Latest news with #Manmadhan
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Silambarasan TR interview: On Kamal Haasan's ‘Thug Life' and making a ‘fanboy sambavam' with Ashwath Marimuthu
One could feel the gravity of the moment when Silambarasan TR made his grand entry at the audio launch of Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan 2 in 2022. It was the star's first major public appearance as 'Ātman,' a new version of Simbu who embraced spirituality and returned to the limelight after a lull phase marked by box office duds, controversies, and fitness concerns. But who expected that at an event featuring the likes of Kamal Haasan, AR Rahman and Vikram, Simbu would get the loudest applause, a clip that went viral on the internet. While naysayers hung their heads in disbelief, his ever-loyal fandom took social media by storm. A new Simbu era had dawned after Maanaadu, with the actor far different from the young man we knew from Manmadhan, and the moment spoke volumes about how Tamil audiences honour their heroes and reasserted that they indeed like a good comeback. On one hand, Simbu doesn't seem too sure about all this attention on his comeback. Citing how legends in every field have braced lull phases, he blames the social media frenzy for blowing this out of proportion. That isn't to say he isn't grateful for this love. He knows he has a very loyal fan base — 'There's a saying about rats leaving a sinking ship; so their loyalty doesn't show who I am, it shows who they are,' he says — but the reception he got at the PS2 event wasn't just from his fans. PS2 wasn't even his film. 'Watching someone get back up instils confidence in people, and that's what I saw there. It felt like the general public was telling me, 'Hey, we respect what you have done, and we want to give back that respect to you.'' To be looked at as this inspirational figure must put a lot of pressure on one's shoulders. 'No, but that gave me confidence, and I realised there's no point looking back at the past. I realised I should do what's required without expecting anything back.' Watching Simbu in flesh and blood for the first time at that event also brought me memories of the time when he had an unshakable hold on youth. Boys got into trouble for wearing the star's signature wire wristband to school, while donning headbands became a popular style statement. Even today, a generation of youngsters continues looking up to him, something he says has only made him more responsible. 'When I was much younger, I wasn't aware of the kind of films I was doing or what those films communicated to younger audiences,' he says, before stressing this responsibility shouldn't interfere with his craft. 'See, broadly, I refrain from excessive use of swear words, violence, and glamour, and I haven't smoked much after Idhu Namma Aalu. But then, if a character needs me to smoke or be violent, I have to do it. That's how it would be if I did a negative role, for instance. All that we can do then is take a call on how much we indulge in those things.' Simbu on his love for Michael Jackson 'Michael Jackson had the biggest influence in my life. From the energy I carried or my style, be it in dancing or singing, it's all influenced by Michael Jackson. I touched alcohol for the very first time when he died. That's how much I adored him.' His role in Mani Ratnam's much-anticipated film Thug Life, headlined by Kamal, seems quite violent from the promo material. Doing Thug Life, Simbu says, satisfies a desire most actors harbour. 'While watching films like Thevar Magan, where two generations of stars would have acted together, any actor would have wished for one such film to happen, and these films also stand the test of time.' That it happened for him in a Kamal Haasan-starrer feels surreal, he adds. 'Right from when I was a child, my father showed Kamal sir as my on-screen guru, so I have always looked up to him. See, even if we need references for, say, a dialect, a walk, or a specific look, we took inspiration from his filmography.' The actor is in awe of how the veteran has stuck to his approach to stardom and craft. 'He doesn't care too much about what doing a certain role might do to his image, but rather thinks about what he brings to the table. It's about doing something interesting, something different and better than the previous film.' At a level where most might get trapped inside echo chambers, Kamal has managed to stay anchored in his journey as an artist. That he calls himself a student of cinema feels validating to Simbu. 'See, I can say that I am a student because I have a long way to go, but if Kamal sir still feels like a student, it means I am too on the right path.' Even the opportunity to be part of Thug Life, he adds, is a validation, 'for all the effort I have put in for 40 years since I was a child artist. Because so for Mani Ratnam sir to write such a character, to look at me as a good fit for it, and for Kamal sir to accept his decision…It's all a bit surreal, to say the least.' Simbu's role in Thug Life, he says, balances 'mass' and 'class.' 