The Confounding Career of Suresh: A Telugu Actor Who Failed to Stall in Tamil Cinema Beyond the 80s

Introduction

Suresh, a Telugu man, is an intriguing figure in the Tamil film industry. Despite his talent and early success, he could not sustain a career in Tamil cinema, retiring far before the turn of the millennium. This article delves into the background of Suresh, the reasons behind his inability to sustain his film career beyond the 1980s, and the dynamics of the Tamil film industry during that period.

Background and Early Success

Suresh's journey in the film industry began in the 1980s and early 1990s. He was a notable player in Tamil cinema, particularly in family dramas and romantic films. Suresh, along with others like Pandian Ramki Karan, was known as a filler actor. During this time, the number of theaters in Tamil Nadu skyrocketed. In 1971, there were only 104 screens, but by 1985, this number increased to 735 screens, and by 1992, it rose to 1,850 screens, peaking at 2,100 in 1998. This massive growth in theaters created a unique market for a diverse range of films.

However, there were only a couple of major stars who could dominate the screens during crucial release times like Pongal, Diwali, and New Year. Big films with major stars would have a 130-150 day run. But what about the rest of the time? This is where films with filler actors, like Suresh, played a crucial role. These were often low-budget films with modest budgets of 25-30 lakhs, and rights sold for 40-45 lakhs. The films typically had a shoot duration of 40-50 days.

Success and Lies Ahead

One of Suresh's early successes was his first film, Paneer Pushpangal, which scored 100 days in 3 circuits. However, this success was not enough to establish a lasting brand. Suresh's mistake lay in his inability to create value or a unique brand. He acted in every film that was offered to him, whether as a supporting artist or a guest artist and even in C-grade films such as Kizhakku Africavil Sheela. Even in Pudhu Vasantham, where he played a character role in a negative shade, Suresh could not find a way to stand out.

There were exceptions, like the film Paruthiveeran, where Chittappu, once a lead actor, supported the main cast. However, the majority of Suresh's films lacked the critical and commercial attention needed to sustain a long-term career. In 1990, Suresh married and moved to Hyderabad to start a career in Telugu cinema. Despite acting in 61 films, he still did not gain traction or become a leading actor.

Comparative Analysis

By the mid-1990s, Suresh's journey found striking parallels in the careers of other potential actors, such as Daggubati Raja and Anand. Both of them, like Suresh, acted in any film they could get, regardless of the role or the quality of the film. It was only the luck of being in a film with Ajith that led to Suresh's comeback, ironically. When Suresh personally sought a return to the mainstream Tamil cinema, he approached Ajith's manager, who referred him to Ramkumar. The story of Suresh's career offers insights into the importance of choosing roles wisely and building a unique brand within the competitive and rapidly evolving film industry.

Conclusion

Suresh's career journey in Tamil cinema is a fascinating yet cautionary tale. It highlights the importance of strategic decision-making and brand building in the film industry. His path serves as a reminder that talent alone is not enough; the right choices and a clear vision can significantly influence one's success in the ever-changing world of cinema.