“Panineer nilavin poomazha, anuragalolayamini”—if someone starts singing this now, anyone listening is bound to pause and wonder: is it sung with love or is there some mischief behind it? Only one man has led Malayalis to such thoughts—Suresh Krishna. Social media has now given him a new identity: ‘The Convincing Star’. 

With a string of roles where he conned people with sheer conviction, his characters have gone viral. The iconic background song from Christian Brothers was the perfect finishing touch for these viral clips. And just like that, Suresh Krishna became the Convincing Star. But even before the buzz settles, he’s already gearing up to create a new trend.

You started out with a role that didn’t even have dialogues. Now you’ve crossed three decades in the industry. How have you managed to stay relevant for so long?

My first film was Chamayam in 1993, directed by Bharathan sir. After that, I did a few small roles. It was Karumadikuttan in 2001, directed by Vinayan sir, that brought me some attention. When I look back at 30 years in this ever-evolving film industry, it fills me with joy. I consider it a blessing that I still get to act in prominent roles alongside the newest generation of actors. Many who started their careers with me are no longer around in the industry. I’ve managed to survive by constantly updating myself and choosing good roles. I was part of prestigious projects like Pazhassi Raja and Kutty Srank. Working under directors like Hariharan sir and Shaji N Karun sir is something I’m proud of.

You began with villain roles, but now you’re doing comedy too. How did that transition happen?

The credit goes to directors like Sachy and Shafi, though sadly, both of them are no longer with us. Sachy and I were very close, and he knew who I really was outside my screen image. 

People might think I’m a serious person, but I actually enjoy humour and jokes. I spent a lot of time with Sachy, and he’d often notice my tired face after a long shoot and ask, “What happened?” I’d joke that I was battered since morning, and that kind of spontaneous humour inspired them to give me lighter roles. 

Films like Anarkali, Chettayees and Sherlock Toms opened up new possibilities. I’ve always tried to maintain good relationships with everyone in the industry, and I think that’s why even new-age directors continue to cast me.

So which do you enjoy more—villain roles or comic characters?

I’m currently living through a phase I truly enjoy. The recent roles and films have been very fulfilling. Comedy itself has evolved. It’s no longer about forcing humour just to make people laugh—now it flows naturally from the situation. Some writers even include comedy in the script itself. Take Maranamass, for instance—comedy is built into the screenplay. I just add a bit of myself to it, and that makes it whole. Recently, a team approached me for a villain role and asked if I was okay with it. I immediately said yes. I will never forget where I came from. I’m ready for any kind of role. Even villain roles today come with a twist or something new.

At one point, the label 'Convincing Star' went viral. How did you react to that?

Honestly, I wasn’t much into Instagram before. I started using it only recently. Earlier, I’d only log in if someone asked me to share a poster or promotion. One day while shooting for Maranamass, people kept telling me I was all over Instagram. I panicked a bit—thought something had gone wrong! Later, I realised that clips from films like Christian Brothers were trending, especially those where I played roles deceiving people. But then more and more such videos started popping up—some from as many as 25 films! That’s when it hit me—I'd done that many villainous roles! Back then, I’d just move from one film to the next, never comparing characters.

I don’t know who first called me the ‘Convincing Star’. It wasn’t just one person—people from different places were digging up old scenes and posting them. There’s this Tamil film I did called Pottu Amman, where I played a disciple who learns a mantra from his guru and then kills him. That was also unearthed and posted. Instagram helped me realise how many similar roles I’d actually done. Now, even my kids, after watching these reels, ask, “Dad, were you always the villain and the traitor in all your films?” They only knew me as the funny guy in recent roles! But I enjoy all this trolling. Whoever’s behind it, I’ve got nothing but love for them.”

Even if it's trolling, doesn’t it feel good to be celebrated like this?

Of course! But it has also led to something funny—I’ve reached a stage where no one believes me, no matter what I say! I announced the release date of Maranamass on Instagram, and people were commenting things like, “Sure? Are you tricking us again?” I recently visited Sabarimala, and one police officer who recognised me tried to show me to his colleague, but by then I had walked past. When asked who it was, the officer replied, “Our Convincing Swami!” That was a new one for me.

Tell us about your film Maranamass…

Maranamass is a full-on comedy entertainer with a fresh storyline and unique presentation. It’s a film that both kids and adults can enjoy. The story is set in a village, and I play Jikku, a bus driver. The events that happen during his rides and the interactions with the passengers form the core of the movie. It’s going to be a real treat for audiences. Basil Joseph plays the lead, and the film is directed by Shivaprasad, who was his associate. Tovino Thomas is the producer, and Siju Sunny has written the script. Rajesh Madhavan, Babu Antony and Anishma also play important roles.