'I am a peculiar hero with audiences who like both these schools of acting. You can't call me an out-and-out classy actor, nor am I just after mass. I can do both, it's great to do roles that balance these schools. In Thug Life, you will find a classy, performance-oriented Simbu and a raw and stylish Simbu.' STR is also returning to a Mani Ratnam set, almost seven years after Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, a film during which the star realised that he was struggling to perform well due to his then poor physical form. He had previously revealed he broke down after shooting an action scene in that film and that the experience ushered him towards a transformative journey. Thug Life, too, is loaded with action, and Mani Ratnam was happy with how STR now moves and dances, says the star. 'He would enjoy watching me perform and say, 'You are looking good. Superb.' So I realised going through that weight-loss journey is adding more to what we're doing.' You might be surprised to hear Simbu say that, while the way he was body-shamed back then wasn't right, there's some truth to it since 'being an actor and losing your fitness like that is a minus.' But isn't reducing weight and bulking up for roles almost a routine in places like Hollywood? Perhaps this toxicity points to something deeply embedded in how Indian audiences see their stars. Simbu doesn't think so; he says it's just the case of a jealous few pouncing upon finding a reason to troll. 'My weight gain was also initially for a film, and if needed, I could have brought myself back to shape. But by then, I had already given a window of opportunity to those who were also desperately looking for a reason to pull me down. But I realised I couldn't keep complaining about it, and that's where this fitness journey began.' It's not just his fitness; anything and everything about Simbu gets put under the media scanner. After facing immense criticism and battling numerous controversies, Simbu began following the Buddhist principle that goes, 'When you receive something (here, criticism) from someone, then it becomes yours. But if you reject it, it stays with them.' But surely that odd negative review for a film or a comment on his acting must break his defences, right? 'Earlier, the results of my films affected me, but I used to find ways to channel that into what I do next. But I have realised we can't seek validation from successes and failures. Many suffer because they seek validation externally and let others control their happiness. You need to take control of yourself and find validation from within.' Simbu on Artificial Intelligence: 'I am waiting to see how AI changes our lives. Everything's going to change, from the way we use mobile phones to how we interact. Someone's going to be digitally present for us all the time, someone with much higher intelligence. I foresee drastic changes soon, and I am eager to see how we adapt to them, how AI influences filmmaking, and how it would influence our spirituality.' Simbu has, over the years, also been criticised as an actor who doesn't push himself enough, as a star who is sleeping on his talents. The actor believes this is because he has yet to find solid scripts that could bring the best out of him. 'There's no space to give your full potential in a script that any actor can pull off'. Simbu has pinned his hopes on his upcoming film with director Desingh Periyasamy to do that. 'But see, even to get that on the floors, we have been waiting for two years now. Look at Kamal sir; he would have done about ten such films, like Avvai Shanmugi or Dasavatharam, but there's a longer list of films that he couldn't materialise.' The star has no qualms saying that every time he wishes to do a project like that, he finds that his market then cannot sustain the scale of that project. 'So when more people watch my movies, and the more they perform well at the box office, the more it allows me to give my best.' Of late, many A-list Tamil stars have come out with films — like Petta, Vikram and Good Bad Ugly — that are dubbed as fanboy sambavams; these films feature aspects that appease the die-hard fans of those stars, like cameos and callbacks to the stars' previous films. Simbu's upcoming film with Ashwath Marimuthu also hints at being one such film; the first look poster featured the star, wearing wire bands, bracelets and the check mark tattoo from Dum, throwing his iconic 'box' sign. 'Yes, it is a fanboy sambavam, but it wouldn't just be a film for the fans. It will become a film that even those who don't know me would enjoy. Fanboy sambavams should be like Vikram — it shouldn't just appease the star's fans but be celebrated unanimously by all.' Will we also see more of STR as a singer? 'Yes, there's a lot of that coming up in my next few films,' he signs off. Thug Life releases in theatres on June 5
