Photos by Dani Charles. Reporting by Niveda Manohar.
Vaalu’s arrival at the theatres was pretty late. Coincidentally enough, the arrival of the film’s Vaalu, Silambarasan, at the film’s success meet, was also pretty late. A visibly sick T Rajendar, though, was on time. Greeting everyone personally, he was full of profuse apologies for the delay. Before taking the podium, he told waiting journalists, “I don’t know how well I’ll be able to speak. I feel too sick.” Yet, his twenty minute speech was both emotional and effective. He thanked the press for their reviews and support and said that just being able to release the film felt like a milestone. “I promised to bring my son to the event. I’ve kept my promise,” he said, before letting Simbu take over.
“Vandhutten,” declared Simbu, adding that he was happy to talk to the press about Vaalu after three long years. Stating that he would take the blame for the delay, he thanked “Vijay anna and everyone else” who supported the film’s release. The biggest lesson he had learned from the film’s struggles, he said, was to face where he stood in Tamil cinema.
When asked about any wedding plans in the future, he said it was up to the almighty to decide when that would happen. Responding to queries on why there were so many references to other actors in Vaalu, Simbu said it was to enhance the comedic and entertaining aspects of the film. On the subject of directing films, he said he might direct a film someday but only after he completes his acting assignments.
Regarding the twitter war that had broken out between his fans and fans of Udhayanidi Stalin, Simbu said that he understood that their frustration came from their agony over the continual delays. He then requested his fans to put an end to it.
T Rajendar said that he had wanted Simbu to add a Vijay sequence in the Thaarmaaru song where Simbu imitates MGR, Rajini, and Ajith Kumar. But music director Thaman felt it wouldn’t be possible to include it, considering the length of the song.
When asked about his stance in the Nadigar Sangam elections, Simbu that he would be supporting Sarathkumar’s team, but wasn’t against Vishal, and would remain friends with Vishal and his team.
