After navigating the diverse roles of an alcoholic, a con artist, and a comical gangster in his previous films, Director Gokul sets foot into a more regular day-to-day profession in his upcoming film ‘Singapore Saloon’. Teaming up with RJ Balaji, the story unfolds around the life of a hairstylist, portrayed by Balaji himself—an everyday hero with dreams and aspirations, carving out a future snip by snip.
“I was fascinated by a hairstylist I met during the production of ‘Kaashmora’. His stylish persona coupled with his passion for his work; his attitude and attire were just magnetic. It was on this real-life muse that I sculpted my protagonist,” shared Gokul, recounting the muse behind his main character’s creation. This film, in Gokul’s words, isn’t just about how we present ourselves but also about the silent architects behind our self-image.
Diving deep into the crux of the narrative, Gokul articulates a thought-provoking question, “What if a child aspires to be a hairstylist at the tender age of eight?” Reflecting on a profession that was once inherited and is now seen as a vocation with educational courses and lucrative earnings, ‘Singapore Saloon’ is a story about holding on to hope through various stages of life, presented with Gokul’s signature blend of humor and drama.
Often pondering over his filmmaking style and choices of stories, Gokul effuses contentment over ‘Singapore Saloon’, calling it his favorite project thus far, and recounts an anecdote of how a scene’s filming coincided with a timely spell of rainfall—almost as if the universe conspired to ensure the perfect shot for the movie.
Complementing the narrative’s depth are the carefully penned characters that Gokul takes immense effort to define. And with Isari Ganesh’s backing, this film has turned out to be one of the costlier ventures for RJ Balaji. “Selecting the cast was a conscious decision. The story needed an actor free from preconceived heroism and RJ Balaji’s transformation for the role is a testament to his versatility,” revealed Gokul.
The ensemble cast boasts about 15 veteran actors, making the audio launch seem like a celebrity gala event. Director Gokul excitedly anticipates the audience’s reaction to scenes featuring stalwarts like Sathyaraj and comedian Robo Shankar. Discussing the multi-faceted art of character building, Gokul emphasizes that performances are the cornerstone of his films, which while may be challenging during production, pays off when actors witness the end result.
Director Gokul holds up the film as a canvas to showcase the nuanced art of seasoned actors like Sathyaraj, who, despite his extensive experience, still approaches his role with the curiosity of a beginner, ready to trust a new vision of his character, distinct from his iconic ‘Enamma kannu’. Similarly, Gokul has high hopes for Balaji’s portrayal, predicting it to be a conversation starter regarding his acting prowess.
Through ‘Singapore Saloon’, Gokul aims to champion the often underappreciated genre of comedy in cinema, championing that it needs to be combined with emotional narratives to truly resonate, as is the case in his film which promises a ‘wow factor’ towards the climax. Hinting at a surprise cameo, he adds a layer of suspense for the audience before the big reveal.
‘My films embody performance-driven storytelling,’ Gokul asserts, highlighting his upcoming project ‘Corona Kumar’—a continuation of his comedy streak, set within the same universe as ‘Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara’. While decisions on the lead roles remain to be finalized, Gokul teases the thought-provoking notion of having two villains at the forefront of a story.
As ‘Singapore Saloon’ prepares to make its theatrical debut, Gokul looks forward to delighting audiences with his latest cinematic offering, which stands as a homage not only to day-to-day heroes but also to the art of subtle comedy, dynamic performances, and heartfelt narratives that define his body of work in Tamil cinema.
