SJ Suryah achieved success as a director with memorable films like Vaali and Kushi. He made his debut as an actor with New which he also directed, the film was a success but SJ Suryah could not capitalize on it. Films like Kalvanin Kadhali, Vyabari, Thirumagan and Newtonin Moonram Vidhi, in which he acted, crashed and burned at the box office. As a director he is yet to return to his former form. Currently, he is doing a cameo in Nanban and is also going to direct a film.