"It's scary what has happened, " says Madhavan, referring to the explosion of expectation that the Tanu Weds Manu trailers have garnered. He isn't flattering himself, the curiosity for this film is high. It's true the publicity has struck a chord but why should that be frightening?
Then it dawns on Koel, Maddy and Kangana have never had to shoulder the responsibility of a much hyped film. They've been good in other people's hits. This film, if it works, will be their own hit. The stakes are high. They are still not considered true blue insiders by the film industry.
Kangana may have a national award but she still gets ignored by the self-appointed core group for being too 'down market'. When she told me this off camera it broke my heart.
Koel says she liked her from the first time we met because she was never shy of being different. By remaining true to herself she was braver than most aspiring actresses who are happy to be cast in a clone like mould.
She saw no shame in wanting to learn whether it was English or the etiquette of urban society. Deep in her heart she was and is a philosopher.
She always thinks out of the box. "Love is too huge a thing for me to talk about just like that: Why are we obsessed with marriage as girls? Can't we live happily ever after as we are?"
But no one can escape the insecurities the industry inspires, not even this pretty philosopher. The result is amply evident on her lips and her body though her mind remains beautifully unaltered.
Maddy may not have a similar problem but he too ends up playing sidey parts in Hindi films when he's such a huge star down south.
But the more I meet him the more I think that he's not really interested in being a star; he gets off on the acting and also on Jennifer whilst sitting on the couch. You'll have to watch the show to get that one. Another reason to make a date with your tele is the easy flow of jibes between Tanu and Manu.
Like their characters they too are poles apart. Perhaps, this is why they really dig the other's company but there certainly isn't a romantic thing going on there.
They like to tease each other and they are friends enough for constant jibing. Their chemistry is genuine and based on mutual respect.
Madhavan gushed at how wonderful it was to work with an actress that came prepared and knew more about the character than even the writer. Kangana praised Maddy's intellect and patience but wanted to know what he does for two hours in his vanity van when she can be ready in 20 minutes.