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When I got the idea, I felt it would work well with STR sir: Ramkumar Balakrishnan
After the acclaimed Parking , director is now all set to start the shoot of his next film, which will star , and in the lead roles. In a short interview with us, the filmmaker talks about why he wanted to do a film that's in a totally different genre to Parking , what made him rope in STR and how Santhanam agreed to be part of this project… 'I WROTE WITH STR IN MIND' The filmmaker begins by saying that his new film, referred to as #STR49, will be set in a college in Chennai and STR would be playing the role of a college student. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Quiz him why he chose the star, and he says, 'When I got the idea, I felt it would work well with STR sir, but didn't know whether that would materialise or not. Still, when writing, I did write with him in mind. Luckily, I got a chance to narrate the script to him, and he, too, loved it. It all felt like a dream.' He says that the script needed a star like STR. 'I needed to tell a lot of backstories to narrate this story. But when a star like him plays this character, I don't have it,' he says. He adds, 'STR's screen presence and the fact that he is going to play a college student again help elevate my idea. I've enjoyed his films like Manmadhan and Vallavan in which he played a college student, so this film will help connect him even more with the Gen Z kids. He will be sporting a stylish look in the film, different from his current look.' 'SANATHANAM SIR'S CHARACTER IS NOT ONE THAT EXISTS FOR THE SAKE OF COMEDY' Ramkumar has pulled off a casting coup by getting Santhanam, who has only been playing lead roles for almost the past 10 years, to be part of this project. Sharing how he got the actor on board, he says, 'I'd worked with Santhanam sir in Dikkiloona , so we know each other. And after watching Parking , he used to reach out to me and praise me now and then. I felt he'd be right for a role in this film, and since he has a good impression of me, he agreed to listen to the narration. Moreover, Simbu sir and he share a great bond, and they have been meaning to work together again.' He clarifies that the actor's will not be a comedian role. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'This will be a second lead type of role, which will also have moments of emotion, and not a character that just exists for the sake of comedy,' he says. 'I WANTED TO MAKE AN OUT-AND-OUT ENTERTAINER' Ramkumar says his film 'will be totally different from Parking '. 'I didn't want to be slotted as a filmmaker who makes films only in a specific genre — thriller — so I decided to do a big-scale out-and-out entertainer led by a star that would offer a complete theatrical experience. My only motive with this film is to fully entertain the audience,' he signs off. 'Sai Abhyankkar has composed all the songs' On getting hotshot composer Sai Abhyankkar to do the music, the director says, 'I've found Sai Abhyankkar's songs very interesting and Simbu sir, too, suggested we roped him in for the music. He's very sweet and comfortable to work with. We have finished composing the songs and the lyrics are getting ready now.'
New Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Makers confirm that Santhanam is a part of STR 49
Days after the actor, in a recent promotional interview for his upcoming film DD Next Level, said he will team up with STR, it is now official that Santhanam is indeed a part of actor Silambarasan TR's next, tentatively titled STR 49. Dawn Pictures, the production company behind STR 49, made an official announcement of the actor's onboarding on Wednesday. In his recent Vikatan interview, Santhanam said that he could never say no to Simbu when he gave him a call and said he should be a part of STR 49. Santhanam and STR's friendship dates back years, when the latter discovered the comedy talent in the former during his Lollu Sabha days. Santhanam collaborated with STR in Kadhal Azhivathillai (2002), Manmadhan (2004), Vallavan (2006), Kaalai (2008), Silambattam (2008), Vaanam (2011), Osthe (2011), Podaa Podi (2012), Vaalu (2015) and their last collaboration Idhu Namma Aalu, released in 2016. STR had worked as a music director in Santhanam's Sakka Podu Podu Raja in 2017. STR 49 is backed by Aakash Bhaskaran of Dawn Pictures, who is currently behind films like Dhanush's Idly Kadai and Sivakarthikeyan's Parasakthi. Ramkumar Balakrishnan made his directorial debut with Harish Kalyan-MS Bhaskar's Parking. Sai Abhayankkar has been roped in as the music composer for the film. More details about the film's extended cast, crew and plot are yet to be disclosed.
