CHENNAI: Let’s rewind to 2019. Chennai was buzzing with Bigil fever, TikTok trends, and, of course, the Chapathi Song — Aravind SA’s hilarious parody of Lungi Dance that became an instant hit. It wasn’t just a spoof; it was a love letter to the quirks of Chennai, packed with laughs only we could truly get.
Fast forward to 2024, and Aravind’s back, but this time with something a little deeper. His new stand-up special, We Need to Talk, ditches the slapstick for something more introspective, focusing on mental health, overthinking, and life’s awkward pauses, all with his trademark wit that makes you question everything — including why you’ve spent the last 20 minutes deciding whether to text “K” or “OK” after an argument. Spoiler: it’s the same thing.
I caught up with Aravind to chat about his new special and the dramatic shift in tone. Streaming as a digital special, We Need to Talk brings the laughs straight into your living room — so no need to suffer through the city’s traffic or negotiate with your auto driver about that extra 50 bucks.
The show digs into topics we’d rather avoid: overanalysing, bottling up emotions, and navigating those awkward but essential conversations. Naturally, I had to ask — how does the city of Chennai shape this new venture?
The journey of Chennai’s certified overthinker began in 2011, when Aravind joined his peers Karthik Kumar and Naveen Richard in the fledgling stand-up scene. But back then, comedy in Chennai was more “hobby” than “industry.”
“We started with a lineup of shows, but it wasn’t really an industry until about 2014-15, when YouTube videos began to take off. That’s when solo shows and full-time careers became realistic.”
After touring We Need to Talk for two years, Aravind describes it as his most cohesive show yet. “Unlike my earlier specials, which were just collections of jokes, this show was built from scratch. I wiped the slate clean and worked with a clear framework. Every joke, every moment had to fit into that.”
The show’s themes? Oh, they’re deep — but Aravind makes them relatable. “I’ve always written from my own experiences, but this time it felt different,” he shared. “I’m at a stage in life where you stop pretending you’ve got it all figured out. You become more mindful, more accepting of your flaws.”
The title We Need to Talk wasn’t just a reflection of the show’s themes — it was also a first for Aravind. “For the first time, I had the title before I had the jokes,” he shared. He explained how the phrase captured the essence of discomfort. “It’s the phrase nobody wants to hear, right?” It’s like that dreaded text from your partner or your boss.
No one ever sends it with good news. So, it captured how he felt writing this show — awkward, anxious, unsure. But as he worked through the material, he realised that the title wasn’t just about discomfort.
It’s also an invitation. To talk. To share. To listen. I was curious about how he managed to balance such vulnerable topics with his signature humour. “That’s tricky,” he said, pausing to think. “But I had a great support system that helped me commit to being honest on stage.” His approach? It’s not just about telling jokes — it’s about creating a space where people can connect, share, and laugh together.
If you’ve ever found yourself spiraling or just craving a laugh that feels like therapy, We Need to Talk is your show. It’s like that one conversation you have with your cousin at 2 am over a plate of half-eaten dosa — humor, heart, and honesty all wrapped up in a bow.
“If this show helps even one person open up about what they’re feeling,” Aravind says, “that’s a win.” And in Chennai, that’s like finally admitting you actually like sambar with a bit of sweetness — Karnataka-style — even if your Tamil friends insist it’s sacrilege.
In a city where even an auto fare or a filter coffee order can lead to hours of overthinking, We Need to Talk feels like it belongs. The constant back-and-forth over big and small decisions is something every Chennaiite knows well.
It’s the kind of humour that hits close to home — whether you’re stressing over an extra shot of decoction or debating if “Vannakam” or “Hello” sounds more genuine. This show taps into that very spirit of overanalysing, and for many in Chennai, it’ll feel like the conversation they’ve been waiting for.
So, Chennai, are you ready? We Need to Talk — and laugh.
‘We Need to Talk’ is now streaming as a digital special from November 22 - December 9. Tickets are available on insider.in — no overthinking needed.