Tamil cinema has found a renewed sense of energy in 2026 with the release of *Karuppu*, a film directed by RJ Balaji and headlined by superstar Suriya and Trisha Krishnan. While the movie has been praised for its emotional depth and storytelling, one particular scene featuring veteran Malayalam actor Indrans has captured the imagination of audiences across India. In a pivotal moment, Indrans, playing the character Sukumaran, breaks down while struggling to use a Google Pay interface on his phone. The scene, which has been widely shared on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, has been hailed as a masterclass in modern character acting.
During an interview with *Cine Ulagam*, Indrans revealed a surprising truth: he still does not know how to use Google Pay or many other smartphone features. “Even now, I don’t know how to use Google Pay. Honestly, I don’t. I bought a smartphone only recently,” he confessed. His admission has added a new layer of authenticity to his on-screen performance, with fans now viewing the scene through the lens of his real-life inexperience with technology.
Indrans’ journey with smartphones is equally noteworthy. For decades, he famously avoided using mobile phones, preferring a low-tech lifestyle. He would often give out his son’s phone number to directors and production houses, allowing his son to manage calls, messages, and schedules. The turning point came when Malayalam cinema legend Mammootty called him directly. “Once, Mammootty sir called me regarding something. He asked my son to hand over the phone to me and said, ‘If I want to tell you something confidential, can I tell it through him?’ He then asked why I never answered my own phone,” Indrans recalled. This gentle nudge from the superstar prompted Indrans to finally purchase a smartphone, though he admitted that he still struggles with its features.
Indrans’ career spans over four decades, beginning in 1981 as a costume designer before transitioning to acting. For much of his early career, he was typecast in comedic roles, often playing characters whose physical appearance was used for comedic effect. However, in recent years, younger directors have offered him a diverse range of roles, allowing him to showcase his dramatic range. His performance in *Home* (2021), directed by Rojin Thomas, earned him a Special Mention at the 69th National Film Awards, further cementing his reputation as one of the most versatile actors in contemporary Malayalam cinema.
In *Karuppu*, Indrans’ portrayal of Sukumaran—a character grappling with emotional vulnerability and technological unfamiliarity—has struck a chord with audiences. The Google Pay scene, in particular, has become a cultural talking point, with fans praising the actor’s ability to convey raw emotion without relying on technical familiarity. His humble confession about his lack of technological prowess has only deepened audience appreciation, highlighting how authenticity can elevate a performance.
At the box office, *Karuppu* has emerged as a major success. Produced by Dream Warrior Pictures, the film has already crossed the ₹300 crore mark, making it the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2026. Star Suriya, who plays the titular role of lawyer Karuppuswamy, has achieved his biggest box-office success with this film, surpassing previous records.
Indrans’ story—from avoiding technology to becoming an internet sensation for his on-screen emotions—reflects a broader theme of authenticity in cinema. His journey from a reluctant smartphone user to a celebrated actor whose real-life simplicity mirrors his artistry has resonated deeply with fans across generations.
