Once you painted walls on rope: Actor Soori tears up as Pa Vijay honours his journey

Tamil actor Soori became emotional at the promotional event of his upcoming film Mandaadi after lyricist Pa Vijay recited a poem he had written for him. The moment moved the actor to tears as Vijay spoke about Soori's difficult journey before he found success in cinema.Vijay recalled how Soori had once taken up odd jobs and worked for daily wages, including painting walls while hanging from a rope. He contrasted those difficult years with Soori's position today as a celebrated actor.As Vijay began speaking about Soori, the actor's fans cheered loudly, briefly forcing the lyricist to pause. He then said, "Soori is proof that an ordinary man can work in cinema and make history. His success isn't a normal one. Everyone brings bouquets and gifts to him. I decided I wanted to give him something more, so I wrote him a poem."Soori, who had been smiling until then, became teary-eyed as Vijay continued with his poem. "Until yesterday, you were like a piece of paper that flew in the wind," Vijay said. He then recalled Soori's days of struggling to make ends meet, adding, "Once upon a time, you hung on a rope and painted walls. Today, cinema is lifting you on its shoulders and taking you to the top."As Vijay read out the poem, Soori stood up, wiped away his tears and folded his hands in gratitude. Vijay concluded by saying, "My friend, climb to the peaks of victories. My dear Soori, may you live long," while Soori bowed his head. Born Ramalakshmanan Muthuchamy Thevar, Soori moved from Madurai to Chennai in 1996 with the dream of becoming an actor. To make ends meet, he took up odd jobs and spent years working as a junior artist in uncredited roles.In 2009, he became associated with the suffix 'Parotta' after his performance in a scene from Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu. He went on to appear in several films as a comedian and sidekick before getting an opportunity to play a lead role.In 2023, Soori realised his long-held dream when Vetrimaaran cast him as the protagonist in Viduthalai Part 1 and Viduthalai Part 2. The actor subsequently took on lead roles in films including Garudan and Kottukkaali in 2024.Soori was last seen in Maaman last year. He now has Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai and Mandaadi lined up for release this year.Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai, which also stars Nivin Pauly and Anjali, premiered at the 2024 International Film Festival Rotterdam and is set to release in theatres on October 1.Meanwhile, Mandaadi is a sports drama directed by Mathimaran Pugazhendhi. The film also stars Telugu actor Suhas in his Tamil debut alongside Mahima Nambiar and is scheduled to release in theatres on September 10.- EndsPublished By: Sanjay Ponnappa CSPublished On: Aug 31, 2026 19:12 IST