochin Discovery troupe. From there, he entered the mini screen and then got his big break in the movies.

On controversies

Jayasurya preferred to maintain a dignified silence when the cinema industry was mired in various controversies. He asks why he should react to issues if it doesn’t make a difference. Jayasurya is someone who is always careful not to land in any controversies. The actor believes that more than responding verbally one should express his /her opinions through their actions.

Jayasurya had been spending time with his wife Sarita and their two kids at their flat in Kochi during the lockdown period. Sarita’s grandmother too stays with the family. The actor says he didn’t get bored as he spent time watching movies, thinking about new movies and playing with his kids. Meanwhile, Sarita was busy running her boutique. Customers could do virtual shopping at her boutique. The products that are purchased online would be sent through courier. Jayasurya hasn’t worked out in the gym for the last six months. However, he manages to catch some exercise using the limited facilities at his home.

Mimicry

He still likes to try out mimicry. He enjoys mimicking people who have interesting sounds. He would instantly try to mimic in case he hears unique sounds. Jayasurya doesn’t hesitate to perform a few mimicry numbers at private events and gatherings.

Jayasurya is firm when he says that he doesn’t like to portray stereotypical characters on screen. However, he confesses that he feels dejected when the audience doesn’t accept the roles that he had worked really hard for. The movie ‘Aadu’ and Jayasurya’s character Shaji Pappan weren’t received well in the theaters. But, the audience who later watched the movie in Youtube appreciated and promoted the film. Slowly, Shaji Pappan became a sensation in Kerala. Interestingly, the movie’s sequel had become a blockbuster. Now, everyone is eagerly waiting for its third part.

As producer

Jayasurya has produced 6 movies until now. His 100th movie Sunny too is bankrolled by the actor. Director Ranjith Sankar narrates the story of a person who couldn’t be as successful in life despite being extremely talented. The filming was completed by strictly following the Covid protocols.

The actor had also essayed an interesting character in Sufiyum Sujathayum that had an OTT release during the lockdown period. He really liked the character when the script was narrated to him. Jayasurya doesn’t gauge the ‘length’ of the roles when he chooses his characters. He prefers doing a meaningful role that appears in only 10 scenes rather than doing a pointless lead role.

Vellam in which he had acted before Sufiyum Sujathayum hasn’t released yet. Jayasurya plays the role of Murali, an alcoholic, in the movie. In Vellam and the more recent Sunny, sound was recorded live on the sets. Jayasurya is of the opinion that the scenes would lose its original charm when the dialogues are later dubbed in a studio. However, even if the actor makes a mistake while dubbing live on the sets, it would have a natural feeling to it. Jayasurya says he prefers spot recording even though it is an expensive affair.

Jayasurya isn’t worried that the pandemic would destroy the cinema industry. He, in fact, thinks that cinema would make a grand comeback. Jayasurya believes that the audience would definitely come back to the theaters when a mega movie that could draw crowds finally hits the screens.