Speaking about his experience in an interaction with Onmanorama, Indrans admitted that he was initially nervous about stepping into another industry, especially in a performance-driven role alongside a major Tamil star.
“I was actually scared to act in another industry, especially in a film with Suriya,” the actor revealed. “Since it was a performance-heavy role in a new language, I was tense. The only reason I finally agreed was because the character was a Malayali.”
That hesitation now feels almost ironic, as audiences and critics continue praising his portrayal of Sukumaran, a helpless father desperately trying to recover stolen gold meant for his daughter Binu, played by Anagha Ravi.
Rather than turning the role into an overtly emotional performance, Indrans chose remarkable restraint. His portrayal quietly captures the desperation, vulnerability and emotional exhaustion of a common man caught in circumstances beyond his control. The subtle approach has resonated strongly with viewers as the film enters its third day in theatres with solid box office collections.
Indrans also disclosed that he had initially rejected the offer altogether. According to the actor, director RJ Balaji and the film’s team repeatedly reached out to convince him to reconsider.
“They kept telling me the character was Malayali. That made me feel slightly relieved,” he said. “Otherwise, I probably would not have done the film.”
The actor also spoke candidly about meeting Suriya for the first time. Despite the superstar’s massive image, Indrans said it was Suriya’s humility that left the strongest impression on him.
“This was the first time I was seeing him so closely, so naturally I felt nervous,” he shared. “But he was extremely humble and lovable. In fact, his humility itself makes you feel awkward around him.”
That warmth appears to have stayed with the actor long after filming wrapped. Indrans revealed that he has been receiving appreciation calls not only from friends but also from several people within the Tamil film industry who were moved by his performance in Karuppu.
Directed by RJ Balaji, the film follows Karuppu, played by Suriya, as he becomes entangled in a compromised legal and political system controlled by advocate Baby Kannan, portrayed by the director himself. Alongside Indrans, the film also features Malayalam actors Swasika, Unnimaya Prasad and Aju Varghese in key roles.
Amid the film’s growing success and cross-industry appreciation, the conversations around Karuppu have also gained strong traction among Malayali audiences in the Gulf, with Gold 101.3FM UAE’s No.1 radio station actively following audience reactions and updates surrounding the film.
Despite the overwhelming response, Indrans says he remains cautious about taking up more Tamil projects in the future.
“I am comfortable in Malayalam because that is what I know best,” he explained. “Tamil is a deeply respected language and I never want to go there and accidentally disrespect it because of my limitations with the language.”
The actor also recalled advice once given to him by legendary Malayalam actor Jagathy Sreekumar, who had told him that artists often experience their greatest creative freedom within their own language and cultural environment.
Perhaps that honesty is exactly what makes Indrans stand out in Karuppu. There is no visible attempt to impress audiences through exaggerated emotion or dramatic flourishes. Instead, his performance feels lived-in, deeply authentic and quietly heartbreaking — qualities that have now turned Sukumaran into one of the film’s most memorable characters.
