Grill mill
R. Pandia Rajan
You were such a successful director-actor. Why weren’t you able to survive in the field?
I am a known name in the industry even today. Success or failure is just a passing cloud. I believe hard work alone takes you places. I’m constantly working to give better films.
Which do you like most — acting or direction?
I like direction because it is creative. A director can introduce an actor and mould him. ‘Before the camera’ means ‘popularity’; ‘behind it’ means ‘creativity’.
You began as a hero and now switched to character roles…
One can’t expect to play the hero all the time. I’m happy to do varied roles, including the villain’s role in Anjadhae.
You directed your son in his maiden venture, Kai Vantha Kalai. What went wrong?
If only I knew the secret of making a successful film every time, I would be a billionaire. Making a good film is one job, marketing it is another. I didn’t have enough experience in the latter field, but have grown wiser now. I am going to direct another film featuring my son.
Are you a hero or a villain in real life?
I am neither a hero nor a villain, just myself. I get angry when something wrong happens in my presence. But I edit my anger on screen.
What made you take up short films?
I wanted to do something in the international film circuit. So I made a film titled Magan which runs for 4.40 minutes. It was screened at the International Children’s Film Festival and the Films Division has bought it.
S. R. ASHOK KUMAR
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