How would you feel if you have to face a "judgement day" multiple times a year? This is how filmmakers; both technicians and artists feel when their movie is up for release. I got an opportunity to talk to one of the the most versatile person from the Tamil film industry on a judgement day.
As the much awaited Vada Chennai hit the screens, director, actor, writer and producer Samuthirakani lovingly referred to as Kani sir engages in a crisp conversation with me. This busy man spares little time in between his shot break to talk to me...
This movie is titled as Sillu Karupatti. It is an anthology of 4 stories in which I play the lead in one of the stories.
Of course not. I was with Vetrimaaran sir last night with nervousness and excitement hitting me one of after the other continuously. I caught the early morning show at 5 AM and felt more than relieved. The film has come out amazingly well and I rushed back to my shooting because only when you work promptly can you experience that kind of output and happiness in the theatre.
Yes! I absolutely love this freedom and I decide what I want to do. One day I am playing a supporting role and the other day I'm the lead. There's no restriction really but with stars like Dhanush sir around you don't really feel like stars aren't experimenting. After watching Vada Chennai you'll understand what I'm trying to say.
I make sure I never work on two projects simultaneously. Vada Chennai was shot for 40 days and if I had a 4 day break in between, I'd happily spend time by myself. This helps me retain the mood of a particular character. I'm in no hurry!
I cannot care less about the stereotypes but to be honest I am not trying to advise. I'm trying to give suggestions/consultancy (arivurai) out of concern because I consider the audience are like my family members. With my past experiences, if suggestions that I draw are useful, why should I cease from giving it out? And after making a movie like Vada Chennai, I don't mind making tons of more preachy films. I mean, that film empowers you in that manner
Right after I watched the 5 AM show, I called him and enquired where he was. I went right into his office and touched his feet. This admiration is not just as an actor but as a writer. That story grew with him for years and you'll see its growth on the screen. All the awards in this world must go to Vetri sir. That writing deserves it all.
Definitely. I always have a notepad with me where I am writing notes through the day. Give me a 10 minute break in between a shot and you'll find me with my notepad or reading a book. Aaru Kaatu Thurai is the book that I'm reading now and I'm considering it to be made into a feature film. Let's see!
Phones are very distracting. One call can disturb a train of beautiful thoughts that you would have developed after hours of working on it. That is why I have started avoiding it as much as possible. Soon I look forward to not using it all. It'd be more peaceful and I can get a lot of work done.
A script calls itself to be made. For example, while I was shooting Poraali's climax, I heard the story of Saattai. That story didn't let me sleep; it commanded me to tell it out to the people at the earliest. I called Prabhu Solomon immediately and told him to begin all the pre-production work. Aan Devathai is one such story.
I'm very content in life, Now I spend all the time thanking god for this blessing he has bestowed on me. I involve myself in feeding the poor and I wish I get the strength to feed more people every day. I have been an assistant director and I understand the pain of hunger very well.
Closing note... I just hope that everybody has a genuinity and goodness in thought. Action is secondary. In the thought level if they are doing well, that itself is a good sign. Thank You!