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Suriya's Time-Bending Triumph: The Blockbuster South Film '24'
In the realm of the Tamil film industry, Suriya stands tall as a renowned personality, adored by a vast fan base that outshines even some of the biggest South Indian artists. With each film release, people eagerly await the arrival of their favorite star, brimming with great enthusiasm and anticipation. One such film from Suriya's illustrious career, released approximately seven years ago in 2016, managed to achieve remarkable success at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing movie with a substantial budget. Interestingly, the film's title sparked a significant debate between Suriya and Bollywood superstar Anil Kapoor. Notably, Suriya had to put in tremendous effort to secure this film opportunity, making it a crucial turning point in his career.
The Unveiling of '24'
Let us delve into the captivating world of the blockbuster South film '24', which graced theaters on May 6, 2016. This ambitious venture, with an impressive budget of 70 crores, was the brainchild of director and writer Vikram Kumar. Not content with just starring in the film, Suriya also took on the role of the film's producer. '24' marked Suriya's first foray into the intriguing realm of time travel-themed cinema, where he astoundingly portrayed three distinct characters. Accompanying him on this enthralling journey were the talented Nithya Menen and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who played the lead roles, adding depth and finesse to the narrative.
The Twist of Fate: Suriya's Selection for '24'
Interestingly, Suriya was not the director's initial choice for the protagonist in '24'. Media reports revealed that the role was initially offered to the esteemed actor Mahesh Babu, who displayed keen interest and admiration for the script. However, during the screen test, it became evident that Mahesh Babu did not quite fit the mold of all three characters with perfection, leading him to gracefully decline the offer.
This twist of fate turned out to be a golden opportunity for Suriya, who wholeheartedly embraced the project and delivered a performance of a lifetime in his triple role. His portrayal of the hero and the villain alike left the audience captivated, proving his versatility as an actor. '24' garnered immense love from viewers and received praise from critics, culminating in its massive box office success, crossing the coveted 100-crore mark.
The Controversy: Anil Kapoor's Concerns
Amidst the celebrations and accolades, a cloud of controversy loomed over the film's title. Anil Kapoor, a prominent figure in Bollywood and beyond, sent a notice to Suriya and his team, citing concerns over the film's title '24'. As per media reports, Kapoor believed that the movie bore similarities to his famous TV show, '24'. A decade prior, Kapoor had ventured into the world of American television with the iconic series '24', gaining immense popularity for its gripping storyline. Furthermore, Kapoor had acquired the rights to remake the show for the Indian audience. Hence, the use of the title '24' in Suriya's film raised apprehensions, leading Anil Kapoor to threaten legal action against Suriya and his production house, 2D Entertainment.
An Amicable Resolution
However, before the controversy could escalate into a prolonged legal battle, the two superstars demonstrated their professionalism and mutual respect by resolving the matter outside the court. Engaging in productive dialogue, they reached an amicable agreement, putting the controversy to rest and allowing both films to exist independently.
- PTC PUNJABI
