Suriya was my inspiration to make pan-India films: SS Rajamouli

Director SS Rajamouli, at the pre-release event of Kanguva in Hyderabad, called Suriya his inspiration to make pan-India films. He further added that he missed an opportunity to work with him. As the release of Kanguva is nearing, the makers are leaving no stones unturned with the promotions. After the 3D trailer launch in Chennai on November 7, the team hosted a pre-release event in Hyderabad in the evening.
Speaking at the event, the RRR director recalled the time when Suriya promoted his film Ghajini in the Telugu states. He stated that Suriya was his inspiration to make pan-India films.
He said, “I used to consider Suriya as a case study after I saw him promoting his film Ghajini in Telugu. At that time [2005], he visited the Telugu states and promoted his films and went out of his way to win the love of the Telugu audiences. He was my inspiration to take our films to other states. I used to tell our Telugu actors and producers to follow Suriya’s footsteps.”
Here’s the video:

Suriya got emotional when Rajamouli was speaking about him. He ran to the stage and hugged the filmmaker.
The Baahubali director also added, “In an event [back in 2010s], Suriya said that he missed an opportunity to work with me. But, it was me who missed an opportunity to work with him. I admire him so much. I love his acting and his on-screen presence.”
Rajamouli appreciated the Kaakha Kaakha actor for choosing films that have compelling stories rather than going by the face value of the filmmakers.
Here’s the video:

Many claim that Suriya was offered Magadheera, which was rejected by him. The film later went to Ram Charan and became a blockbuster.
On the work front, Suriya will be seen next in director Siruthai Siva’s Kanguva. The film is all set to hit theatres on November 14. The film is an ambitious attempt in Tamil cinema and is about five clans.