He is probably one of the most evergreen romantics in tinsel town today. Since Alaipayuthey, Minnale, Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein, Dumm Dumm Dumm and the like, 40-year-old R Madhavan or Maddy as he is fondly called, still captures peoples’ hearts as the all-time favourite lover boy. After his latest Tamil release, Manmadhan Ambu, Maddy is all set for his Hindi release, Tanu Weds Manu, on Friday, February 25. In this film the actor plays a love-struck hero, once again.
“I take it as a compliment when audiences tell me that I am still the romantic hero. I get to play one even today. Although I have played different kinds of roles in my previous films, it is a great feeling to be termed the eternal romantic,” says Maddy. In Tanu Weds Manu, the actor plays Manoj Sharma, aka Manu. “This film is a romantic comedy. Playing the silent, yet strong Manu has been the biggest challenge so far. Manu is an NRI doctor, who has all the qualities of a good husband. He comes from abroad to marry an Indian girl, who is just the opposite of his temperament. The challenge lay in bringing out the difference in temperament and sinking into my character,” says Maddy.
Tanu Weds Manu might remind our south Indian folks of Dumm Dumm Dumm, yet another storyline revolving around a wedding, but Maddy clarifies, “It is completely different from Dumm Dumm Dumm. There, the story dealt with how both the bride-to-be and the groom-to-be opposed the marriage equally, and how eventually fate brought them together. In Tanu Weds Manu, it’s the girl who is against the whole arranged marriage system.”
Working with director Anand L Rai, was a learning experience for Maddy. “His vision with regards to every scene in the film shows in his attempt to ensure that the script and the scenes are in sync. All the characters are in sync with each other and it’s interesting to watch them progress with the plot. He has maintained the tone of the movie very well,” says the actor. About Kangna Ranaut, his co-star and female lead in the film, says Maddy. “I thoroughly enjoyed working with Kangna in the film. A memorable instance was when she hurt her leg badly during the shoot, but still delivered her part really well, ” he says.
Most of the film has been shot in UP, in places like Lucknow and Kanpur. “The atmosphere in those places was serene and innocent, and hence apt for the film,” says Maddy.
Madhavan is one actor who has been on a good footing in Kollywood as well as Bollywood. “I don’t see them as two different industries. I am now doing Vettai with Linguswamy, which also has Arya. I will start working on it next month. Apart from this, I am also working on two other Hindi films,” he says and signs off.