I'm very selective about my scripts and about how I am projected on the screen.
— Karthi
I used to watch a lot of Malayalam films in the past.
My fans loved 'Rathnavel Pandian,' as they love mass, but 'Theeran' gave me complete satisfaction.
I really want to do a Telugu movie.
The audience in Kerala have been giving a good response to my films, including 'Paiyaa' and 'Siruthai.'
My fans are indulging in social welfare activities from time to time and have also been helping economically backward students.
I've always been a fun-loving guy, and my films will always have some humour.
My parents have ensured that we never develop starry airs.
I started off as an assistant director in Mani Ratnam's 'Ayudha Ezhuthu' and 'Yuva.'
I took home the pattapatti underwear that I wore in 'Paruthiveeran' for nostalgia's sake.
I have been receiving calls from all quarters since the release of 'Madras.' I need to thank audiences for believing in me and making this film successful.
I like doing comedy.
In Tamil Nadu, watching a film on a festival is a part of our culture. People prefer going to a theatre rather than bursting crackers at home.
I would say I was not working in the real sense in 'Paiyaa.' After doing very heavy scenes in my first two films, in 'Paiya,' I was romancing a girl, talking all sorts of funny things, and doing all light things just as if I were not acting!
I want to travel all over India.
I am not a sportsperson. I used to spend all my time in front of a computer.
I loved movies and watched a lot of them. But my father insisted that I get a good education before I joined the film industry.
I always remember what my dad told me when I decided to turn into an actor. He was emphatic that whatever I do, I should get accepted by the audiences who watch my films.
Though I have done films like 'Siruthai' with larger-than-life characters, I have more of a guy-next-door image.
We should teach our children about the reality of failure. Instead of buying them iPhones and iPads, we should teach them values and reality.
My mother used to pat me instead of slapping me whenever I made a mistake.
Since one of my roles is that of a con man, I actually mingled with a few pickpockets in north Chennai to get a hang of their body language and mindset.
Suriya is more handsome than me.
I have drawn a clear line between my personal and professional life.
Even for 'Paruthi Veeran,' I'd work out for six hours every day and lost 10 kg.
I've known Radhikaa akka for a long time, and have seen her perform like a pro in front of the camera. But, to work with her and mouth dialogues in her presence had me in jitters.
Who would want to do a bad film? It's just that not all films work in my favour, and I'm fine with it.
Actors usually feel skeptical about double hero films because one character might overshadow the other, but the late scriptwriter K. Subash has penned 'Karuppu Raja Vella Raja' in such a way that Vishal and I have equal scope in the film.
I would say 'Siruthai' is a masala film with all the masalas in the right proportion.
'Paruthiveeran' was a difficult film to work on. It was my first film but a very strong character.
I must admit, strong films are more interesting to me, as, by the end of the day's shooting, you feel good.
It is a treat to do scenes where you silently enact.
I always knew I wanted to be in films, but I did not know exactly what I wanted to do.
I'm really blessed to be liked by the audiences.
I would love to do a Malayalam film if the right script and character comes along.
In my career, I have learnt how to handle failures in a matured manner.
It's always been great shooting in Kerala.
Everything is new about 'Siruthai.' This is the first time I'm playing a dual role - a thief and a police officer!
My fans are the most important people in my career, and I've always wanted to do something in return for them.
I will try to be a good husband.
I just want to be fit because I want to look nice without a shirt.
I've played heavy characters in my first two films.
I always try and do good films.
I've not done the Jackie Chan kind of stunts.
When my first film 'Paruthiveeran' released, I had no time to get excited. It was a worrying time for me. I was anxious to know how it would be accepted.
An actor has to do everything, all genres of films.
I was dying to start shooting for 'Paiyya.' I had worn no good clothes for months, and I was dying to wear good clothes. And, for 'Paiyya,' they gave me eight clothes to change in a day!
I had to go for physical training for 'Aayirathil Oruvan.' I had to do stunts which required huge leaps.
After I did my graduation in mechanical engineering, I got a scholarship to go to the U.S. to do my master's. So I did that. I also worked there for a while. After my master's, I did a course in Film Appreciation.
