Direction Dreams: We have a lot to learn from Malayalam cinema

Films worked on: Thani Oruvan, Santhosh Subramaniam, Theku Theru Machan 

Directors worked with: Mohan Raja, Manivannan, Guru Dhanapal

Main responsibilities: Scheduling and location scouting 

When did you realise cinema was your calling?

Filmmaking happened by chance. After I finished my high school, my family faced a financial crunch and I had to lend my support. Around that time, I got influenced by the films of Bharathiraja sir. So I decided to try my hand in cinema and moved to Chennai. Unna Nenachen Pattu Padichen by Guru Dhanapal was supposed to be my first film, but, it got delayed. I joined Manivannan sir and worked with him in Therku Theru Machan.

What have you learned from your directors?

Manivannan sir is known for his fast-paced filmmaking. He saved a lot of money for the producer because of his planning and flexibility. He was always willing to shift the location of a scene if there was a need to cut the budget. Many of his assistants including Sundar C and Selvamani sir have mentioned several times that they learnt the fundamentals of filmmaking from him. 

I have also worked on films of Mohan Raja sir. In doing remakes, while others refer to the original film for doubts, he completely rewrites the script to match Tamil sensibilities.

What’s the oddest or most memorable thing you have seen or done as an AD?

We had erected a set in Hogennekal for the climax flood sequence in Unna Nenachen Pattu Padichen. When we came to the spot the next day, we found that the entire set had been washed away. So we had to work on it all over again. 

During the discussion of Thani Oruvan, I was the one who told the story about an ape and a fly. It was retained in one of the scenes between Arvind Swami and Thambi Ramaiah, and I noticed this was received well.

What’s one area of filmmaking you had a tough time with, but are better at now?

Casting and scheduling are the two areas of filmmaking I've improved drastically at over the years.

What is your take on present-day cinema?

Tamil cinema can do a lot better. We have to start learning from the Malayalam film industry. Filmmakers sticking to safe genres and trends to ensure commercial success isn't a healthy sign. We haven't got a person to join the league of directors like Bala Chander, Balu Mahendra, Sridhar, and Mani Ratnam. 

What's one thing that you think you can bring to Tamil cinema?

I want to make relatable, slice-of-life dramas. An audience establishing a personal connect with the film is the highest form of recognition for a filmmaker. 

Who would be the dream cast and/or crew for your debut project?

I believe romance is my strong zone and I'm willing to work with any actor who can give life to my characters. I'm also looking forward to actors like Jayam Ravi and Vaibhav who can bring the family audience to the theatres.