I compete with myself and my characters: Jayasurya

Thiruvananthapuram, May 25 (IANS) Five years on and with nearly 30 films under his belt, young Malayalam film actor Jayasurya says instead of competing with his rivals, he competes with himself and concentrates on his characters.

'I have no rivalry with my co-stars, instead I use my time to compete with myself and the characters I portray on the screen,' Jayasurya told reporters on the occasion of release of his latest film 'Shakesphere M A Malayalam'.

The film has Jayasurya and Kalabhavan Mani sharing the screen for the first time. Jayasurya plays a script writer with an eye for sensitive subjects, while Mani is the owner and director of a theatre group.

The film is scripted and directed by two debutants, Shaiju and Shaji, who have assisted many mainstream directors. The film also features Bhama, Jagathy, Salimkumar, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Rajan P. Dev, Siddhique and Anoop Chandran.

Jayasurya maintains that he has very good relations with his contemporaries like Kunchacko Boban, Prithiviraj and Indrajith.

Jayasurya has his hands full with three solo films and one co-starring Mammootty in the pipe line.

'I don't collect advance (money) from all those who decide to cast me. I do it film by film and depending on the success of my films. This is my bread and butter and I am in no hurry,' added the actor, who is in his late twenties.

On being asked about the current impasse in the film industry with the various film organisations at loggerheads, he said there is no freedom of expression in the industry.

'Instead of creating positive and healthy discussions for the betterment of the all, there is always a crisis looming in the air in the Malayalam (film) industry. Those who speak of the crisis are those who create it. The sooner this ends the better it is. Please don't ask me anything more on this,' said the actor.