CHENNAI: Dhanush-Vivek combination onscreen is not new. The duo made a success of films like ‘Padikkadhavan’ and ‘Uthamaputhiran’. Now they are all set to create magic on screen once again in ‘Seedan’, which is slated for release on February 25.
Comedian and Padma Shri winner Vivek plays a saamiyar, Gumbidi Swamy in the film. And he is happy with the Censor Board’s feedback on his comedy.
“Comedy is serious business. The attempt to escape the scissors is essential for any actor who writes his own script.” Says Vivek, who takes his acting inspiration from veteran MR Radha. “I have made a conscious effort here not to involve recent scandals and fake saamiyaars in my role. Also, it does not criticize faith or mock at any religion. It’s pure, harmless comedy. You will find me sporting coloured costumes and special bindis in the film, instead of the usual vibhuthi or kungumam,” he reveals.
So, Gumbidi Swamy is definitely a fake saamiyaar, but one who’ll have you rolling with laughter.
Throwing light on Dhanush’s role in the film, Vivek says, “Gumbidi Swamy is a rational person who does petty thefts to earn two square meals a day. Dhanush, being aware of this, blackmails the swamy. You will see in the climax that Gumbidi Swamy plays an instrumental role in setting things right with Dhanush,” he says and adds that the comedy here is an integral part of the film.
After ‘Seedan’, the Dhanush- Vivek combination will be seen in ‘Mapillai’.
“I have acted in films where comedy has been a mere side track. Likewise, some comedy roles that I have played have been an important part of the main plot. It’s all about whether it clicks or not. In the former, there is more independence in scripting, and in the latter you need to sit with the director while etching out a script that suits the plot."
Any punch dialogues in the film?
“Mattu Verattina Jallikattu, Aattu Verattina Thalapakattu,” he exclaims and laughs out aloud.
“There is a cell phone joke in Seedan, which I am positive will become the comical hit of the year,” says Vivek and explains, “Mayilsamy, who plays a part here, owns a range of mobile phones from various parts of the world. When he is away for a short while, Gumbidi Swamy flicks one of the phones and swallows it. When Mayilswamy returns, he quickly notices his “Thailand” phone missing. He tries calling and hears the ringtone playing from the swamy’s mouth. Finally, Mayilsamy decides to destroy his missing phone with a code. When he does, smoke seeps out of Gumbidi Swamy’s mouth, nose and ears,” says Vivek who, bursts out laughing at the joke himself.
‘Seedan’ is a remake of the Malayalam film ‘Nandanan’ (2002). And Vivek says that the comedy in this film is slightly different.
“It has been scripted keeping the Tamil audiences in mind. In fact, there are more comic scenes here,” he says, “I have played saamiyaar roles in the past, but I am sure that this one will be refreshingly different,” he concludes.