May 05, 2026 12:02pm IST
Director Ken Karunas, High on the Success of ‘Youth’ says, “Acting Keeps my Heart Alive” (EXCLUSIVE)
Ken Karunas, is the director of Tamil cinema’s third-highest- grossing film, “Youth,” which has earned around ₹72 crore worldwide. Karunas also starred in this coming-of-age comedy that follows a carefree 10th-grade student who prioritizes love over academics. Through relationships and heartbreaks, he discovers the real meaning of love, shaping his maturity and outlook on life.
The 24-year-old actor, director, composer and playback singer, traces his journey from working as actor Dhanush’s son in “Asuran” to assisting him as a director, before finding his own identity as a successful actor-director in Tamil cinema. In this exclusive conversation with Variety India, Ken Karunas holds forth on life after the success of “Youth” and his plans.
“Youth” has grossed 72 crore worldwide, and is the third-highest-grossing Tamil film of 2026. did you expect this?
Honestly… it still feels a little unreal. When we were making “Youth”, we were just a bunch of boys trying to tell a story we lived and believed in. There was no calculation. So, to see it reach so many people, and to hear that number is overwhelming in the nicest way. I feel grateful more than anything. Grateful to God, to the audience, to my team… and to cinema itself for being so kind to me, and a big thank you to “Youth” as well!
Is the film is based on real-life incidents.
Yes, but not in a direct, documentary kind of way. It’s inspired by moments, emotions, and people we’ve all seen or experienced around us. I’ve taken bits from real life and blended them with fiction. I think that’s why people are connecting with it, because somewhere, it feels familiar.
Fans enjoyed the chemistry between you and your onscreen parents (Suraj Venjaramoodu and Devadarshini). How did you zero in on them?
I’m really happy you felt that, because that relationship was very important to me. I didn’t want it to feel “acted.” I wanted it to feel like a real home. So, we spent time just talking, reading together, and even sitting without discussing scenes. Once I saw that comfort building naturally, I knew they were the right people.
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You've talked about how it's challenging to sign heroines opposite you for this movie. Why so?
(Laughs) Yes, that phase was stressful. The characters needed a certain honesty… not just glamour or presence. It took time to find actors who fit the world of the film. When I met them, it just clicked. There was a simplicity and truth in them that matched the story. After that, everything fell into place.
How difficult is it to be both an actor and a director?
It’s definitely not easy because your mind is always split. One part is performing; the other part is observing everything. But I enjoy both in different ways. Acting is very personal… very emotional. Directing is like building the whole world. If I had to choose, I think acting keeps my heart alive.
Your played Dhanush’s son in “Asuran.” How was your equation off-screen?
Working with Dhanush sir was life-changing for me. The way he approaches a scene is so instinctive and honest. He doesn’t try to impress anyone. He lives with the character. Being around that energy teaches you a lot without him even saying anything.
You have also assisted him in “Vaathi,” “Thiruchitramabalann” and “Raayan.” What did you learn from him?
So many things… but mainly clarity. He is very clear about what he wants, and at the same time, very open to ideas. I also learned discipline—how every small detail matters, from performance to camera to timing. And most importantly, trust your gut.
What did you enjoy more: Acting with Dhanush or directing with him?
That’s a tough one. Acting with him was special because I could observe him closely. But directing with him gave me a deeper understanding of cinema. So, I think both shaped me in different ways. I can’t really choose one.
Recently, Rishab Shetty praised your movie. You even met him after that. Tell us about the interaction.
Yes, that meant a lot to me. Rishab Shetty is someone I respect. When he appreciated my film, it felt very genuine. We were just two people talking about cinema when we met. It was very simple and warm. Those moments stay with you.
You are also a composer and playback singer. How do you find the time and bandwidth to take on multiple roles?
I don’t really think of it as ‘multiple roles.’ For me, it’s all storytelling. Sometimes it comes out as music, sometimes as visuals. I just go with what the film needs. Time is always a challenge, but when you love something, you somehow make space for it.
Many young directors today are doing well in South cinema. What do you attribute this success to?
I think that today’s audience is very sharp. They can sense the truth immediately. Also, we’re not afraid to tell rooted stories anymore. We’re not trying to copy anything. We’re just being ourselves, and I think that’s working.
Are you already working on your next directorial?
(Laughs) There are always rumors. I am working on something, yes… but it’s still in a very early stage. I want to take my time and do it properly. I’ll share more when it feels right. Working on couple of interesting things. I don’t want to rush into anything. I just want to keep doing work that feels honest.
And finally, how did you celebrate the success of “Youth?”
Very quietly, actually. I went home, spent time with my family, and had a simple meal. Maybe that’s my way of celebrating… just sitting with the people who were there before all of this. That feels the most real to me.
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