Sukumar Shetty - Discover the Story of a Self-Taught Filmmaker Who Found His Calling Against All Odds (Ad Film Director / Short Movie Director)

From re-enacting movie scenes with friends to crafting scenes for the big screen, my journey in filmmaking is a testament to the power of following your passion.

1. Tell us about your background and journey:

I come from a typical Indian middle-class family, far removed from the glitz and glamour of the film industry. My background is firmly rooted in engineering, though my heart always yearned for something different. I didn't have any family, friends, or relatives with connections in the movie world, and I never attended film school. Instead, I embarked on a journey of self-learning, immersing myself in movies and gradually venturing into filmmaking.

My filmmaking journey began in 2016 when I was in my third year of engineering, collaborating with friends to create short films. Since then, I've been on a constant learning curve, using each project as a stepping stone to improve my skills. I've made six short films, a documentary-style short, and an ad film, all while discovering my strengths and weaknesses along the way. Now, I eagerly await the opportunity to make my debut on the big screen.

2.How and when did you realize your passion for creating films?

In my early years, I had a deep love for watching a wide variety of movies. During my school days, I used to have a blast with my friends re-enacting scenes from movies, cartoons, and Power Rangers battles. However, back then, I had no concept of what filmmaking really entailed.

Alongside my love for movies, I had a fondness for reading moral stories like Panchatantra and Bala Mitra. I even dabbled in writing short horror and fantasy stories, which I managed to win school competitions with.
But it was in 2009 that a particular movie changed everything for me. "Magadheera," a Telugu film directed by visionary S.S. Rajamouli, became a turning point in my life. It was during the ninth grade, after watching that film, that I decided I wanted to become a movie director. 

From then on, I shifted my focus from writing conventional stories to crafting scenes meant for the big screen, like hero introductions and intense confrontations with villains. That's when my journey as a filmmaker truly began.

3. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful cinematographer?

While cinematography may not be my primary domain, I recognize its pivotal role in the filmmaking process. I often liken a cinematographer to the director's eyes; he/she is the director's best friend on set. A skilled cinematographer should possess the ability to keenly understand and interpret the director's vision and intentions. They should understand that light and colors are not just technical elements but integral components that contribute to the overall narrative and atmosphere of the scene or story. In essence, a talented cinematographer not only captures images but also imbues them with meaning and emotion, enhancing the storytelling experience.

4. Can you describe your approach to visual storytelling and what inspires your creative process in filmmaking?

In the realm of filmmaking, the essence of visual storytelling revolves around the principle of "Don't tell, just show," which I hold as my paramount objective for every project. This guiding principle underscores the importance of conveying narratives through visual elements rather than relying on explicit exposition. It forms the cornerstone of my creative approach, from the inception of a fresh idea to the final touches that bring a project to completion.

Throughout the creative process, I draw inspiration from various sources, spanning the initial spark of a novel idea to the final innovations that contribute to the project's fulfillment. However, what truly ignites my passion is the collective energy and dedication exhibited by the cast and crew. Witnessing their shared enthusiasm, and at times, their surpassing commitment is a driving force that consistently leads to the most exceptional results. This synergy within the team remains a constant source of excitement and motivation in my filmmaking journey.

5.Your experience at Amazon as a Tron Associate seems quite different from your career in filmmaking. How has this operational role influenced your storytelling and filmmaking journey?

My role as a Tron Associate at Amazon is primarily about financial stability and isn't directly connected to my filmmaking journey. However, the income from this job has been crucial in financing my short films. Before joining Amazon, I had the opportunity to participate in auditions and subsequently attended a film direction workshop in Hyderabad, organized by the ETV Telugu channel. Additionally, I gained valuable experience working as an Assistant Director (AD) on several advertising projects. These experiences exposed me to the intricacies of handling large cameras, managing substantial lighting setups, and engaging in real-time shooting processes. Collaborating with seasoned professionals, both behind the scenes and in front of the camera, provided me with invaluable insights and skills that continue to enrich my filmmaking journey.

6.Can you share any upcoming projects or goals you have as a storyteller and filmmaker, and how do you plan to further develop your skills and portfolio?

I firmly believe in the power of compelling storytelling, even if the narratives themselves may be considered average. Currently, I have a couple of full-length feature scripts under my belt, and I'm actively working on a new comedy thriller. My plan is to embark on my journey as a mainstream filmmaker once I complete this project.

While I hold a deep appreciation for art films and so-called realistic cinema, my passion lies in establishing myself as a proficient commercial filmmaker. I view movies as a form of pure entertainment and take pleasure in brainstorming ideas for larger-than-life stories that can captivate audiences.

In my eyes, a filmmaker is a perpetual learner. Every phase of the filmmaking process presents opportunities for growth and refinement. I recognize that developing my skills and expanding my portfolio is an ongoing endeavor, one that continues even after making 50 or even 100 films.

7.In your role at Mandala Entertainers, what types of projects have you worked on, and could you share a particular project that you found creatively fulfilling or challenging?

Under the banner of Mandala Entertainers, formerly known as Royal Karavali Creations, our production endeavors are showcased on our YouTube channel. Within this platform, you can find our portfolio, which includes 6 short films and 1 documentary-style short film which I mentioned in the beginning, all readily accessible for viewing. In case, if you want to check out, you can click here.

One notable project in our portfolio is "Me n Who?" a production that posed significant technical challenges. This horror thriller unfolds exclusively during one night, and I was resolute in my vision to create an atmosphere of complete darkness, closely mirroring the authentic experience of a dark night, with the exception of strategically placed flashes of lightning effect. I communicated this vision explicitly to our Director of Photography (DOP).

Our filming schedule added another layer of complexity to the project. Originally planned for two half-night shoots, circumstances compelled us to condense the entire production into a single night. The team embarked on a marathon filming session, commencing at 6:30 p.m. and concluding at 6:30 a.m. the following day. It was an enduring and memorable experience, one for which I remain deeply appreciative of the tireless efforts of our dedicated team. I take pride in the fact that we came remarkably close to realizing the cinematic vision I had envisioned.

8.Which film(s) do you appreciate the most for their cinematography and why?

I loved the cinematography of Joker, About Elly, Tumbbad, Sitaramam, Super Deluxe, Ulidavaru Kandanthe. There are many more, but these are on the list for now.

Bio-

My name is Sukumar Shetty, hailing from Udupi Karnataka, raised in Telangana. I did my engineering in 2017, but turned as a freelance filmmaker and AD filmmaker. As a dedicated filmmaker, I thrive on crafting compelling narratives in a concise format. With a keen eye for visual storytelling and a passion for evoking emotions, I had created a diverse body of works. A couple of my films got nominated at prestigious film festivals and one of my actress got recognised with best actress award. Currently, I'm eagerly waiting for an opportunity to present my stories on big screen and evolve as a full length mainstream filmmaker and showcase my commitment to the art of storytelling through my stories

Interviewed and Edited by - Arunangshu Chatterjee