From having a public meltdown at an audio launch to being at the receiving end of a lawsuit following the release of his ‘beep song’, Simbu has lately been in the news for all the wrong reasons. But now, with Idhu Namma Aalu seeing the light of day, things are finally beginning to look up. I mull over these things while waiting for him at his spacious T.Nagar house. An assistant has just explained that Simbu is catching up on sleep he missed out on, thanks to the shooting of his upcoming Gautham Menon film Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada . After more than an hour, Simbu walks in, excusing himself for the “slight delay”. “Could we restrict the conversation to Idhu Namma Aalu ?” he asks. I ask for a little allowance — the chance to touch upon his love life, for instance. He lets out a half-smile that I take for assent and begin the conversation:
Many scenes in the cheekily-titled Idhu Namma Aalu seem to have been derived from your relationship with Nayantara. Her character even alludes to the number of relationships you’ve been in. Another scene mentions names like Arya and Dhanush.
We haven’t tried to keep any of those details under wraps. Pandiraj (the director) has kept the dialogues simple and straightforward; you won’t have to read between the lines too much. The characters we played, Siva and Myla, deal with an issue that today’s youth will easily connect to. The film is about the events between engagement and marriage. It also talks about live-in relationships.
You’ve had a chequered history with Nayantara. You were accused of leaking the controversial kissing video after your break-up with her.
I read those reports and was amused. Considering Vallavan had us doing kissing scenes, where was the need for me to release such a video? We were both in our 20s then, and the feelings were mutual. We still cherish those moments. Is there a better way to express one’s love than by kissing?
Why do you think kissing scenes are still taboo in Kollywood?
I’m not sure why there’s so much hue and cry every time. A kiss can convey so many emotions, just like a picture is worth a thousand words. Even commercially, a kissing scene helps create a lot of buzz.
After the Nayantara controversy died down, you gave a speech at the audio launch of Inimey Ippadithaan that was widely thought of as being about Hansika.
Well, I had got on with my life, and realised again that my feelings weren’t really reciprocated by the other party. So, I had to move on again. It is a big world after all, and I am not short on confidence, being in the industry for so long. Hope this isn’t mistaken for arrogance.
During that turbulent time, Gautham Menon came to your rescue with Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa .
It’s easily the most cherished film of my career. It was about the relationship between two mature adults. Even though newcomers would have worked for the film, I think it helped that actors like Trisha and I were cast in it.
How does Idhu Namma Aalu compare with that film?
This is about two adults in their early 30s. Nayantara and I had the advantage of just being ourselves in front of the camera. The film has no fight scenes, no introduction song, and even the special number ‘Maaman Waiting’ is not glamorously shot as such songs are usually in my films. I am aware that it is all risky, but my gut feeling says it will work.
Are you worried that the film may seem a bit outdated, thanks to the delay?
Not at all. The film is still fresh, and is driven mainly by the witty conversations between Siva and Myla, which will feel like punches being traded in a boxing contest.
Gautham has again come to your aid with Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada .
It’s a love subject again, but with a chilling twist. I’ll just say it’ll be another Gautham Menon special.
Would you say he gets the best out of you?
He has the knack of getting more from me than I think I can. The more I work with him, the more he gets out of me.
With so many promising directors around, I think now’s a great time. I am happy to work with them all.
Do you often get roles you can relate to?
My role in Thotti Jaya was right up my alley. It happened at a time when I was all brash, with the confidence to take on anyone. The fire in me was on a different quotient then. I may still be able to pull it off now, but the spark isn’t the same anymore.
It has been reported that Idhu Namma Aalu has a happy ending—Siva getting married to Myla. If movies are a reflection of life, do you think that bodes well for you?
God willing!
Published - May 28, 2016 06:58 pm IST
