Now, Simbu sings on note ban woes

‘Demonetisation Anthem’ creates flutter on social media; police cover over protest fears

Screen grab of Simbu singing 'Demonetisation anthem'

Actor R. Silambarasan, alias Simbu, has not fought shy of emulating his rivals in show business. His ‘beep’ song aimed to go viral like Dhanush’s ‘Kolaveri’. Now, he has given voice to the problems faced by the people due to demonetisation, just like his counterpart Vijay did.

Simbu’s ‘Demonetisation Anthem’ with lyrics by Kabilan Vairamuthu that was released on November 8, coinciding with the anniversary of demonetisation, has created ripples on social media, crossing 8 lakh views on YouTube. It seems to have created enough flutter for the police to beef up security at the actor’s T. Nagar house on Saturday.

With its catchphrase ‘No cash,’ the song is meant for an upcoming Tamil film

Thatrom Thookrom . It touches upon the issues of demonetisation and The Goods and Services Tax and the impact on people across the country. Depicting visuals of people waiting in long queues outside ATMs, the song makes a reference to actors Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, who had then extended their cooperation for the move.

The three-minute song composed by Balamurali Balu has apparently drawn some opposition. Police sources said that a group of four people created a scene late Friday night outside Simbu’s house on Masilamani Street. On Saturday, a few uniformed police personnel were deployed at the house. Security was withdrawn as no one turned up to protest.

“I had just rendered my voice and it is not even my movie. Everyone has a right to express their perspective. Many people express their thoughts over social media on demonetisation. It is a fun song, and is a part of the film. Police had provided security as a precaution. I am not against, or for anything. As a citizen, I want good things to happen to my country,” he told The Hindu.

Those associated with the movie noted that the song helps to provide context in the film. “The timeline of the script required that we weave in the issues that happened in the country then. It was not an analysis and not meant to hurt anyone. We wanted a celebrity singer for better reach,” said writer-lyricist Kabilan Vairamuthu who has penned the dialogues and lyrics for the movie.

Meanwhile, the BJP has said their party cadre was not involved in the incident outside Simbu’s house. A spokesperson for the party said: “Why should we give undue importance to such a song? We have other business to take care of.”

It may be recalled that in 2015 Chennai police had filed a First Information Report against Simbu and music director R. Anirudh over the ‘beep’ song that drew sharp criticism of its lyrics.