Therapy disguised as comedy

ET's rewind to 2019. Chennai was buzzing with Bigil fever, TikTok trends, and, of course, the Chapathi Song - Aravind SA's hilarious parody of Lungi Dance that became an instant hit.

- AASHNA REDDY

It wasn't just a spoof; it was a love letter to the quirks of Chennai, packed with laughs only we could truly get. Fast forward to 2024, and Aravind's back, but this time with something a little deeper. His new stand-up special, We Need to Talk, ditches the slapstick for something more introspective, focusing on mental health, overthinking, and life's awkward pauses, all with his trademark wit that makes you question everything - including why you've spent the last 20 minutes deciding whether to text "K" or "OK" after an argument. Spoiler: it's the same thing.

I caught up with Aravind to chat about his new special and the dramatic shift in tone. Streaming as a digital special, We Need to Talk brings the laughs straight into your living room - so no need to suffer through the city's traffic or negotiate with your auto driver about that extra 50 bucks. The show digs into topics we'd rather avoid: overanalysing, bottling up emotions, and navigating those awkward but essential conversations. Naturally, I had to ask how does the city of Chennai shape this new venture?