'Vanakkam Chennai is a clean comedy film'

Priya Anand has had a good 2013 so far with three releases: Rangrezz and Fukrey in Hindi and Ethir Neechal in Tamil.

The talented actor has been trying out different roles and movies in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

In this exclusive interview she shares details of Vanakkam Chennai, her next release (on October 11) directed by debutante Kiruthiga Udayanidhi.

What prompted you to sign Vanakkam Chennai? Was it the script?

I loved the one line of Vanakkam Chennai. It's not often that the female lead of a film gets to be such an active participant in the script. I'm there from start to finish and I got the opportunity to do comedy for the first time in Tamil.

Why is the film titled Vanakkam Chennai?

The story is about these two contrasting characters and how they meet in Chennai. What conspires after that is what Vanakkam Chennai is all about.

What does your character do?

Anjali is a photographer from London who wants to come to Chennai and do a shoot on Indian Culture.

After Gauri Shinde you are working with another woman on her debut film. How did you feel doing this project with Kiruthiga?

I had so much fun working with Kiru! She really is someone that I've grown very fond of. It was really nice to see how simple and down to earth she and her family are.

Since the film is a comedy, does Santhanam have a pivotal role in the film?

Vanakkam Chennai (VC) is a rom-com. Every character in the film adds humour to the script. Unlike most of Santhanam’s other films, in VC he takes the movie forward.

Of late, comedy seems to be a favourite with audiences.

Everyone wants to have a good time and VC offers a clean comedy experience that all age groups can enjoy.

At no point in the film will you find jokes that are derogatory towards women - something Kiru was very insistent about. 

You are cast opposite Shiva in the film. Rahul Ravindran is also there in the film. How was it acting with both of them?

Shiva’s comedy style is very different from the others. He says his lines earnestly while the audience has a good laugh.

Rahul is my best friend Rohit's brother. I’ve known him from before I became an actor and it took a long time for me to get used to acting with him (giggles).

What are your thoughts on the music of this film composed by Anirudh Ravichander? Songs are sung by Vishal Dadlani, Hard Kaur, Papon (Angaraag Mahanta) and others…

Ani is a rockstar! He's someone who gets the pulse of the audience and has handled his success very well. He is one of the biggest reasons for Ethir Neechal’s success. He is constantly raising the bar.

Kiruthiga is concerned about environment. Was there any special initiative on the sets to look into the environmental aspect?

Yes. Usually it breaks my heart to see how much paper goes waste while shooting for a film. Kiru has been environmentally conscious for a while now and tried to do her part in reducing carbon fibre.

You seem to be having three more Tamil films in your kitty…

I do... I am happy to be working with all the three next gen stars. It's so much fun working with all three of them.