Kamal Vs Simbu!!

By: Settu Shankar
Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Actor Kamal Hassan, at a function held on Monday, said that newcomers to Kollywood should stand on their own merit, and try to establish their own style. Simbu sharply reacted at this remark on the same podium, and retorted that he does not imitate anybody.

Speaking on the occasion of the audio launch of S.Ve.Shekher's son Ashwin Shekher's maiden venture Vegam, Kamal said, "Actors like Rajnikanth and me were fortunate to have a mentor like K. Balachander in the early days of our career. Unfortunately, today's young heroes do not have such opportunities. They can learn from actors like us. Instead of imitating us, they can try evolving a style unique to themselves". He recalled his long association with Shekher, and expressed hope that his son would also win a place for himself in the filmdom.

Simbhu also participated in the event, but contradicted Kamal's observation. He said: "There have been criticisms about my style in my movies. However, I am happy for the fact that it went down well with the audience. I do not imitate anybody. It is something spontaneous, and I'm glad that I was able to reach out to the masses".

Starring Ashwin and Archana in lead roles, Vegam has a musical score by the noted classical musician Rajesh Vaidya.

Rama Ramanarayanan, President of Tamil Film Producers Council, S. Ve. Shekher, Ashwin Shekher,and a large number of film personalities also attended the function.

Meanwhile, Simbu is firm on the title of his forthcoming film Kettavan, and he has categorically announced that he will never change the title under any circumstances!

The Tamil film producer's council recently instructed the producers of the films Pollathavan, Kettavan and Porukki to change these movie titles which are more identifiable with the anti-social elements and should come with more decent titles. The Council warned that if the titles are not going to be changed, they wouldn't approach the govt for any concession for these films.

The producer of Pollathavan convinced the Producer's Association that this title had already been used for a Rajinikanth film, which did not censure anyone.

Shakthi Chidambaram, the producer cum director of Porukki has explained that Porukki means one who weeds out the bad elements from the society. It has been learnt that the association did not accept this explanation. Finally, Shakthi Chidambaram agreed to change the title of Porukki.

On his part, Simbu has offered the explanation that Kettavan means one who has been spoilt due to his lust for a woman, and so the title did not censure anyone in particular. Hence, the film will retain its original title.

The president of the producer's council, Rama Narayanan was not satisfied with the explanation of Simbu. But Simbu is adamant to go with the title at any cost.