The Hindu
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘STR 49': Santhanam reunites with Silambarasan TR in Ramkumar Balakrishnan's film
It's official! After days of speculations, the makers of Tamil star Silambarasan TR's next, tentatively called STR 49, confirmed on Wednesday (April 30) that actor Santhanam has joined the cast of the film. Dawn Pictures, the banner backing the film, announced the news on their X handle. The new film, directed by Ramkumar Balakrishnan, marks a reunion between Simbu and Santhanam after 2015's Vaalu (the comedian had appeared in a cameo in 2016's Idhu Namma Aalu). Both actors have shared a cordial relationship over the years. Notably, Santhanam made his on-screen debut in Simbu's Manmadhan, while the former's Sakka Podu Podu Raja had music composed by STR. STR 49, announced in February, has music composed by Sai Abhyankkar and features Kayadu Lohar of Dragon fame as the female lead. Details regarding the rest of the cast and crew are yet to be announced. STR 49 will be produced by Aakash Baskaran of Dawn Pictures, who is backing Dhanush's Idly Kadai and Sivakarthikeyan's Parasakthi. Meanwhile, Silambarasan's 51st movie is with Dragon-maker Ashwath. Simbu, who is awaiting the release of Kamal Haasan-Mani Ratnam's Thug Life, has teamed up with Desingh Periyasamy for his 50th film, tentatively called STR 50.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Santhosh Narayanan reveals 'Kanimaa' from 'Retro' is inspired by THIS iconic classic track
Directed by , ' Retro ' marks an exciting chapter in Suriya's film journey, blending intense action with emotional romance. The film has sparked massive anticipation, with fans hoping it will showcase in a bold and refreshing light. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now After the grandeur of 'Kanguva', 'Retro' is expected to deliver a different flavor grounded, stylish, and rich in storytelling. Industry insiders are already calling it a defining comeback for the star. As 'Retro' gears up for its grand theatrical release on May 1, the promotions and music are setting the perfect tone. 'Kanimaa' song creates social media frenzy One of the biggest talking points from the film so far is the song 'Kanimaa,' which has taken social media by storm. Its heartfelt melody and retro-inspired sound have made it an instant hit, especially on Instagram Reels where creators have embraced its emotional rhythm. Fans and music lovers alike have praised its ability to evoke nostalgia while feeling entirely fresh. The song's visuals, emotional weight, and subtle instrumentation have earned it a spot among this year's most talked-about tracks. Inspired by a 2004 classic from ' Manmadhan ' In a heartfelt revelation, music director shared during the film's promotional event that 'Kanimaa' was inspired by the 2004 hit ' En Aasai Maithiliye ' from 'Manmadhan', starring Simbu and Jyotika. He noted that the instrumentation, sound mix style, and overall emotional tone of the track were thoughtfully crafted as a tribute to that timeless melody. The original, composed by and sung by Simbu and Suchitra, was a massive success and 'Kanimaa' beautifully channels that same essence for a new generation. More musical treats on the way Santhosh Narayanan also confirmed that he will soon release a special breakdown video detailing the making of 'Kanimaa', offering fans deeper insight into the creative process. With the film's music already winning hearts and expectations for May 1 soaring high, 'Retro' is shaping up to be a musical and cinematic celebration that fans won't want to miss.
