PREMGI’S 3 ACES: MANKATHA

How do you find a word that means ‘Premgi?

A talented composer! A natural actor! A humanE being!?

This week I have spent every waking moment subtitling Mankatha …

and I have been thinking walking eating breathing this film.

Watching Mankatha while I subtitled it, was like coming home after a long stressful semester or to suddenly have a week end off after the daily drudgery of a 9-5 job we dislike!

Such a delight to see well known faces, extended family I can add (though I don’t know them personally) Vaibhav, Aravind Akash, Vijay Vasanth, my all time favorite Premgi all in one film.

I truly missed Sampath, Charan, Shiva, Jai, Nithin…of Chennai-28 clan.

Our much loved ‘thala’, Action king, Trisha, Andrea, my dear friend JP have

filled that gap, actually more than compensated and it is one jolly ride!

NaatkaL nimidangaLaaga maarina…’cos of this endearing actor who steals the show with élan – Premgi!

As soon as I saw the film I told the director, “I am sure your bro will get the best supporting actor!”

Premgi…he is such a talented guy. I called him and said, “I am coming to Prasad Studios to talk to you for a few minutes”

Prompt came the reply, “Most welcome. But are you sure about the award, I’ve treated my friends already?!!!”

Coming from anyone else, it would have sounded pompous and egoistic!

But not Prem…Full kudos to his mom, she has done an awesome job!

He comes across as a flibbertigibbet, will-o’-the-wisp, a clown…

His 3 aces, actor, singer and music composer!

He emerged as an actor in Punnagai Poovae for a rap and again in Kanda NaaL

Mudhal.

Credit goes to Simbu for seeing the ‘actor’ in him, and he befriended Nayanthara in Vallavan. Then…Chennai28 happened…opening the flood gates…an actor was acknowledged!

Though he again played Nayanthara’s friend in Sathyam, briefly showed his comically well-received lines of Chennai-28 in Saththam pOdadhae and thereafter acted in Santosh Subramaniam, it was through Saroja, Prem experienced the magic aura of cinema.

His anna was the one who tapped the actor in him, ‘cos that was where he got his encores and acclamation once more…history repeated itself in Goa too!

He is looking forward to 2010 Bhagyaraj where he plays solo hero and composes all the songs single-handed.

Of course before that Mankatha will bring in all those beautiful girls to queue up in front of his residence! Mrs Kala Amar…you can choose your future d-i-l!!

I would say he can easily become the most wanted character artiste and comedian rolled into one, except his heart is in music and in becoming the most sought after musician / composer.

He is a good vocalist and key board player.

I was stunned to hear he has played the key board for Karthik Raaja, Yuvan, Bhavadharini, Vidyasagar, Mani Sharma and Harris.

He has sung in Mankatha…but we have already heard him in the popular numbers thee pidikka, jalsa, saroja saamaan nikaalO…so this will be one more feather in his cap.

Asked him what he liked best in Mankatha, without even thinking for a moment he said, “Thala’s yummy biriyani’ and the beautiful girls in Bangkok”!!! (not necessarily in the same order, I am guessing)

He said it is ironic he was paid thrice the amount for acting when compared to composing the music in a particular film, I felt like saying “enna kodumai da Prem”.

Such is life…full of surprises!

Rodgers and Hammerstein said of Maria

She’s a darling! She’s a demon! She’s a lamb!

I conclude

He’s a darling (of all genders)! He’s a pet (as precious as a Golden retriever)!!

He’s a treasure (for Kollywood to nurture)!!!