Classical on a celluloid sojourn
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Jayendra’s feature film, Margazhi Raagam, is aimed at generating interest among the musically uninitiated. MALATHI RANGARAJAN
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I’ve realised my dream and I’m waiting to share it with others
scintillating aural exercise From Margazhi Raagam.
The 10-minute teaser on the big screen leaves me zapped! As Bombay Jayashri and T.M. Krishna close their eyes in an involved alapana, I open mine to drink in the appealing ambience, extraordinary lighting, inimitable stage décor, enticing angles and aesthetic colour tones even as I get steeped in the scintillating aural exercise of the duo. Till that moment I had never imagined that a Carnatic music concert could be envisaged in a feature film format — ‘Margazhi Raagam’ is a pioneering effort from Jayendra, co-founder, Real Image.
The film promises an awesome experience for connoisseurs of the art. “And also for those who have no ear for the classical,” laughs Jayendra. “After the trailer, some of the boys in my office, who refuse to go anywhere near the Carnatic genre, told me they wished to catch up with the entire film on screen!” he smiles as we settle down for a tête-À-tête.
How did it all begin? “For more than four years now I’ve been toying with the idea of giving Carnatic music an evocative visual appeal. Till date, a dais, a thick blanket and microphones seem enough. Sadly, even marriage halls suffice,” he says.
Our musicians can insist on proper podia and acoustics, can’t they? “It’s like blaming the hero for a bad script,” Jayendra interrupts. “What can they do?” Another irksome aspect is the lighting. “Have you ever seen lights being switched off in a kutcheri? The blinding lights in the hall are completely oblivious to the mood of the song in focus. But ‘Margazhi Raagam’ will make you sit in the darkness of the cinema, cut you off from the rest of the audience and help you watch and listen in peace,” he says.
Is he a classical music buff? “Interested listener is more like it,” clarifies Jayendra. “Not very knowledgeable though! I enjoy music and I can spot a few ragas. So what does it make me?” It has made him a filmmaker, inspired to produce and direct a music project in a new genre!
Despite all the promo campaigns, people haven’t quite got the hang of the concept, he feels. “Many think it’s a music show. I’ve gone in for a Censor Board certification because it’s a full length film that will be released in the best of theatres,” Jayendra points out.
Yet a classical music performance albeit in a captivating milieu can target only a niche audience. “My aim is to widen the niche. I’m banking on the interest it has begun to kindle in both the music lover and the open-minded viewer who is willing to take a look at innovative attempts. A packed 700-seat hall could mean a sizeable collection for a sabha organiser but I need many such hundreds to keep coming to the movie at least for a certain period of time,” he contends.
Effort and expertise
Jayendra.
Three days of shoot and nearly three months of post production work have gone into the project. “For the first time in the world, seven RED cameras have been used. Intricate colour corrections have been manipulated with Digital Colour Grading in 4K so that the output is flawless,” Jayendra explains. Handling 4K frames which are very high in terms of file space is a rarity. Generally 2K is used. “Even a mammoth project like ‘Sivaji’ was shot in film and mastered in 4K, I hear, but here the source itself is 4K,” is Jayendra’s technical take. Surround sound should enhance the impact of ‘Margazhi …’ even further.
“Initially PC [Sreeram] wasn’t quite sure what I had in mind,” he smiles.
Lighting and camera angles have been carefully choreographed for ‘Margazhi …’ Each song will sport a different look.
“The first thing I told Jayashri and Krishna was they won’t have mikes in front of them,” he smiles cheekily. And for a stage singer, it’s quite a tough proposition — psychologically it is the mike that establishes his connect with the listener.
As for the choice of songs, Jayendra’s only condition was that they have the broadest appeal. “I didn’t want pieces only a connoisseur will enjoy. The aim is to entice ears not attuned to the genre.”
A lot of thought has been given to the costume of Krishna and Jayashri. The colours will match the mood of the ragam sung. Jayendra and Jayashri went on a shopping spree for the purpose. “T. Srinivas did the tailoring,” says Jayendra, and smilingly adds: “If I say that he’s the one who designs Kushboo’s blouses, it should ring a bell.” “I’m at a loss for words,” said Jayashri after watching the trailer. “It’s so good that it’s scary,” was Krishna’s response.
Is Jayendra a trendsetter? “I’ve realised my dream and I’m waiting to share it with others,” he smiles. The real test will be on December 18, when ‘Margazhi Raagam’ opens at the cinemas all over the country. The rest of the world will get to watch it about a month later!
Telecast on Vijay TV
A special episode of Koffee with Anu featuring Jayendra, P.C. Sriram, Bombay Jayashri and T. M. Krishna will be telecast on December 20, 21.30.
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