Ameer's Mounam Pesiyadhe has been re-released in theatres for the occasion of Valentine's Day this week. The 2002 romantic drama stars Suriya, Trisha, Nandha and Laila in key roles. While speaking about the re-release in an interview with Cinema Express, Ameer addressed the ongoing film censorship controversy, ignited by Vijay's Jana Nayagan.
Speaking about who sits as a member of the board, Ameer said, "Who becomes a censor board member? Anybody who is on good terms with the central government is appointed to the censor board as a member. The members are not qualified like lawyers, doctors or IAS or IPS officers. Has the board openly mentioned what qualification is required to become a censor board member? The owner of one of Chennai's textile stores was a member of the CBFC; I don't wish to name him. This is an honourable post, and those who watch the film will give a certificate only based on their likes and dislikes. One may like comedy and call a film good, while another who despises violence may be against it."
Ameer also took an example of his own 2013 film, Aadhi Bhagavan, to explain why he thinks there's politics involved in the censorship process. Say, for example, violent films are given an 'A' certificate by default by the CBFC. Did Aadhi Bhagavan have any violent or overtly sensual scenes? No, but it was given an 'A' certificate. On the other hand, Rajinikanth's Jailer featured the actor thrashing a villain with a hammer with a lot of bloodshed, and yet it was given a 'U/A' certificate. So this process is indeed filled with politics.
Mounam Pesiyadhe follows Goutham (Suriya), who is scornful towards the idea of love and people in love. Goutham believes that love is a waste of time. However, Goutham, who never thought of himself as a fool who would fall in love, encounters romance.
Composer Yuvan Shankar Raja, who had his maiden collaboration with Suriya in Poovellam Kettuppar (1999), reunited with the actor in Mounam Pesiyadhe. The album's success resulted in repeated collaborations between Ameer and Yuvan. Mounam Pesiyadhe's technical team includes cinematographer Ramji, art director Rajeevan, and editor Suresh Urs.
