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Off the beaten track

Director Seeman believes in making movies where story is king

FOCUSSED On his subject Photo: R. Ashok

At a time when glamour and technology are ruling the tinsel world, filmmaker Seeman is keen on making movies that have a good storyline.

The success of his recent release, Madhavan-starrer Thambi, has given him the confidence to continue with his style of filmmaking. But, memories of struggle to rope in the lead actor for his movie still linger.

The director cites the failure of his earlier films, Iniyavale and Veeranadai, as the reason for actors declining his offer. "A movie fails not just because of the story. Other factors too contribute. It is natural that actors don't prefer a director whose films have not done well at the box-office. I think things will change after Thambi's success," he says.

Fitting cast

On choosing Madhavan, the director says that he thought he would fit the role, although the actor has a lover-boy image. "More than anything else, he bailed me out by accepting the title role. Madhavan's fiery acting and dialogue delivery played a vital role in making the character reach the people."

He also seems to be concerned over the present trend in the Tamil cinema, where item numbers are given importance. But, he consoles himself saying that good stories have always got audience recognition.

"It is just in the past decade or so that Tamil films have deviated a lot; that is not a healthy sign ... there is a need to bring them back on track," he adds.

Seeman is all praise for directors Cheran and Bala: "They are doing their bit to revive the status of Tamil cinema. They have proved that even without glamour and commercial ingredients, a movie can be runaway hit."

He says that it is love for society that urges people like him to make socially conscious films. "Everyone knows the impact of cinema on the masses, especially the younger generation. I think it is our duty to make films that don't spoil young minds," he says. So many youngsters are willing to get into the industry and Seeman says that those with fresh thoughts should be encouraged and allowed to experiment.

"Young people will come out with newer ideas. They should be given freedom. It is also important for the newcomers to use the privilege positively and try to avoid time-tested, formula-based movies," he suggests.

He is also against using English titles for Tamil films. "When no Hollywood movie is named in our language, why should we? I strongly feel that even the lyrics should be penned without English words."

Now, Seeman is all set for his next project to be produced by Bala.

"Every project is a new beginning and the one with Bala will be special. I will make sure that the theme differs from my previous film. As always story will be the key," he wraps up.

G. PRASAD

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