Director Leo John Paul at Maargan Trailer Launch: Vijay Antony likes my editing style, hence I am here

Director Leo John Paul talked at length about different aspects of filmmaking at today's Maargan trailer launch event. The editor-turned-filmmaker started his speech thanking Vijay Antony for backing him. "You have been on many such stages as an editor. Now, you have made me a director and are enjoying and admiring my work. Thank you so much," said Leo John Paul referring to Vijay Antony.

The filmmaker went on to explain the difference in turning from an editor into a director. "According to me, editing has aspects of direction and writing. I learnt everything from the directors I worked with as an editor, starting from Pa Ranjith sir to Nalan (Kumarasamy) sir to Ravi sir (R Ravikumar)," said Leo John Paul. He went on to add, "I learnt something new from each of them. I am a big fan of Nalan's writing. CV sir (CV Kumar) is my mentor, he has provided unwavering support. It was a great experience working on his film Maayavan."

Talking about the aforesaid difference, Leo John Paul said, "I have edited films in the editing room thinking about how they would look if I directed them. I would edit in the director's order of scenes; then, I would work differently and show it to them, and they would like most of the scenes, which gave me plenty of confidence."

The filmmaker also thanked his friend Rohan for giving him exposure to short films and documentaries. He also thanked Vijay Antony for continuously giving him work, such as the trailers for Romeo and Pichaikkaran 2. "We both like music. My editing style is 'rhythm editing'; I see the energy of an actor in a scene as a 'rhythm'. When this is correctly synchronised with music, it would create a great emotional connect. I think sir (Vijay Antony) likes this editing style a lot, which is why he gave me back-to-back." Leo then explained how the film came into being. "When I told him (Vijay Antony) about my plan to direct a film, he asked about the story and encouraged me to do it. I narrated the story to him for three hours and asked him when shooting could start. I thought it would take six months to complete pre production, but he sped up the process with his direction team."

A murder mystery previously titled Gagana Maargan, the film is slated for a June 27 release in theatres.