After extensive focus on Idhu Namma Aalu in Part 1 of our Simbu interview, in Part 2, he opens up more on AYM, AAA, his loyal fan base, controversies and more. Listen to the man speak his heart out, as always.
“After Silambattam, Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaaya (VTV) happened with Gautham Menon. We were supposed to do an action packed film called Surangani but I wanted to do a love story with him. That’s when he told about a female-oriented script ‘Jessie’ but he wasn’t sure if it would suit me. I was confident of creating a scope for myself, if I acted in it. VTV was the film which gave me a big ladies base and my class following also increased. It was nothing when we shot for it but Gautham’s packaging, the music and the Simbu – Trisha pair worked magic.
Now Achcham Yenbathu Madamaiyada (AYM) would be a mix of VTV and Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu, Kaakka Kaakka. Gautham is a director who can excel in action as well as romance. He hasn’t got this action – romance mix perfectly right in his other films, like he has in AYM. AYM had a great line with unexpected commercial elements. When I told Gautham about this, he said that this is not just his film but Simbu’s film too.”
Ask him about the recent AYM shooting spot still where he sported a cop uniform, and Simbu hints at a lot of excitement in store,
“That will be huge in the film. It would result in a big boom factor and an unexpected surprise for the audience. The film is ready with just 3 days’ work left. The trailer is coming soon too and everything is falling in place now.”
Up next, Adhik’s Anbanavan Asaradhavan Adangadhavan (AAA) will bring back the Manmadhan brand of Simbu films …
“Manmadhan and Vallavan were the typical Simbu brand of films with elements like glamour, action and performance in the right mix. This happens only in the films that I direct. That mood will be there in ‘AAA’ as well. It is not meant for all types of audience and will be targeted at the vigorously youthful audience. It will satisfy them fully and will be a complete treat for my hardcore fans. By this month-end I will start the shoot for ‘AAA’. Then, I plan to go for a little break to relax before diving back into this film. There is lots of work ahead in this film and by Jan or Feb 2017, it will release.”
Simbu also talked about the possibility of having Anirudh’s music in AAA. “We have always been close friends and that won’t change.”
Be it the Nadigar Sangam issues or his recent frank admission after voting that change wasn’t needed in the state, Simbu has always been open in his talk. “I will always speak my mind and won’t budge. I have to register my thoughts.” He also added that he isn’t officially out of the Nadigar Sangam yet.
How is Simbu able to keep his composure when whatever he says or does becomes fuel for controversy?
“I won’t be frustrated by controversies or gossip. But when I haven’t done anything wrong, I get hurt. I didn’t even release the ‘Beep Song’ properly. You all could have judged me after its official release. It was like passing comments on a newborn baby which is brought out forcefully, before its scheduled delivery date. I have freedom to do what I wish inside my house but I am also someone who puts in a lot of thought to what I write. I could have very well written it as ‘Eva Di Unna Petha’ instead of ‘Evan Di Unna Pethan’. I do take care to not hurt the sentiments of women.“
His take on fan wars and social media trolling …
“They just won’t listen and this will keep continuing. It is not possible to curb this. This is typical school kids mentality where they keep reacting, pin-pointing and retaliating. They’ll feel that they are right always. We also shouldn’t mind this much.”
The young directors that have impressed Simbu ?
“Karthik Subbaraj, Nalan Kumarasamy, ‘Moodar Koodam’ Naveen, Sam Anton, Adhik Ravichandran to name a few. All these men are trying something new and this is good for cinema. More such youngsters should come in.”
Finally a word on his hardcore fans who have stood with him through thick and thin …
“My fans surprise me actually with their show of strength. Guess their mood matches mine. Be it my parents or fans or friends, they are tuned to the way I am. It’s a big blessing.”
Interviewed by Kaushik LM