Metro Plus
Chennai
Hyderabad
Sensitive storylines are his forte
|
From "Keladi Kanmani" to "Rhythm" to "Yeh! Nee Romba Azhaga Irukey", journalist-turned-film maker Vassant's focus has been on relationships and reality.
|
TAMIL FILM director Vassant cannot live outside reality. Not even when he is making commercial films with songs. Since that promising debut with "Keladi Kanmani" (1990), Vassant has made six films among which only "Aasai'' and "Naerukku Naer" were a commercial success. His last film "Rhythm", which had a sensitive storyline and good music by A.R. Rahman, did not do too well.
Two years later, Vassant is now all set to release his musical love story, "Yeh, Nee Romba Azhaga Irukey" with Shaam, Sneha, Jaya Ray and Vivek. Like his `guru', K. Balachandar, the journalist-turned film maker always chooses themes revolving round the middle class.
Tell us about your transformation from journalist to director, who makes commercial films steeped in reality.
I graduated in History from the Madras University and initially, was keen on becoming a writer like Asokamitran, Sujatha and Jayakantan. As far as movies were concerned, I used to like K. Balachandar. I met KB, while working for the magazine, Saavi. Soon, I was assisting him in films such as "Sindhu Bhairavi", "Punnagai Mannan" and "Puthu Puthu Arthangal". I worked as KB's assistant for nine years on 18 films. He encouraged me to direct "Keladi Kanmani", which went on to bag the Best Film award from the Tamil Nadu Government.
How would you define your films?
I like to make small budget films within the commercial format with a realistic touch. I believe that the films should have logic.
So you seem to be following the pattern of your guru?
Each of KB's films has dealt with different themes. I have been influenced by his format of filmmaking. My films deal with relationships.
What went wrong with "Rhythm"?
"Rhythm" had a sensitive storyline. I was trying to convey the message that life is a cycle of joy and sorrow. I believe it was one of my best films, which prescribes `relationships' as the solution to a meaningful life. The producer was not able to market the film properly, but it got me a lot of critical acclaim.
Do you include your personal experiences in your films?
Yes, personal experiences are reflected in my films. Mine was a love marriage and my parents did not attend it. "Rhythm" touched upon it. I do not like to talk about it today, as we are all happy now. In fact, my new film "Yeh! Nee Romba Azhaga Irukey" is dedicated to my mother.
What is "Yeh! Nee... " (YNRAI) about?
It is a musical love story about young people. The average age of the cast and the technicians is 25. Along with cameraman Gopinath of "Dhil" fame, I have used innovative technology for the shoot. Then, there is the stylised editing of V.T. Vijayan. I have brought five music directors together for the first time and have got the best out of them.
The way you picturise songs in your films is much talked about. Comment.
Right from "Keladi Kanmani", I have experimented with music. In "Keladi Kanmani", S.P. Balasubramanian who played the hero, sang a `breathless' number, "Mannil Intha Kathal", which was the highlight of the film. I believe music is one of the most essential ingredients for the commercial success of a film. "Naerukku Naer" and "Aasai" were also huge hits as the music helped. In "Rhythm", I used the five elements of Nature as the theme and Rahman composed some soul-stirring music. The five songs in "YNRAI" have already become chartbusters and in fact, "Thottu Thottu" is perhaps the first song to be shot in the deserts of Syria.
Interestingly, your judgment has never failed when it comes to spotting new talent.
Like my mentor, I love experimenting with new talent and I am proud that I have introduced or given a new lease of life to artistes such as Jyotika, Simran, Surya and Ajit. In fact, "Aasai" made Ajit a big star and I am sure with "YNRAI", Shaam will also become hot property. Sneha has great potential to make it big. I use new faces and technicians in my film because they can be moulded to my requirement.
Your future plans?
I am working on a love story titled "9.30 to 10". The script is ready, but I will decide on the cast and other details only after "YNRAI" has been released.
SREEDHAR PILLAI
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Chennai
Hyderabad
|
