Zoned Out: Authenticity


Gautam, there's been a lot of buzz about your trip to Hollywood. Please tell us about your experience there.


I went there to promote Varanam Aayiram for the Oscars. I think we have a good chance in at least five categories, including The Best Director. That's where I met with Mel Gibson and as usual, we sat down for a drink. You know, we share the same pro-American, pro-capitalist, pro-nationalist, pro-police, pro-military, pro-war, pro-elite, anti-feminist, anti-Islamic, ant...

Yes, yes, and?

What I mean is, we both go a long way. He said, "hey kiddo! (that's how he calls me) I've been asking you for years now, when are you going to make a film for me?" I narrated a story I had prepared for Warner Bros. He liked my story a lot but he wanted some changes in the script. He sent a few DVDs of his films so that I can incorporate some elements from it. I said it's impossible to add two more rape-murder scenes and walked away. The story is now a part of the movie I'm working on.

There are many who criticize that your characters speak too much Tamil and that it's a tactic to force sophistication in your movies, what's your opinion on that?

I never understood where this is coming from. I try to set my characters in real life scenarios in their absolute, raw authenticity. I cannot force my characters to not to be what they are. For example, in my next movie Vilikalil Amilam (விழிகளில் அமிலம்), the hero blurts, "ni periya mayirandiya?" whenever his authority is questioned. Now, please tell me if English could have done justice for this emotion?

I suppose not. The title sounds very interesting, what is the movie about?

The title has a profound meaning. You'll understand if you watch the movie. The movie is about this auto driver whose only ambition in life is to make love. He had sex, he got laid, he fucked, he humped, he fornicated, he: fed the kitty, varnished the cane, peeled the banana, shanked the shaft, pushed the button, creamed the kaboose, drove the stick, jumped the gun, climbed the mountain, washed the fruit, watered the plant, boinked the bandy, dipped the chip, glazed the donut, drilled the desert, boned the cone, stormed the trenches...

Ok! I think we get the point.

Yeah, so he does everything but make love. The story tries to paint a realistic picture of the protagonist's struggles in finding that decent, good girl who says, "I want to make love to you!" and makes his life worthwhile.

I'm sure the audience cannot wait to watch the movie. Thanks for a candid interview.

Anytime, mah nigga! I's jus keepin it real, fo' shizzle my nizzle.

(Did you just say that?) Never mind.

Also read: Gautam Menon's other "candid" interview

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

hahaha, the love making part had me in splits. awesome post, suresh.

Anonymous said...

Hilarious. I couldn't but laugh at the 'hey kiddo!' line.

Anonymous said...

Suresh.

I love you. Please marry me.

Anonymous said...

Wow. Blogging seems to have its benefits, after all. I should probably start posting again. :P

Sara said...

i just could not stop laughing....

antha pannada naai kandippa ippadi thaan interview kudpaan chance kidaichaa, konjam kudaaa manasatchi illamaa....

Ennaku ellam gybagam varuthu daddy ellam gyabhagam varuthu intha interview padichuta piraghu.. intha Gautham naaiyaa partha kallala aadichuu kolla solli irukingha.ellam thelivaa gyabagam varuthu....

Suresh ET said...

crazy,

I'm pleased to know that you love me, but what I really want to know is if you want to "make love" to me.

Sara - haha

Anonymous said...

otha poda mairandi

Anonymous said...

otha poda mairu
ivaru periya venna ...

sundaresh said...

pulavarkalae, satru saanthamaaka uraiyadungal.

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