Dayal Padmanabhan interview: COVID lockdown gave me the idea behind Maruthi Nagar Police Station

The director talks about the film, the decision to repeat his previous cast, and his future plans in the Tamil industry 
Dayal Padmanabhan
Dayal Padmanabhan

In March 2023, Tamil Nadu-born Kannada filmmaker Dayal Padmanabhan,  entered the Tamil film industry with Kondraal Pavam, almost two decades after his debut with OK Saar OK in 2004. Just two months after his foray into Tamil the director is back again with yet another crime thriller, Maruthi Nagar Police Station (MNPS) which is all set to premiere on Aha on May 19. "Filmmakers, after making their debut, take at least a 6-month break to come up with their next film. I decided not to do that. I planned this out clearly, and filmed Maruthi Nagar Police Station immediately after Kondraal Paavam," says Dayal Padmanabhan.

Excerpts from the conversation:

What inspired you to write Maruthi Nagar Police Station?

'When we are affected by a crime, we rush to the Police. What if the crime happens in the police station itself?' This line was the base for the story of the film.  I got this idea during the COVID lockdown. Back then, there used to be frequent power cuts, and the electricity would not return for hours together. My children, wife and I used the darkness in the house to play pranks on each other, and that came with their own consequences. This got me thinking. What if a criminal uses darkness to commit a crime? We know that the perpetrator is within the building, but there is no proof. That is the exciting part of MNPS.

My first Tamil film Kondraal Paavam is a period film set in a village. On the contrary, MNPS' story happens on March 27, 2023, in the city. My aim was to make a crime thriller that suits the modern sensibilities.

Why did you choose to work with Varalaxmi and Santhosh Pratap again?

I generally do at least two films with actors I have worked with. In the case of MNPS, I had narrated this story to Aishwarya Rajesh, two years ago. She felt she did not have scope for her role. In these many years, I have understood that it is easier to convince those I have worked with than new actors for a role. For example, Santhosh Pratap has a smaller role in MNPS than Kondraal Paavam. However, he did it for our camaraderie.

Why did you choose to go for an OTT release for MNPS?

I'm always for theatres over OTT, so much so that I don't even watch films on OTT. Yet, I decided to do this film for digital because of my rapport with Allu Aravind Sir.

Both Kondraal Paavam and MNPS were in the post-production stage at the same time. I wanted to make my debut in Tamil with a theatrical release. So Kondraal Paavam came out first.

You have made films in Kannada and Telugu. Why didn't you try to make MNPS in other languages as well?

I did not think of releasing the film in other languages, because, as of now, my aim is to get established in the Tamil film industry. Aha will surely dub this film in Telugu and release it on their platform.

How long did it take to complete the film?

The film's shoot was completed within 21 days. The film is 2 hours long. It has all elements of a commercial crime thriller including a song, a fight sequence, etc.

What is the significance of the title, and where is the film set?

I am a devotee of Lord Hanuman, so I named the film Maruthi Nagar Police Station. There are a lot of complications in showing an actual police station in the film as the story is about a crime in the station. So, although the film is set in Chennai, it is based on a fictional police station.

Will you continue making Kannada films as well?

I will surely make films in Kannada as well. My plan is to make at least one film per year in Kannada. The Kannada industry has given me importance and recognition even though I am a Tamilian. I will be ever-grateful to that industry.

Considering your short turnaround time, have you started working on your next film?

I have not started working on my next film yet. While I have the story ready and have even narrated it to some producers, I am yet to finalise it.

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