Furthermore, Vikram refused to “perform” disability. He worked with speech therapists and child psychologists to ensure that Krishna’s mannerisms were not a caricature but a compassionate mirror of people like Suresh. He even wore discomforting contact lenses and altered his posture to physically feel vulnerability.

Deiva Thirumagal (2011), directed by A. L. Vijay, tells the heartbreaking story of Krishna (played by Vikram), a man with the mental age of a five-year-old child who fights for custody of his daughter, Nila (played by baby Sara). While the film appears to be a work of pure fiction, its emotional foundation was deeply influenced by a real person: , a man with intellectual disabilities whom Vikram met during his preparation for the role.

Suresh had a young niece whom he adored. After his sister (the girl’s mother) passed away, other family members attempted to separate Suresh from the child, arguing that he was incapable of providing proper care or emotional support. Suresh, through his caretakers, fought back. His argument was not legal or financial—it was purely emotional: “She is mine. I love her. I will give her all my happiness.”

For several weeks, Vikram spent hours daily with Suresh. He observed his childlike gait, his sudden bursts of laughter, his fascination with simple objects like a spinning top or a colorful ball, and most importantly, his unguarded way of expressing affection. But the most profound lesson came when Vikram learned about Suresh’s real-life legal battle.