Nxg

SPOTLIGHT NXg chats up the young pair who star in the southern-spiced version of the Bollywood superhit “Jab We Met”. ARCHANA SUBRAMANIAN

Actors Bharat and Tamannah took a risk when they signed “Kandein Kadhalai”. Though aware that their performance will be scanned critically, they have not hesitated to take that extra step. In a chat, the two young stars talk about the movie that releases next week.

How was it acting in “Kandein Kadhalai” especially after you knew it was a remake of “Jab We Met”?

Tamannah: I enjoyed watching this film; I’ve seen it over and over again. So working in this film was like a dream come true. It’s a memorable character. And it became a more beautiful experience because the entire unit was as passionate and excited as me.

Bharath: I knew “Jab We Met” was a romantic, breezy film so I was happy to be offered this film when I wanted to shift to a more serious, urban character. What better vehicle than “Kandein Kadhalai”?

How does it feel to know that you will be compared to Kareena and Shahid?

T: In a remake comparisons are natural. I do it too so I know it’s bound to happen; I’m ready for it. We have stuck to the original and you will see a lot of Kareena in me. I have tried to give it my best shot; the rest is up to the audience…

B: We are physically alike and we were told to follow all the nuances of the original. So comparisons will follow. My acting skills can be proved in other films; for this one I will have to do whatever has already clicked.

Do you feel the movie has done justice to the original? What do you think is the USP of the remake?

T: I have seen the uncut version and I think we’ve done a good job. I don’t think anybody else could have done it better because for each of us it was an obsession. The USP is the added South Indian flavour.

B: The film’s essence has been retained and the remake is a treat for the masses. The look of the film and us is the USP.

How was it working with your co-star?

T: I thought I was the only one mad about this film. On meeting Bharath I figured that he was equally passionate. We spent a lot of time discussing how we wanted our roles to flow and we would always have the original songs playing in the background to keep the mood. It was very comfortable working with him, he’s very understanding and he brought the same feel that Shahid brought to “Jab We Met”.

B: She’s very good and extremely sincere. A great co-star; I know she will go a long way.

What makes KK different from other movies?

T: It’s a very positive film. At every point in life when you think nothing can be done it shows how, what changes can be done just by perceiving it differently. It’s a feel-good film.

B: It’s special since it’s different. It’s targeted at youngsters as there are no complex plots; just a lot of fun.

Any preparations you had to make before shooting?

T: I saw the original several times. Once on the set I tried to bring some elements of ‘me’ into the film for some added flavour.

B: I used to watch the movie over and over again perfecting my acting to fit into Shahid’s character. Also the Director was very supportive because he let us do what we felt was right for the film.

What do you think of remaking films?

T: I think it’s a huge responsibility. The film already has its share of audience and fans. So when you remake it’s for a select audience that has not seen the film because of language constraints.

B: I think remakes are like trump cards. Remakes allow an actor to show different shades. It’s a challenge for the actor and the director.

Does gossip bother you? How do you react when people talk about your on screen chemistry?

T: Chemistry on screen is what we’re selling. Just like we sell dreams, romance… it has to be good. So when people talk about it, good; because it’s being noticed!

B: I just ignore it. And our chemistry will only be loved on screen.

If not you who else do you feel would have made a good pair for KK?

T: I can’t imagine and I don’t want to imagine anyone else playing the role.

B: I feel Simbu would have done a good job with Trisha.

Which role do you think you can play best?

T: I would like to play my age. But different character traits within the parameter of my age can be convincing. I have played all sorts of roles. For me the amount of footage in my films is important. I have done some meaty roles too.

B: I think I can play emotional roles very well. I also fancy these cop films and any movie that requires a lot of emotions, intense ones…

Your favourite scene in the film…

T: All the train sequences… they are fresh.

B: The scene where I ask Tamannah to come back home and she refuses. It’s shot in a very poetic way and is my favourite.

Projects in your kitty…

T: “Thillalangadi” and “Paiyya”.

B: “Thambikku Endha Ooru” and “Tiruttani”

Tamannah’s takes

• Favourite movie: “DDLJ”
• Favourite co-star: All
• Favourite song: Dooriyaan from “Love Aaj Kal”
• Film(s) you would have loved to be part of: “Arundathi” and “Chandramukhi”
• Your style quotient: Dress to the occasion
• Favourite brands: L’Oreal, MAC, Elizabeth Arden. For clothes I like Bebe and Nike
• Favourite Indian city: Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad
• Any remake you would have liked to be a part of? I already am!

Bharath’s bytes

• Favourite movie: “Hangover”
• Favourite co-star: Pooja
• Favourite song: Nenjukkul peidhidum maamalai from “Vaarnam Aayiram”
• Film you would have loved to be part of: “Kaakha Kaakha”
• Your style quotient: Be simple
• Favourite brands: Armani for everything
• Favourite Indian city: Mumbai
• Any remake you would have liked to be a part of? “Something Something”

Popularity: 1% [?]