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Getting the right mix

Perarasu's string of successes appears unstoppable, writes G PRASAD

PHOTO: R.M. RAJARATHINAM

CREATIVE Articulate to the core

A hat trick of success for Perarasu in the highly competitive and demanding tinsel world is nothing short of an achievement. And that too at a time when it is important for the directors to gauge the unpredictable pulse of the audience.

Perarsu's films — `Thirupachi', `Sivakasi' and `Tirupathi' — have been commercial entertainers, but he also knows the amount of masala to be mixed with the story to present the audience a grand treat. In the present day scenario it is impossible to give a hit film without the commercial ingredients, he insists.

Patient

Fifteen years is a fairly long time in a career span. But Perarasu, who worked under Rama Narayanan, Dharani and Maharajan, showed lot of patience and determination to reach this level. When he got the confidence, he quickly decided that `Arasatchi' would be his last film as an associate director. And the years of hard work paid rich dividends as he got a chance to wield the megaphone for the film `Thirupachi'.

In all his movies, Perarasu has strived to maintain his originality and also strongly believes that one can learn about the work-culture in the cine industry from the directors, but it is up to the assistants to develop their skills and be creative.

He is also very particular in making the second half of the movie count, as he feels that it remains in people's mind and decides the fate of a movie.

The tagline, which he gave for `Sivakasi' during the intermission `ini sara vedi thaan' was a clear indication for the audience as to what's in store.

Also a lyricist

Apart from taking care of the story, screenplay and dialogue, Perarasu also pens down lyrics for some of the songs in his movie. Though most of them have been for peppy numbers, he also proved his ability in `Ithu enna ithu enna pudhu oorava...' a melodious number in the movie `Sivakasi'.

That's not all, he is also into acting. Though not willing to take it too seriously he cherishes the moment when Vijayakanth praised his stunt in the movie `Tirupathi'.

Perarasu considers himself lucky, for all his films have been for established banners, with big names in the lead roles. It is not going to be an easy job either with the expectations from the fans on the high.

"Commercial films are about heroism. So, no doubt all my films are hero-based subjects. I want to provide wholesome entertainment to the people and I am happy that my stories have been well received by the audience," he grins.

Time conscious

Perarasu also knows the importance of completing the movie within the scheduled time limit, a factor which is given due importance by the producers. "Sivakasi was completed in 95 days," he adds.

Perarasu will also be doing the story, screenplay and dialogue for `Pandigai' to be directed by his brother Muthuvadugu, in which S.J. Surya plays the title role. "Muthu has worked as an assistant to Shankar and has also been with me in my last three movies. He is very creative and has immense potential. I believe `Pandigai' would be a perfect launch pad for him," he says.

On his current project — Vijayakanth starrer `Dharmapuri', for which shooting is going on in full swing at Srirangam, he says: "It is a great honour to work with Vijayakanth, who has been in the field for 25 years and most importantly this is his first film after having been elected to the Legislative Assembly. So, naturally people will be looking forward to this one and I hope this movie will cater to the expectations of the Captain's fans."

Perarsu was also surprised by the way the general public recognised him at the shooting spot and say that it was a great interacting with them. "Fans getting autographs from directors is a rarity and it was certainly pleasing when the women folks congratulated me on my success," he gushes.

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