My first step into cinema

I worked with Mani Ratnam in all his projects from Dil Sey to Alaipayuthey. It was a wonderful learning experience. I learnt a lot from Mani Sir and when I started making movies, I adapted this knowledge to my style of filmmaking. My movies have a mix of all elements with a strong vein of emotion.

Initially I entered the industry with a dream of becoming an actor. Along the way, I found myself on the director’s chair.

My directorial style

As a director, I am a mix of both hands on and an extempore person. I like all the details of my film to well thought out and planned. Once all the details are is in place, I can take creative decisions on the set. This gives the actors a good base to improvise and show their talent. If the story, screenplay and the basic groundwork are not done properly, then even the best performance will not be effective.

An insight into Dhool

Dhool is my third movie after Yethurum Puthuram and Dhil. It features the Dhil cast of Vikram and Jothika. It is a commercial movie with a dash of action, comedy and romance. It is the story of the hero’s journey to the city on a mission. The heroine, his classmate in the village, helps him achieve his goal. The skirmishes between the hero and the heroine have been written specially to enhance the scenes.

The script is very important. The story should have a heart, content and concept. To say that the script is the most important aspect of the film is wrong. A film should be a complete experience and the script should not stand-alone. If the other elements of the film are removed then it should look flat.

In Dhool we have shot some scenes with the possibilities of DTS sound in mind. Like in the movie Far and Away, Tom Cruise and the heroine go into a house. As the silence is deep, the gentlest tingling of the crystals can be cleared heard. In this scene, the powerful silence is enhanced by DTS.

Technology in my movies

Technology is an important tool in filmmaking. Film editing has come of age with Avid Non-linear editing systems. It has become a boon for filmmakers. My first experience with the non-linear system was during the postproduction of Dil Sey. The movie was done completely on the Avid.

As far as mixing on Pro Tools goes, I think that it is a small magic box. If the mother mix is right, the sound can have a phenomenal effect on the audience. The sound has to be an integral part of the story and not something that has been added on for effect. For example, when you watch Jurassic Park the sound is part of the whole experience. The danger and the excitement of the movie is expressed through sound, which could not have been built up and sustained without the sound. The same is the case with a movie like Star Wars. Switch off the sound and the movie will seem flat. This will be the case with any good movie where all the elements are an integral part of the film experience.

There has been an influx of technology and machinery in the entertainment industry. People should be trained to use these tools effectively to make good cinema.

Editing Dhool

The songs and fight of Dhool have been edited on Avid. With Avid, we can try out so many more options. The only problem I have with using the system is with the size of the format. I feel that it is risky to edit a film by looking at a small screen. Because in a small screen you tend to use more footage to tell a story. When that is projected on a large screen, it looks drab. If I could edit on the Avid while looking at the picture on a large screen, it would be a perfect medium.

Media Artists

Over the years, Media Artists has become a home away from Home. I love Sridhar’s mixes. All the engineers who have worked on Dhool have done good work.

On his dream project

The day I feel I have done my ultimate film and I have nothing beyond that to aspire for, I will retire.

On the current status of Indian films

Indian films are fast catching up with International trends, we are almost there.

The road to becoming a director

The path is long and difficult but one should not lose focus and concentration. There are many dark holes on the way but be determine. Before you start on your journey, question yourself whether you really want to and can make the journey. Once you have made up your mind, do not be deterred by anything or anyone.

When you start your project, put everything on paper, every small detail. Plan everything before you get to the shooting floor.

No one will help you. Work hard and believe in yourself. Stand back, judge yourself, and if you believe that you are capable then you can definitely make it. Luck keeps watching you and will help you only when you give your project your very your best.