When 'Siruthai' became a hit, there was suddenly a lot at stake. A lot of people were telling me what to do and what not to. But at some point, you realise that's not the way to go. Good or bad, you need to be making your own choices.
— Karthi
There's so much to learn as an actor.
I dub only four hours a day for a Tamil film because my voice doesn't stay strong for long hours.
A film like 'Dangal' is universal; though it narrates a story that happened in Punjab/Haryana, we like its inspirational story and its idea of celebrating the girl child.
I am a big foodie. So, dieting really puts me off!
I love the process of filmmaking. I understood that you have to be a writer in order to be a director.
My dad was very busy with his films, and I got the opportunity to mingle with him only when I was in 10th standard. More than anna Suriya, my sister and I used to discuss many things with him. But he never, ever advised me, instead will only share his life experiences.
My role in 'Kashmora' required me to take horse riding lessons.
I don't like six-packs. If you get six-packs in a short time, it will cause health problems.
In reality, I am not in competition with any other actor except myself.
I'd like to have coffee with Farhan Akhtar. He's an all-rounder in the film industry, and I have heard many good things about how he goes about planning all his productions.
I see many youngsters giving up their IT jobs and going to farming or taking up organic farming so that kids in future will stay a bit more healthier. That's one cause I really want to take up.
For me, Surya's 'Varanam Ayiram' is a big inspiration.
Unless they excite me, I don't sign a movie.
Yes, life has certainly changed post my engagement.
When you relate to a person and are being friendly, it's easy to do a scene without looking uncomfortable.
The theme of 'Bombay' will make you fall in love with it again and again.
So many want me to do another 'Paruthiveeran'; others are fans of my 'Siruthai' avatar. Extreme expectations, but I have to strike a balance.
I think people need to understand the amount of emotions I can pull off. I want films I'm offered to have these dimensions.
Many of the characters I play are talkative - 'Oopiri' for instance - so the dubbing process gets longer.
Regardless of what film you make, you want people to watch your film, and you ultimately need commercial success.
Your entire world revolves around your kid, especially when you are a dad to a girl child. Your responsibilities become more.
If you have to grow, you should face failures.
I am not adding more films to my kitty just for the sake of money; I choose my script and do it.
Nobody can write stories like Malayalam writers.
Bejoy Nambiar had offered me 'Shaitaan' some years ago. But I wasn't confident about my Hindi.
For me, repetition is death.
When I was in the U.S., I was caught by the cops for speeding and charged a fine of 200 dollars. I didn't have so much money then - I was still a student - but I certainly didn't want to spend a night behind bars. I called a few of my friends frantically and they bailed me out of the situation.
Our country is an agriculture-based country. And slowly, we are forgetting our roots.
I loved Suriya's performance in 'Vaaranam Aayiram'; his expressions in the movie, especially the train sequences, were really fresh.
I don't have a set target on the number of films I should do in a year.
I've always wanted to do a double role.
Bollywood? Me? No way.
Many people tell me that my pairing with Tamannaah worked big time towards the success of 'Paiyaa.' In 'Siruthai,' our on-screen chemistry will crackle as we share a terrific rapport.
I have to do films for myself, films that make me learn. I also have to be an entertainer.
It's very important to play a police role convincingly. It ups you in your career. Even 'Siruthai,' in which I played a cop in one of the roles, was a gamechanger.
When 'Yuganiki Okkadu,' the Telugu dubbed version of 'Aayirathil Oruvan,' released, I didn't like dubbing for my character. Someone much older had done it, and it didn't have the flavour.
There's nothing experimental about 'Kaashmora,' as it's a blend of fantasy and entertainment. The only experiment we did was with my makeover in the film.
Writing is not my forte, but I am good at visualising.
Each time when my films get released, people always compare it with my debut film 'Parutthiveeran' and comment that nothing comes near that flick.
Sayyeesha is a great dancer.
Only Superman needs a six-pack, that's why I don't do that kind of films.
Fortunately or unfortunately, 'Baahubali' has become a benchmark for all historical-costume dramas.
'Dev' is a love story but isn't about romance. It is also about loving friends as well as family and loving every moment of life.
For me, working on the sets with Mani Ratnam is so familiar. It is the place where I grew up, so I am not nervous here.
I met lot of fighter pilots and heard their breathtaking experiences. They risk their lives for our well being. Not many understand the risks involved.
Working on my Pongal release, 'Siruthai,' was a superb experience. I really enjoyed it, as it was a pucca commercial film.
I am very selective when it comes to scripts.
I had to look powerful in 'Paruthi Veeran.'
'Mouna Ragam' is my all-time favourite, and it will always be.
