Says it with satire

Balaji Mohan’s Vaayai Moodi Pesavum, which hits the screens this week, is a social and political satire laced with comedy

Nazriya Nazim and Dulquer Salman in Vaayai Moodi Pesavum

The young Balaji Mohan’s debut film, Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Yeppadi , was hailed for employing an inventive narrative technique. Much is expected of his next, Vaayai Moodi Pesavum , which also marks the Tamil debut of Mammooty’s son, Dulquer Salman and the return of Madhubala of Roja fame. It also stars Nazriya Nazim in a lead role.

How much was he able to push the envelope the second time around? “I have tried to play with different types of comedy in the same film. The key is to strike a balance between the elements that are deemed new in the narrative with elements that are seen as ‘commercial’.”

What is

Vaayai Moodi Pesavum all about? “It is a sort of social and political satire. It presents a critique of our country’s political and social setup.”

So, is it a ‘message’ movie? “A lot of it is tongue-in-cheek. In the film, a rare strain of flu spreads across a village making people lose their ability to speak. The flu is a metaphor for society’s refusal to communicate freely, which, I believe, is the root cause of all problems — personal, social and political. Of course, the film doesn’t preach. It tries to get its point across through its characters and sub-plots,” he says.

Balaji’s first film was appreciated for how well he handled the rom-com genre. What is his approach to writing comedy? “I enjoy watching comedy and can’t see myself ever making a film, even a serious one, without adding a layer of comedy to it. I like all kinds of comedy: from television shows Friends or South Park to Charlie Chaplin films. In this film, I have tried to include many kinds of comedy: situational, dialogue-based, dry and even the absurd.

How does it feel to be entrusted with the task of launching a big star’s son, something only experienced directors get to do in Tamil cinema? “I was looking for a likeable, pleasant-looking person who could pass off as a reliable trouble shooter. I thought Dulquer could pull off such a character. He plays a salesman who sells an adhesive called Dr. Fix It.” Considering

Vaayai … would be Dulquer’s Tamil debut, did he face any pressure? “I was quite surprised that he chose my film to make his debut. But, to tell the truth, there has been no interference. In fact, I only met Mr. Mammooty a few days ago, when we screened the film for him.”

So, what’s next? “My next film will be nothing like KSY or Vaayai… The film will have Dhanush playing the lead.”