Kaakha Kaakha (2003) and Ghajini (2005) established him as a major star.

Suriya is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and bankable stars in Tamil cinema. Unlike many of his contemporaries who relied solely on a "mass hero" image, Suriya built his career on a foundation of experimentation. His filmography is characterized by a willingness to deconstruct his own stardom, oscillating between high-octane action blockbusters and nuanced, character-driven dramas. He is the eldest son of veteran actor Sivakumar and is married to actress Jyothika, with whom he has frequently collaborated.

This is widely considered the "Golden Era" of Suriya’s career. He took risks that A-list actors rarely took, focusing on physical transformations and complex scripts.