13. Pithamagan
Director Bala made a casting coup of sorts when he signed Vikram and Suriya in this intense film which talked about friendship of an unusual kind. The cheerful, banter of Suriya was something different from the roles that he had earlier essayed and was a perfect foil to Vikram’s complex demeanor. He won Film Fare’s Best Supporting Actor award.

14. Perazhagan
By this time, Suriya was ready to try out different get ups and scripts and Perazhagan provided the perfect fodder to his acting histrionics. He was not concerned about his looks and had sported a hump on his back, a protruding teeth and a supreme self-esteem. Directed by Sasi Shankar, Perazhagan was Suriya’s first double role flick as Karthik and Chinna and also featured Jyothika again as his heroine. This time around the coveted Film Fare Best Actor Award went to him.

15. Ayutha Ezhuthu
Suriya’s first assignment with Mani Ratnam where he played the role of student leader Michael Vasanth to perfection. Although the film was not commercially successful, it won good reviews for Suriya’s performance.