Direction Dreams: 'Sivakarthikeyan is a very genuine person'

This weekly column brings to you a promising assistant director, and their aspirations and this week it is the assistant director of Arun Vaidyanathan, Dheepa Ramanujam
Direction Dreams: 'Sivakarthikeyan is a very genuine person'

An interview with Dheepa Ramanujam

Directors worked with: Arun Vaidyanathan, Abhishek 
Roles and Responsibilities: Associate director
Films worked on: Achchamundu Achchamundu, Kathai 

What is the best thing about being an AD? 

The excitement of thinking about the responsibilities that are lined up for the day.

What’s the oddest thing you’ve done as an AD? 

I wouldn't say it's the oddest, but I remember that  when we were shooting a sequence in Kathai that was a continuation of an earlier scene, we missed the fact that we had selected a different coloured costume, which led to continuity issues. I notified the director about this and he took care of it. It was a grave mistake, and taught me a valuable lesson.

Often, it is said that when you start working on your passion, the passion goes out of your work. What about for you?

That happens when you don’t strike a balance. I try to strike a balance by being extremely selective about the responsibilities I take on, and I hope I never lose that passion.

What have you learned about films from your directors?

I've learnt how trust pushes people to go the extra mile from Arun Vaidyanathan and I have learned about multitasking from Abhishek.

Which is the best film you’ve worked on so far, and what were your contributions?

Each film I've worked on has taught me something new. While Achchamundu Achchamundu opened me up to technological innovations, Kathai gave me the opportunity of taking on multiple responsibilities and handling them.

Who’s a director you wish you could work with?

Mani Ratnam, and also Kamal Haasan. 

If filmmaking doesn’t work out, what then? 

I have already produced multiple theatrical plays. I also have a liking for acting. So, if not filmmaking, I think I would venture into those areas.

What are your future and upcoming projects? 

I'm writing a script for a drama.

Who’s the dream cast of your debut film?

I would love to cast Amala Paul, and of course, I would love to work with Kamal Haasan one day.

Debut films are often the result of compromises. What’s one area you will never compromise? And what’s one area you don’t mind compromising on?

I might compromise on the dates allotted, and will try to make sure that I wrap up shoots as early as possible by diligent use of resources and the crew. I will not compromise on the choices I have made to shoot certain sequences unless there's a proper justification.

Are you star-struck? How did you get over it, if you have?

Not really, but I admire the way some stars carry themselves . For instance, Sivakarthikeyan is a very genuine person. Do you know that Nayanthara never rushes back to her caravan after her shot and instead engages in conversation with everyone? She's really friendly and I find that admirable.

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