S.J. Surya

20 Jul, 1968 | Vasudevanallur, Tirunelveli district

Actor/Singer/Director

Biography

S.J. Surya is an Indian actor, director, screenwriter, composer, producer, and music director who works predominantly in the Tamil film industry. He is known for his versatile acting skills and has starred in a wide range of films, from action to comedy to drama. He has also directed several successful films, including Vaali (1999), Kushi (2000), and Isai (2015). He is an outspoken actor who is known for his bold and unconventional choices. Personal Background S.J. Surya was born Justin Selvaraj Samanasu Pandian on July 20, 1968, to Sammanasu Pandian and Anandham in Vasudevanallur, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. He has an older sister, Selvi, and an older brother, Victor. He studied BA Sociology at Loyola College, Chennai. Acting Debut He made his acting debut in the uncredited role of a villager in the 1988 film Nethiyadi . He continued to appear in small roles in films such as Kizhakku Cheemayile (as a bull trainer) and Aasai (as an auto driver). In 2000, he had a small role in the Vijay-starrer Kushi. However, it was his leading role in the 2004 film New that established him as a star. Career Breakthrough After honing his skills as an assistant director under Vasanth and Sabapathy, Surya made his directorial debut with the critically and commercially successful film Vaali in 1999. Starring Ajith Kumar in the lead role, Vaali launched Surya's career as a director. He made his acting debut in 2004 with a guest appearance in the film Naani, but through the 2005 film New, he made a full-fledged breakthrough as a star. In New, he played a young man who is framed for a crime he did not commit. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it established Surya as a versatile actor who could handle any role. Surya continued to impress with his performances in films like Anbe Aaruyire (2005), Kalvanin Kadhali (2006), and Thirumagan (2007). However, it was his role in the 2017 film Spyder that truly showed his range. In Spyder, Surya played a ruthless villain who was determined to destroy the hero. His performance was so chilling that it earned him the Vijay Award for Best Villain. In recent years, Surya has continued to experiment with different genres. He has starred in action films like Mersal (2017) and Maanaadu (2021), as well as dramas like Nenjam Marappathillai (2021) and Kadamaiyai Sei (2022). He has also directed several films, including the critically acclaimed Isai (2015). He is a true artist who is not afraid to take risks. He is a force to be reckoned with in the Tamil film industry, and he is sure to continue to entertain and amaze audiences for many years to come.