Behindwoods : Interview

Simbu - Interview

Behindwoods
August 1, 2005

Simbu showed his raw talent in Kadhal Azhivathillai and next few films like Dum, Kuthu and Alai brought him to the action heroes stream. Hari should be given credit for bringing the other side of Simbu in Kovil. Simbu proved everyone he is a One Man Army in Manmadhan which did justice for the Little Super Star tag.

It is natural for actors to try their hand at direction, but they do so only after their prime acting career is over. What is your motivation to attempt direction so early in your career?

I had played a major part in crafting Manmadhan but I gave the credit to someone else. Manmadhan has performed far beyond the expectations of doomsday prophets. I have silenced my critics. Then I thought, if I had the spark to turn out a hit, I should not be ashamed to take the credit. I am bold and so decided to plunge into Vallavan. It is shaping up well and I am sure it will be appreciated by the audience.

You are playing four characters in your movie. Any sentiments?

Well, the script demanded that I play four different characters – schoolgoer, college student, young professional and a mysterious person.

Is it not stressful to play multiple roles and keep the direction job with you?

Vallavan is close to my heart. It is almost like the first girlfriend. I would not part with any portion of the film making. I do not want to sound arrogant, but I am only passionate about the script.

You have quite a few films under your belt, yet you are not a leading contender for the No.1 spot. Any thoughts…?

No.1 or 2 is of no use to me. I want to capture the imagination of the people with my unique style. I have portrayed action, romance and sentiment. My films have done well. But cinema is like life breath to me. I want to experiment and explore the different genres. With Manmadhan, it has become clear to me that the audiences expect more variety from me. So, I am trying out a novel theme in Vallavan.

What are your next projects?

My next project is with S.J. Suryah in AC. I am looking forward eagerly to work with him.

Why is there an overdose of heroines in your films?

Well, the choice of heroines depends on the script. There are four characters played by me. But the need for heroines is not dictated by glamour alone. All of them have significance in the development of the plot. I do not feel that they should just be used for songs and dance.

Most of the star sons try to imitate their father’s style…

My father is an extraordinary artiste. It is from him that I have imbibed the passion for cinema. I live and breathe cinema because of my father.

I do try to bring in some aspects but I don’t imitate him. We are different and it shows.

You had inflammable dialogues in Manmadhan targeting Dhanush….

Oh, God! When will these types of canards stop? Dhanush and I are good friends. We are in the same age bracket and contemporaries in our profession. There is no jealousy between us but only healthy competition. We do try to keep in touch and bump into each other at our hangouts. There is nothing more.

Marriage plans?

Come on, why do you want to stifle me at 22? I have to achieve a lot in my profession. I am not seeing anybody right now. My family will stand by my choice of the girl. They have absolute confidence in my judgment. Let us think about marriage later. As of now, only cinema is my sweetheart.