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Exploring new horizons in romance
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It is the story that matters and not star value
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Photo: M. Moorthy
VERSATILE Director Agathiyan
Romance transcends generations and its manifestations could be projected in endless ways. Its interpretation may vary in dimensions, but it never reaches a saturation point.
It is this belief that motivates Agathian to explore new horizons through ventures like `Kaadal Kottai,' which brought him the national award for direction.
One who has thoroughly understood the basic tenets of romance, he says love is a cyclic process. "Lovers of today may get into wedlock next year or so. But, by then, newer and more vibrant youth emerge, rejoicing the essence of love."
Secret of success
What is the secret of success of a film? For him, it is the story, and not star value, which determines it for any film in any language. "In fact, Ajit was not so popular about a decade ago, when `Kaadal Kottai' was released,"he says, indicating the impact of story value on filmgoers, irrespective of age group and their preference as well.
To support this point, he recalls that films produced with new faces and directed by the likes of K. Balachander, Bharathi Raja and Sridhar could become runaway hits.
However, he concurs that generation of a story idea involves meticulous planning and, of course, adequate time.
It requires a few months or at times even a few years, as in the case of 'Karpagam,' starring 'Gemini' Ganesan and Savitri.
Agathian confides that the national award he got for his debut venture is a bonus, as he anticipated recognition for just its story.
Next to the theme, he looks at music and songs as the lifeline of a film. When it comes to songs, "I do what the late MGR did." Songs should be situation-specific, reflecting its resonance with the theme. His handling of lyrics for films makes the sequences more appealing and impressive, reaching out to people of all age groups.
He agrees that there is a lot of talent among young music directors.
But he prefers Deva for the simple reason, "I have been working with him from day one." Agathian-Deva- `Sivashakthi' Pandian trio has left an indelible impression in the Tamil film world. He is doubly careful in selecting an ideal melody for a song, set to several tunes.
Community-oriented
Films should be community-oriented and not commercial-based. His `Ramakrishna,' despite its story value, did not go down well with filmgoers since it was partly a commercial venture.
What is his future goal? Likening himself to a river `flowing through a long course mending itself in different directions en route,' he quips with a twinkle in the eyes: "I am not used to planning but am prepared to take to any course where I am led to."
M. BALAGANESSIN
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Mangalore
Pondicherry
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
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