When Jiiva almost starred in 'Ayan': A throwback to Suriya and KV Anand’s blockbuster collaboration

The 2009 blockbuster, 'Ayan' marked the first collaboration between Suriya and cinematographer-turned-director K.V. Anand. This slick action thriller revolved around international smuggling and gave Tamil cinema one of its most stylish entertainers. Suriya’s portrayal of the daring and intelligent smuggler Deva offered audiences a new dimension of the actor. It was a film that not only entertained but also raised the bar for action films in Tamil cinema with its globe-trotting narrative and polished execution.
When Jiiva almost headlined 'Ayan' before Suriya took over
Few know that before Suriya’s iconic portrayal in 'Ayan', the film was initially set to star Jiiva. In a recent interview with Cinema Vikatan, Jiiva shared, “'Ayan' was actually a film I was supposed to play the lead in. The reason I got 'Ko' later was because of 'Kattradhu Thamizh'.” According to Jiiva, after watching his intense performance in Kattradhu Thamizh, director K.V. Anand personally called him and expressed his admiration. Though the lead role in 'Ayan' eventually went to Suriya, Jiiva holds no regret, stating, “I'm a huge fan of KV Anand sir.”
A blockbuster that elevated Suriya’s stardom
'Ayan' emerged as one of the biggest blockbusters of 2009, receiving praise for its tight screenplay, emotional undercurrent, and Suriya’s stellar performance. It elevated Suriya’s career, transforming him from a rising star into a mass action hero with pan-Indian appeal. His chemistry with Tamannaah and his intense confrontation with antagonist Akashdeep Saighal added drama and edge, making the film a complete commercial package.
A technically sound film with a memorable team
With Tamannaah as the female lead, 'Ayan' was supported by a strong cast including Prabhu, Jagan, and Karunas, and the film boasts memorable music by Harris Jayaraj. Songs like “Vizhi Moodi Yosithaal” and “Nenje Nenje” became chartbusters. With M.S. Prabhu’s dynamic cinematography and Vairamuthu’s lyrical finesse, 'Ayan' struck a perfect balance between visual spectacle and storytelling, securing its place as a modern Tamil classic.