Raring to go
S.R. ASHOK KUMAR
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Young and optimistic, director Madhumita awaits the release of ‘Vallamai Thaaraayo.’
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Fingers crossed: Madhumita
Direction is a male-dominated area although a few women have managed to break through, P. Bhanumathi, Vijaya Nirmala, Suhasini Mani Ratnam, Sripriya, Revathy and Jayadevi to name a few. The latest is Madhumita, who enters the scene with some award winning short films to her credit. Her maiden venture, ‘Vallamai Thaaraayo’ featuring Parthiban and Chaya Singh in the lead, is due for release this month. Excerpts from an interview.
A quick recap…
I was born in Chennai. When eight, I moved with my parents to Indonesia. My dad was always a part of the cultural field here, acting in plays, TV serials, etc. Mother also was caught by his enthusiasm. Incidentally, she designed his costume. She is a good movie critic too. I did my schooling in Jakarta and moved to Singapore for my bachelor’s degree. I was in two minds, whether to specialise in fashion design or cinema. I chose the latter and it has worked out well. My first short film won me an international award — the BBC award in the Best of the World Category. Many such awards followed. I pursued my master’s in film-making in Hollywood. It was here that I made my short film, ‘Yours Affectionately’ that narrates the emotions of an orphaned child who is adopted. I worked with some Hollywood films as part of my project. India, however, is my final destination.
How supportive is your family?
I am definitely lucky to have a wonderful family. My parents have encouraged me every step of the way. Being a freelance editor with a rich Hollywood experience, my husband has always respected my dreams and my career. He was a pillar of strength, both professionally and personally, throughout the making of ‘Vallamai Thaaraayo.’
If not cinema, what would you have chosen as your profession?
Law. I can’t stop talking. And I win nine times out of ten. Again I might have inherited it — my father is a legal consultant.
It is rather difficult for women directors to establish themselves here. Your comment.
Why, Suhasini, Revathy, Priya… have all made a mark. They have been my source of inspiration. Men leave the women to run the house while they concentrate on work whereas the women have to take care of both. But times are changing. Women have begun to seriously consider cinema as a career option. Today a girl working night shift in a call centre is quite common. Soon the trend will catch-up with the film industry too.
What is ‘Vallamai Thaaraayo’ about?
Vallamai Thaaraayo is the struggle between a woman’s emotions and her relationships.
Why do women make heroine oriented films only?
Why do male directors generally make hero-oriented films? Someone has got to speak up for women. Women are naturally averse to violence and vulgarity and settle for family drama. My next film is an action packed thriller, consisting of five main characters. It is unfair to say that women directors make only female-oriented films. After all director Priya has proved otherwise. Am sure, so will I.
How was the ‘Vallamai Thaaraayo’ experience?
Marvellous. Initially I was anxious about working with experienced technicians and artistes. I wasn’t sure how they would take instructions from a debut director. But they were extremely cooperative. I owe it all to my team thanks to whom I was able to complete the entire shoot in just 52 days.
A scene from ‘Vallamai Thaaraayo.’
Why Parthiban and Chaya Singh?
Parthiban (sir) is an experienced actor. I was sure that he could add a new dimension to the character Anand.
The world knew Chaya Singh as a fantastic dancer through ‘Manmada Rasa.’ But I got to know her through the song ‘Kumbida Pona Deivam’ in ‘Tirupachi.’ I was impressed with her skills and performance in that song. Also, I saw her in a Kannada film where she had done a great job as an innocent young girl. I knew I had found my Nandita.
What about the feedback?
My godfather, Visu (sir), was the first to see the complete film, apart from the post production team. He said he was proud of me. Parthiban wrote an eight-page letter appreciating the good directorial touches and of course pointed out some flaws. I felt I passed the test when the Censor Board gave the film a U certificate.
What next?
I have an offer to do another Tamil film and a Telugu film. I’m planning to learn Telugu in order to do justice to the project.
What’s your ultimate dream?
To direct a Tamil film and win an Oscar for it.
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