Direction Dreams: Teaching a child a two page dialog is exhausting 

This weekly column brings to you a promising assistant director, and their aspirations and this week it is the assistant director of Suseenthiran, Dileep Palanichamy.
Direction Dreams: Teaching a child a two page dialog is exhausting 

Why filmmaking? How did your journey commence?

I used to stage plays during my school days. My friends and I used to mimic teachers. Instead of stopping there, I used to draft a creative stories around them and present it. Then during my college days, my passion for storytelling grew further, and I started pursuing Suseenthiran for an opportunity to work with him. After 2 years of continuous efforts it finally happened.

What is the best thing about being an AD?   
 
It is the toughest job out there. It is exhausting, but the return you get is the learning experience.

What’s the oddest experience you've had as an assistant director? 

For one of the films I was assisting on, I was required to teach a child a two page dialogue. It was very challenging. She would keep getting distracted and ask for chocolates and biscuits. It is the most exhausting experience I have ever had.


What do you like the most about Suseenthiran?

The speed at which he works. I would call it a breakneck speed. What is surprising is that even when he works at this speed, mistakes rarely creep in. 

What have you learned about films from him?

I have learnt how to present stories that will strike a chord with the audience. 

Who’s a director you wish you could work with, and why?

Shankar. I have always loved the grandeur he has brought to the screen. 

Which is the best film you’ve worked on so far?

Nenjil Thunivirunthal 

If filmmaking doesn’t work out, what then?

I guess I will incorporate a startup with a few friends of mine and try venturing into some business that is related to cinema. 

What are your future and upcoming projects? 

I'm writing the script of a romantic comedy.

Who’s the dream cast of your debut film?

I would love to cast Ajith Kumar in my film.

What do you think you can bring to Tamil cinema if given an opportunity to direct?

I believe I can bring the fantasy genre to Tamil cinema in a more consumable format.  
 

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