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Ithudaan Cinema provided food for thought to Coimbatore’s film buffs
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PHOTO: S. SIVA SARAVANAN
Sharing thoughts Director Viji
It is an organisation that wants to promote good cinema. And, what Kalam offers is a blend of short film screenings, interaction with directors and actors who strive to make a difference, and workshops that trigger the love for filmmaking in students. Last Sunday, Kalam organised ‘Ithuthaan cinema’ in association with Sri Krishna Sweets at the Bhavan’s auditorium.
And, nearly 300 people turned up for the show. The organisers started on time, preferring to focus on those inside the auditorium rather than those who might saunter in later. Three cheers to that!
They started off with short films of budding directors. The most poignant was V N Rajkumar’s ‘Padasalai’ which has done many rounds of the festival circuit. The film is a lesson in honesty that a blind mango seller teaches two convent-going kids who steal a mango from her. The acting was great, the dialogues limited and the editing tight.
A meaningful touch
What made the event special was that each creator had a chance to explain his work, and field questions. Rajkumar spoke about how he coaxed his kids and his sister’s daughter to act in the film, made on a budget of Rs. 2,000. “What Kalam has taught us is that we should make films with the resources we have,” he said to appreciative applause.
Ullaen Ayya, a debut film by G. Sujay Anand, was narrated entirely using shadow play. A young boy, Sundaram, writes to his teacher explaining why he came late to school one day. Before running off to school, he works in a tea shop to get an extra bun for his unwell mother, and fills water for the house. And, the final delay is caused by a politician who is giving a rousing speech about the plight of children, and how they should be educated. The irony of Sundaram’s plight as he listens to the politician is not lost!
All that was lacking in the film was proper coordination of the voice and visuals. But, small mistakes can be forgiven in a maiden attempt.
J. Vinayaga Murthy’s Oru Nimidan, again a festival regular, was also screened. The 58-second film talks about the ill-effects of smoking, drinking, and unsafe sex, all without being preachy.
Mounam, a rather juvenile attempt by Dominic Xaviour A, addressed the issue of child marriage.
Conscience keepers
Later, scriptwriter-director Viji interacted with the audience. He said associations such as Kalam put the responsibility back on the filmmaker. “Now, no one can simply make a film and wash his hands off it. You are our conscience keepers,” he said.
Viji, who hails from Madurai, spoke about the effect Chennai had on him. “It overwhelms you, and teaches you. But, all of you now have the opportunity to learn in your hometown, hone your skills, and then hit the mean streets of Chennai. So, do it,” he advised.
As for his desire to make ‘clean’ films, Viji said it was everyone’s duty. “Cinema has done so much for us; we have not done enough for it.”
About compromises, he said it was something that one had to make in the industry. Talking about one song in his debut film, he said Vaadi Vaadi naatukattai, a kutthu song, ruled the music charts for almost two years. And, he was embarrassed to death when someone wanted to honour him for that song.
A request from a fan finally brought out the smile on Viji’s face. “You talk so much about Coimbatore’s tradition of respecting people. Will you please include a dialogue to that effect in your next film?”
Will there a sequel to Vellithirai? “My story is not over yet. Wait and watch,” he smiles.
SUBHA J RAO
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