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| I believe that success is not winning cups, accolades, money, a bungalow, or a car but real success is the happiness that we get by doing what we like by not giving up, fighting all struggles |
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I am from a lower-middle-class family native to Kerala, Kochi. I grew up and pursued my studies in the state of Tamil Nadu, specifically in the city of Madurai. I completed my Diploma in Mechanical Engineering with distinction at Tamil Nadu Government Polytechnic, Madurai. I was just an average student, or perhaps even below average in my studies. Everyone had different high expectations for my future until I suddenly entered the film industry, which shocked everyone, starting from my parents, and relatives, to friends. To the best of my knowledge, I am the first person in my family background to enter this industry.
2. How and when did you realize your passion for creating films?
After completing my diploma, I worked as an AutoCAD faculty at a CSC computer education center and as a draughtsman in a vehicle body-building company in Madurai. Following that, I attended numerous job interviews. Among them, there was an interview with a Singapore-based National Panasonic Company. Out of approximately 500 candidates, I was selected first through a written and aptitude test. However, at the last minute, the visa was canceled for some reason, which left me feeling down.
Sitting alone in a bachelor's room, I accidentally came across Sir APJ Abdul Kalam's book "Wings of Fire," which made me realize who I am and what I am truly capable of. I had been searching for a career that wasn't meant for me. I discovered that I had strong artistic skills, including painting, drawing, writing poems, crafting, storytelling, acting, mimicry, and more. These were God's given talents that I hadn't been giving enough importance to. It was then that I decided to pursue a career in film direction, where I could showcase my creativity and talent. That's how my journey in cinema began.
3. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful Director?
To succeed as a Director, or in any field in cinema, one must first have passion. A person should be passionate about what they do and understand whether they are truly suited for that particular field. Self-awareness is crucial. If you are confident and positive about your chosen path, then start working towards your goal. Practical experience is often more valuable than theoretical knowledge, so try to gain hands-on experience by working with experienced professionals in your chosen field. Don't hesitate to acknowledge what you don't know and seek to learn from those with more experience. Stay focused on your vision, watch many movies to broaden your perspective, strive to be unique, and create your own style.
4. In your role as an Advertisement Director, you directed an ad for a "Sensa" bottle of juice. Can you describe the creative process behind this advertisement and the impact it had on the audience?
I have directed numerous advertisements, including one for Sensa Mango Juice. The creative process for advertisements typically begins with developing concepts for a particular product or company. There are two main types of advertisements: concept-based and jingles-based. Concept-based ads, like the Sensa ad, involve telling a short story that relates to the product. The first step is to confirm the concept, followed by selecting music or jingles that complement it and creating a catchy tagline for the ad. After that, the pre-production phase includes budgeting, selecting artists, and arranging set design.
Once all preparations are complete, we move on to the shooting phase. After shooting, we proceed with post-production work. When you have a unique concept and a memorable tagline, it becomes easier to reach the audience effectively, which can greatly benefit the promotion of the product or company.
5. Your experience includes directing a feature film called "Bow Bow" in multiple Indian regional languages. Can you tell us more about the film, its themes, and the international awards and accolades it has received?
"Bow Bow" was my first feature film, and it was made on a very modest budget. The film revolves around the emotional relationship between a 5-year-old child and a dog. It was produced in six Indian languages: Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, and Bengali. The movie was theatrically released in 2019 in Tamil and in 2020 in Kannada. The satellite rights and OTT rights for the Tamil version were acquired by the Zee Group, and it is now available on the Zee5 OTT platform.
"Bow Bow" has received numerous awards at international film festivals in approximately 12 different countries, spanning various categories. The film primarily appeals to children and animal lovers, emphasizing that only these two innocent souls in the universe, kids and pets, truly understand the meaning of genuine love, care, and humanity. It highlights the value of love and care in a heartwarming manner.
You've worked as a script coordinator for renowned directors in both Tamil and Telugu cinema. Could you share some insights into your role and contributions to these projects with directors like Mr. Sasi and Mr. Karunakaran?
I have had the privilege of working as an assistant and associate director with renowned directors in South Indian cinema, such as Mr. Karunakaran in Telugu and Mr. Sasi in Tamil, as well as with Mr. Arun Moorthy and Mr. Aarthi Kumar. Each director provided me with unique experiences and valuable lessons.
I worked across various departments in the direction field, including art, costumes, action continuity, and more, without confining myself to a single role. This hands-on experience allowed me to gain practical knowledge and prepared me for my eventual role as a director.
I was deeply involved in the projects, from initial story discussions and scene creation to screenplay development and all aspects of the filmmaking process. I gave my best to these projects, and the experience helped me understand the entire film-making process.
6. Which film(s) do you appreciate the most for its Direction and why?
There are many films, both nationally and internationally, that I admire more than I can express. Some of these films include "The Pursuit of Happiness," "Children of Heaven," "Anbae Sivam" (Tamil), "The Forgotten" (2004), "Thankathra" (Malayalam), "Apocalypto," and many more.
I hold these films in high regard because of their ability to connect with the audience on a deep emotional level. They tell their stories with a natural and compelling narrative that engages viewers throughout the film. The themes of these films are beautifully portrayed, and the performances are outstanding. The technical aspects are seamlessly integrated into the storytelling, making these movies unforgettable and timeless.
7. Can you share any upcoming projects or goals you have as a filmmaker and actor, and how do you plan to continue evolving in the cinema and entertainment industry?
I have around 35 scripts of various genres and budgets that I am actively working on. I am committed to evolving in the film industry by staying in tune with current trends and maintaining a mindset that is adaptable to change. Success in this industry requires talent, luck, passion, positivity, and self-belief, and I possess all these qualities. I am true to my heart, passionate about my work, and always strive to be unique in my creative endeavors.
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