There’s so much to love about this city – so many dimensions, people, and quirks, and what better way to say it all than through comedy?
Chennai, We Have a Problem…And It’s Funnywill have six stand-up comedians from the city take the stage as they try to decode, analyze, and most importantly, make light of everything that has come to define a day in Chennai’s life. All this will come together in various comedy concerts, where the audience will be treated to an evening of laughter in the city’s celebration as part of The Hindu Chennai’s celebratory festival, to celebrate 385 years of the city we call home.
“There is a reason why Ravichandran Ashwin, Superstar Rajinikanth, or even I continue to stay in Chennai. Either way, our home is this beautiful city,” says comedian-activist Rajmohan Arumugam. “I will dig up some of my favorite memories, from my life as an Engineering student and also talk about how college life has changed over the years,” he said.
Rajmohan Arumugam Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
Actor and comedian Badava Gopi says that everything about him is Chennai. “From the language to the food, everything about me is from this city. I believe that if you have lived in Chennai, you can live anywhere, because the city nurtures and brings you up,” he said. The sounds of Chennai, right from traffic to MS Dhoni in Chepauk will all be featured on set. “I have performed in many places abroad, but performing in Chennai is very special,” he said.
Mervyn Rozz Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
For Mervyn Rozz, the city traffic, the different types of people he meets while stuck in traffic, and how it adds to Chennai’s personality will be the theme of his set. “Despite planning and leaving early, most of us arrive late,” he said. The city has a place for everyone and provides the way they want to live, he said, pointing out that traveling is also true.
Ramkumar Natarajan Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
Drawing inspiration from more than 15 years in the IT sector, Ramkumar Natarajan set will delve into the quintessential Chennai IT many through his own experience, and the company and IT hustle – chronicling all the highs and lows. “Chennai has always welcomed people from the South into the IT sector today. The city is helping to raise this life and this is what I will see,” he said.
Praveen Kumar Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
Daily life in many Chennai homes will provide laughter at Praveen Kumar, and Vikram’s ‘Vikkals’ comedy set. The story of a Chennai family, a teenager coming out into the real world, and all the learning and unlearning that comes with it will make Vikram’s set. Praveen, who moved from Bengaluru to Chennai during the pandemic, settled down in a Chennai apartment complex. “There’s a huge gap between what was promised and what’s been done, and some of these things that I’m going to say are going to resonate with the audience,” he said.
‘Vikkals’ Vikram | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
Regarding the stand-up comic friends and the comedy concert that has been curated, Rajmohan said that they all have different unique memories and experiences of the city, all of which will be shown on the set. “There’s a lot to be said for the spirit of the city and this clean, family-friendly set is one group that likes to get together.”
Chennai Hindu Festival is done in partnership with Greater Chennai Corporation, Namma Marina, CMRL, Mark Metro, Greater Chennai Traffic Police, Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation, Realty Partners: GSquare, Associate Partners: Akshayakalpa, UP Tourism, Knowledge and expert partners: Nam veedu nam oor nam kadhai and Madras Photobloggers, Happiness partner: On The Streets of Chennai, Radio partner: Big FM
For a comedy concert Chennai We Have A Problem…And It’s Funny, Head to The Music Academy at 18.00 on August 23. Log in https://newsth.live/MOC2024SCA for registration.
