'Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru is a breezy entertainer'

Popular director Sundar C has been part of the Tamil film industry for more than 18 years now. With 25 films to his credit as a director and more than 10 films as an actor, Sundar C averages two films per year in an industry that is highly competitive, risky and ever-changing. 

Not only has he survived, but over the years he has emerged a winner with numerous hits such as Ullathai Allitha, Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga, Arunachalam, Winner, Naam Iruvar Nammaku Iruvar, London, Rishi, Anbe Sivam and his most recent, Kalakalappu.

He has worked with top stars of the Tamil film industry--Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Ajith, Karthik, Sathyaraj, Sarath Kumar, Kushboo, Rambha and many others. 

Following the grand success of Kalakalappu, Sundar C directs a romantic entertainer, Theeya Velai Seyyanum Kumaru. The film stars Siddarth, Hansika Motwani, Santhanam and Ganesh Venkatram in leading roles.

Here he talks about the film and about what its takes to be successful in a competitive industry.

Tell us about your association with UTV Motion Pictures.

This is my second movie with UTV Motion Pictures. The first, Kalakalappu, was a huge hit and a good money-earner for both of us. 

It is nice to work with a corporate set-up like UTV. Nowadays, with the promotional aspect of the film becoming increasingly important, it is crucial to have a good producer with sharp business acumen who understands the product and knows how to take it to the audience. 

UTV has acquired a good name with distributors and theatre owners who feel confident that they will go the extra mile to promote the film.

After the terrific response we got for Kalakalappu, UTV wanted me to make a sequel, Kalakalappu 2, but I was hesitant. It is sometimes difficult to meet such high expectations. 

Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru is quite an unusual title. What is the movie about?

My film Ullathai Allitha had its first houseful show only 10 days after it was released. It gained popularity slowly, by word-of-mouth, before it was declared a super hit at the box office. 

Today, this is virtually impossible. Theatre owners replace a movie within the first few days. Movies rarely get an opportunity to make an impression. As filmmakers we have to do everything possible to draw in the crowd on the opening day, and a catchy, unusual title certainly helps. Besides, the title also suited the script well.

Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru is a light, breezy, romantic entertainer that may not have you roaring with laughter, but will certainly keep you smiling throughout.

Hansika is often referred to as 'Junior Kushboo' by the media and her fans. Were you also reminded of Khushboo in her younger days when working with Hansika?

Khushboo and Hansika are two completely different personalities, in looks, performance and character. It is just that both are very fair and are on the 'healthier' side and that prompts the comparison.

It is not right to burden Hansika with so much pressure; she is a very talented actress, but she has just started her career and has a long way to go.

The Vadivelu-Sundar C combination has always been the talk of the town. Has Santhanam taken his place?

Santhanam is a very sincere and dedicated actor, who always does his homework, and has a lot of ideas of his own to improve the script.

I have worked with Santhanam in two films as an actor. Kalakalappu was my first film with him as a director, followed by Madha Gaja Raja and now TVSK. 

His inputs are highly valued and as a director it does feel good to work with someone like him.

What are you like on the sets?

I am very relaxed on the sets; my shooting spots are more like a holiday for everyone involved.

I enjoy making movies and my sets are not like a school where we have to be strict. I don't really see any need to get unnecessarily stressed, worried, or angry. 

Tell us about actor Vishal's cameo in the film. Does Khushboo also make an appearance?

There are a couple of cameo performances by two or three top artists, but I will let that be a surprise for you. I don't want to spoil your fun.

Your wife is also your producer. Is that an advantage, or does it lead to conflict?

As a producer, Khushboo never interferes in my films. I have complete freedom.

You have acted in quite a number of movies. Do you believe directors make good actors?

You can't really say every director will make a good actor and vice versa. It depends on each individual.

As a director you have been very successful, but looking back at your career as an actor, how do you feel?

I think I am more successful than I deserve. I never expected to do 10 films in a span of five years; it was more of a break from direction for me. 

Do you think people come to your movies expecting only romance and comedy? Will TVSK deliver what the audience expects?

People come to my films for entertainment, be it romance or comedy. They usually come with their families to have a nice time, and don't expect any mind-blowing narration or script.

They just expect to be entertained for a few hours and TVSK is definitely a good family entertainer. It is a feel-good romantic film, guaranteed to cheer you up and keep you smiling.

Is it becoming increasingly difficult to survive in this highly competitive field? 

Film business has become extremely competitive, especially these last few years when a lot of short film makers have also come into the industry.

Making a movie is a very risky proposition. Each and every movie is important; just one bad movie and you are gone.

How have you managed to continue for this long?

Coming to the top is easy, but surviving there is very tough. It needs a lot of hard work and talent.

Today, when someone asks me what is my biggest achievement in this industry, I never mention any of my movies.

For me, just surviving in this industry for such a long time is my biggest achievement.