Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Cinema Plus | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Photo: S. James

Straightforward Speaking his mind

Every single action of his is laced with a poetic touch. And his poetry is bold, forceful and powerful. But the man is not necessarily rough. He is also delicate and affectionate. His exploits in the field of cinematography are indication enough.

Thankar Bachan is the kind of person who will never mind calling “spade a spade”. He does exactly what he thinks or says without any hesitation or delay.

In the city recently to participate in the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, Thankar Bachan took time out from his hurricane schedule to share his experiences.

One in the clan of cinematographer-turned filmmakers like Balu Mahendra and Ashok Kumar, the comparison, however, does not send him on a vault. He returns a simple answer: “I am basically a serious writer. I give vent to my emotions through my writing. Once I find my works have enough material to hit the big screens, I decide to make a movie.”

As a member of Tamil Protection Movement, he fiercely advocates usage of Tamil in all activities. “The richness of the language is marred when people try to mix it with other languages and use it. The medium of communication is Tamil but most of the time people tend to speak bilingual, with a wrong notion that it will be considered a civilised act. Again, people cannot be blamed for this. They are innocent. It is the responsibility of the media to create awareness on the significance of the language and its cultural richness.”

So much so that, Thankar Bachan does not even like being called a cinematographer. Rather he calls himself ‘Oli Oviyar’ (an artist of light), and his art of direction in chaste Tamil as ‘Neriyalgai’.

Utterly against snobbery and hypocrisy, he comes down harsh on people who eulogise tinsel heroes. “Hero-worship is a bad reflection of deterioration of culture in the society. It is of no use either to the person or to the society to which he belongs. Probably for the heroes, yes, as they may double up their salary depending upon the fans support. I don’t consider myself a star. For, I am not a super natural human being. I am as common as anyone next door. This culture of idolisation should change and it is high time people divert their attention to some other useful work.”

Having spent good part of his childhood in ignorance in a remote village near Panrutti, Thankar Bachan has at times felt inferior to people from the cities during his formative years. But things took a big U-turn as he immersed himself into reading Tamil literature. “It is true that reading makes a man perfect. I have learnt a lot. The works of K. Raja Narayanan with historical perspectives and accurate reflection on rural life have had a big impact on me. Besides the social consciousness he featured in his works rejuvenated and gave me a new vigour. It created a sense of determination in me to make it big in life,” he says and never fails to list the names of national poet Bharathi, Vallalar and Pattukkottai Kalayanasundaram, who have inspired his writings.

For a man who follows certain principles in life, Thankar Bachan, is strongly against the cable and satellite television.

“It is worse than arrack. Increasingly more and more people are falling victims to this addiction. It blunts human mind and confines them. Even inter-personal communication skills have come down to a great extent, resulting in the loss of mutual respect and brotherhood among people.”

He also flays spate of debate programmes being arranged and telecast on television.

“It is worst kind of entertainment. You don’t gain much from such programmes. Meaningless debates take you nowhere. It is pure waste of time.”

Most of his movies are gripping with right mix of emotion and nostalgia. ‘Azhagi’, ‘Sollamarantha Kathai’ and ‘Pallikoodam’ are good examples.

Resounding success of his films based on short stories has encouraged him to work on similar projects and the latest on the list is ‘Onpathu Roobai Notu’ based on his short story with the same title.

“It is story of an elderly couple left uncared by their kith and kin. The film revolves around three different periods,” he hints at the storyline before signing off.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

---

---