As Suriya awaits the release of 'Gang' on January 12, the charming actor talks about the film's subject, why he did the film, competition this season, and more.

Tell us about 'Gang'. Seeing the trailer, one gets the hunch that it's a lighter-veined movie. How do you see it?

This has been a special film to me. Doing it, I was reminded constantly of my younger days. I have a feeling that I have done a thoroughly good film in a long time.

Director Vignesh Shivan has clarified that the film is only an adaptation of the Bollywood hit 'Special 26'. What is 'Gang' based on?

A real incident that happened in the 1980s is the basis. An exciting screenplay has been penned around it. It is a robbery incident. Through the course of the film, a relevant issue that affects the country has been touched upon.

Although its subject is the same as that of 'Special 26', the way Vignesh has treated the subject is radically different. The story unfolds in the backdrop of different places like Hyderabad, Vizag and Chennai.

You have described 'Gang' as one of the best of your movies. What made warm up to the project in the first place?

Vignesh's narration style, the way he visualized the scenes, the dialogues and the conception of the characters made me do this film. His vision is refreshingly new. That's why I wanted to be a part of this film. Anirudh Ravichander's music is also quite special about 'Gang'.

It's not easy to dub in a language one doesn't know. How was the experience of dubbing in Telugu for the first time?

Telugu is one of the most beautiful languages. I felt great dubbing in the language. If it took me just eight days to complete the dubbing process in Tamil, in Telugu, it took me 46 days! I am looking forward to improving my Telugu in the coming days.

How was it working with such senior actors like Ramya Krishna and Karthik?

It was a great experience. There is so much to learn from them. Karthik garu did a 4-minute-long scene in a single take! It was a very memorable experience to work with the senior comedian Senthil.

It may be cliched to ask, but we will ask it nevertheless. How are you looking at the competition 'Gang' is going to face from 'Agnyaathavaasi' and 'Jai Simha'?

Pawan Kalyan garu and Balakrishna garu are big stars in the Telugu states. 'Agnyaathavaasi' is coming on the 10th, two days before our film. Since this is a festival season, I think the audiences are going to watch all the films. There are a lot many theatres in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. I am thankful for UV Creations for managing this big release for 'Gang'.

You have recently started shooting for Selvaraghavan's film. What are the other projects that you have finalized?

I am looking forward to the regular schedules of Selvaraghavan's movie, which also stars Sai Pallavi and Rakul Preet Singh. I have also a film lined up in the direction of KV Anand ('Brothers' and 'Rangam' fame). As for the films in the direction of Hari (of the 'Singham' series fame) and Vikram Kumar, they are currently in the stage of discussions. I can talk about them only once they are finalized.

You recently extended your oral support to Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Vishal. Would you like to say anything more on the Tamil Nadu politics?

Rajinikanth sir and Kamal sir have just entered politics. The political situation is undergoing a change. We have to wait and watch. I hope that my state is going to witness great leaders, once again.