Silambarasan TR

Gautham Menon is trying to investigate who is behind rumours about his fall out with A.R Rahman? We caught up with the ace director for this conversation

How is Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya progressing?
The film is moving at brisk pace. We are going to New York for a schedule where some crucial scenes of the film including climax will be shot. We also plan to shoot a song there.

The rumour mill says that you had a fall-out with AR Rahman, the music director of the film. Please comment?
Some vested interest has been spreading all kinds of lies that I have fallen out with Rahman over payment issues. On the contrary we are on the best of terms, as he has given outstanding music for VV. I will hand over the film to him in August and he will start re-recording and background score. We plan to release the film for Diwali. ARR has composed three extraordinary songs which have already been shot. They are of international quality and he will be recording the next two songs soon.

When did you last meet Rahman?
Recently, I met Rahman at his home in his Los Angeles and the first thing he asked me was about this baseless rumour doing the rounds. He asked me why people are writing such crap without checking facts with us. Let me tell you that Rahman signed Vinnaithaandi Varuvaya much before he won the Oscars, after hearing the script. He was impressed by the simple, feel-good love story. And after winning the Oscars and going truly International, he did not increase his fee as he knows the Tamil film market and the logistics more than anyone.

Can you elaborate on the songs?
Hosanaa, sung by Vijay Prakash ( Jai Ho.. fame) with Thamarai’s lyrics and a rap by Blaze will be a sure hit among the young crowd for its peppy beats and stunning visuals shot by Manoj Paramahamsa at Malta with stylized choreography by Flexy Stu. The second song Omana Penne… written by Thamarai and sung by A R Rahman himself, holds a style of its own.

What is the budget of Vinnai thaandi Varuvaaya?
We have shot the film on a large scale and the budget will be around 14 Crore. It is a big budget film shot in some exotic locales of New York, Malta and Kerala. It is a stylishly shot love story.

Both Simbu and Trisha have a new look in the film?
Simbu has 2 or 3 looks in the film. Trisha looks fresh and wears mostly cotton saris in the film. After Minnale, it will be my next out and out love story with outstanding music, a feel good romantic entertainer .