Kollywood actor Simbu opens up about controversies surrounding 'Idhu Namma Aalu'

After a tough three years, Simbu’s career is going great guns. His film Vaalu was declared a hit and he is trying to complete his home production Idhu Namma Aalu for a 2015 release. The actor is currently working on Gautham Menon’s Achcham Enbadhu Madamaiyada and Selvaraghvan’s Kaan. However, he has once again been dogged by controversies. In an exclusive chat with dna, he opens up about these issues, his brother and his upcoming films.
 
The Nayanthara issue

Two songs still need to shot with Simbu and Nayanthara for Idhu Namma Aalu. The actress had reportedly given dates eight times for the songs but they couldn’t be shot due to various unavoidable reasons which she is aware of. Responding to allegations he complained about Nayanthara to the Tamil Nadu Film Producers Council, Simbu says, “We only gave a letter to the TNPC stating that we would like Nayanthara’s dates for two songs and that we are willing to hand over the balance money of Rs. 50 lakh (Rs 25 per song) of her payment to them as well. Is this a complaint?” The actor adds that it’s completely up to the actress to decide if she wants to give the dates or not.
 
The Kuthu song controversy

Director Pandiraj had recently stated to a publication that it was Simbu and his dad, T Rajendar, who were keen on a kuthu song for the film and not him as the script doesn’t demand it. Simbu says, “Firstly, I respect Pandiraj’s perspective as a director. I have no issues with him. However, we need to keep in mind what the audience wants and what my films have been about. The music for all my films has been super-hits and my films are known for their songs. Songs are also required for marketing the film. It’s not because I want it or my dad wants it – today, every film needs a kuthu number, a romantic number etc, to be successful at the box office.”

Kural’s music debut

The actor is very excited about his younger brother’s music debut. “Kural has worked very hard for this album and has come up with some really good music. In fact, he played the Idhu Namma Aalu songs to Yuvan, Thaman and Anirudh and they all like them. Kural felt I am the most difficult person to convince when it comes to music and songs. He was thrilled that I liked the album,” says the actor proudly. As for Pandiraj, Simbu feels the director has let his 23-year-old brother down by saying his script doesn’t require those songs. But an extremely confident Simbu quickly brushes it aside and says, “No one can change Kural’s destiny when the Idhu Namma Aalu album releases. The songs are mind-blowing!”
 
Upcoming films

“Ameer Sultan’s film will be new for me in terms of the genre – it’s a village subject. It has a lot of nakkal and nayyandi humour. I will start shooting for the project in February or March next year,” explains Simbu. He has completed 75% of Gautham Menon’s film which will wrap up by mid-October. Post that, he will resume work on Selvaraghavan’s Kaan.