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`Message' man
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Though present day films are all about entertainment, there is still scope for society-oriented themes, director S.A. Chandrasekaran tells M. ALLIRAJAN
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DIRECTOR S.A. CHANDRASEKARAN is quite frank when it comes to discussing films and things that are close to his heart. He sounds philosophical at times, but is pragmatic and is well aware of what drives filmdom today.
This is quite evident in his replies to queries about his latest film Sukran. "It is neither a huge hit nor a failure," he says with a smile. The director, who was in the city recently, spoke about his tryst with cinema and what made him do a series of film on law, crime and society.
Law and society
"People have asked me if I am a lawyer. I am not. But, I have a lot of friends in the police department and the legal fraternity. Certain criminal cases that I came to know were very interesting. Based on them, I directed films," he says.
The spur for law-based themes came when he saw a person drive a car violating the speed rule with impunity even as two-wheeler riders and cyclists were being questioned for breaching rules.
"I wondered whether law was meant only for the poor and decided to throw light on the inequalities in the system through films," he recalls. "I always wanted to create social awareness through my films. As a filmmaker you have to reflect what is happening in the society."
Victory and Vijay
But his break in tinseldom happened after many years of toil. "I narrated the Sattam oru iruttarai script to more than 20 producers. They rejected it outright." All this, he says, made him stronger. "If success is instant, you will not relish it. Hard-fought victories are always special ," he remarks.
Chandrasekaran feels that cinema has become an entertainment medium. "People watch cinema for enjoyment. They will have to be more responsible and aware of the issues that affect them," he points out.
He believes that the present star-driven industry can actually bring about a change for the better. "The youth, who form a major part of the audience, actually listen to what the stars say. Good messages can still be spread through stars."
The director says that his son Vijay's entry into films (as `hero') was "unplanned." At this point his wife Shobha, also a director, joins the discussion. "Though Vijay has acted as `junior' Vijaykanth in films, I never thought that he would take cinema seriously. That's because he is an introvert. Even before he completed graduation, he expressed his desire to act. I was doubtful , but after I saw him enact a scene from a popular movie I was convinced that he would make it big in Kollywood."
Ask him whether he still guides his star-son and Chandrasekaran says: "Initially, I made him understand what cinema is all about — the need to do homework, stick to schedules and the importance of perseverance . Now that he has learnt the ropes, I stay away."
Vijay's mother Shobha has directed a couple of movies. She also sings and performed at a concert in Coimbatore. Any plans to wield the megaphone again? "I want to direct Vijay. It will be a soft romantic movie," she says.
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