Jai Bhim' a relevant film, not just another entertainer: Suriya

Mumbai: South star Suriya says his upcoming courtroom drama "Jai Bhim" is a film with tremendous recall value as it aims to raise several important questions through its biting portrayal of a community's quest for justice.

The film is based on true events that happened in the 1990s in Tamil Nadu and follows the story of a couple, Senggeni and Rajakannu, from the Irular tribal community.

When Rajakannu is arrested on false charges and later goes missing from police custody, his wife takes the help of Advocate Chandru, played by Suriya, to find her husband.

In a group interaction on Zoom, the 46-year-old actor said he now tends to gravitate towards films like "Jai Bhim", which spark a larger societal conversation.

Directed by Tha Se Gnanavel, "Jai Bhim" is essentially about the journey of one man who rose against odds and championed the cause of justice for the oppressed.

When he was approached for the film, Suriya said he was deeply moved by its intention and how it shone a light on the functioning of the system.

"Jai Bhim" also stars Prakash Raj, Rao Ramesh, Rajisha Vijayan, Manikandan, and Lijo Mol Jose in pivotal roles.

Though the film takes a hard look at the invisibilised community, Suriya said "Jai Bhim" is not a commentary on modern-day politics.

The film is gearing up for a release on Prime Video on November 2 in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

Suriya said "Jai Bhim" went through a series of ups and downs during its production as the film was being mounted amid the coronavirus lockdown last year. Things derailed further when he contracted COVID-19 earlier this year.

The decision to skip a theatrical release was then fueled by the lack of clarity on the nationwide reopening of cinema halls and the success of his last film, "Soorarai Pottru", which had also released on the streamer.

"The film started 10 days before the lockdown happened. Then later when we wrapped up and were moving on to the third schedule, the second wave happened. I got badly affected. I was hospitalised and was there for five days with an oxygen mask. We were not aware when a nice theatrical release would happen.

"With OTT (over-the-top platform) we saw what happened to 'Soorarai Pottru' - we were able to tap into new territories and audiences. Of course, the theatrical experience is different, but I am glad this (film's release) is happening with Prime Video," he added.

"Jai Bhim" is produced by Suriya and Jyotika under the banner of 2D Entertainment.