Chances are that if you are a coffee lover in Chennai and like to frequent some of the more popular (and newer) cafes, you’ve run into Gautham Vasudev Menon (GVM).
In conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, GVM explains what these spaces have offered him over the years, in terms of creativity and ideas.
Edited excerpt from the conversation.
THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER INDIA: How did this habit of writing at cafes and coffee shops come about?
GAUTHAM VASUDEV MENON: So, I’ve always had — and still have — a really nice office space where my team sits and where we have meetings every day when there’s a film in progress. But whenever I wanted to sit and write, or take an interesting meeting, I started stepping out to cafes. This started even before my first film, Minnale (2001).
It began with travelling abroad. When I’d step out and walk around, I used to look up nearby coffee shops. You’d find a place, sit there, and start writing. Back then, it was all pen and paper. Later, laptops came in, and I was one of the first ones who began using them for writing. People used to mock me for it back then! But I’d open my laptop and start narrating ideas or typing scenes. Even when I was working on Kaakha Kaakha (2003), I continued doing that.
THR INDIA: Do you feel more creative at such spots?
MENON: I actually like the atmosphere of cafes; the hustle and bustle, people walking in and out, the music, and a bit of chaos around you. Somehow my thoughts open up more in that environment. I also travel to write sometimes.
In Chennai, I used to spend a lot of time at places like the old Amethyst in Gopalapuram, before it shifted near Sathyam. That was one of my favourite spots. Then there were places like Brew Room, Coffee Since 1999, Bask…and Bread & Chocolate, which is called Dou now. Any new little coffee shop that opens up — you’d probably find me sitting there.
There’s a new Starbucks on CP Ramasamy Road that I frequent now.
THR INDIA: Do you have a regular order? Is it coffee?
MENON: Actually, I don’t even drink coffee! I just like the smell of coffee beans and the whole idea of a coffee machine working in the background while coffee is being prepared, but I don’t drink it myself. Even in my office, everyone else drinks coffee except me. My thing is green tea. I usually have two or three cups a day.
THR INDIA: Do you remember the first script you wrote in a cafe? Was it Minnale?
MENON: I think Kaakha Kaakha was when I really started writing extensively in coffee shops. Minnale was written largely during my time with (filmmaker) Rajiv Menon sir. Back then, (actor) Madhavan and I used to ride around on my bike, go to a couple of places, sit and discuss scenes while the film was being made.
There were also discussions at Woodlands Drive-In with some writers from the team, and that’s where I first met actor Vivek — I walked up to him there and asked if he would like to be part of the film and help write for it. He used to hang out there quite a bit, and I’d also ride there on my bike, sit at one of the tables, and write.
Woodlands Drive-In was definitely one of the early places where I spent time writing.
THR INDIA: When people recognise you and come up to you in these places, do you enjoy those interactions?
MENON: I don’t have a problem being seen in public spaces. I’ve never had an issue with people coming up for a photo or a quick chat. I don’t push that energy away. If someone comes up and wants to talk or take a picture, that’s perfectly fine.
The only thing I have an issue with is when people secretly record you or take candid pictures and post them online without asking. You can usually tell when someone is doing that, and I think that’s unfair.
THR INDIA: What’s next for you as a filmmaker?
MENON: It’s a Tamil film, and we are already few days into the shoot. I’m not announcing further details yet, but the schedule is already planned and we’re moving ahead in full steam. I should be ready with the film by July or August. It’s a love story.
THR INDIA: Could we see a full-blown musical from you at some point?
MENON: I’m writing a script around the production of these concerts — almost like a Broadway-style musical. We are currently scouting for actors who can perform on stage, with a script and story based around the songs. That’s a big plan which is currently in motion.
THR INDIA: What about Dhruva Natchathiram? Is there a release date in sight?
MENON: It’s ironic and somewhat unbelievable that this is happening to me. It has been 10 years since we conceived the project. The film is complete and ready to release.