“In today’s world, we are chased and controlled by our situations. We are not in a situation to lead our life with own principles and ideas, but someone
or something keeps pushing us”
Piercing thoughts that penetrate into your senses – An ultimate desire of any filmmaker, who doesn’t want to get away entertaining the audiences, but send them back home with a smile on lips and lump in throats. This incisively delineates the earnest potentials of filmmaker Samuthirakani, who has been consistently making films of high caliber. Behind Frames brings an exclusive tête-à-tête with the filmmaker as he comes up with more interesting facts about his upcoming release ‘Nimirndhu Nil’ and what propelled him to make such an unique film.
Behind Frames: Compared to your previous films, Nimirndhu Nil seems to be quite a different one in terms of budget and grandiosity.
Samuthirakani: All throughout my career, my films were completely based on unique themes and this one is not an exception. I would say, there hasn’t been any issue pertaining to the cost constraints as I completed all my movies within a period that was actually required. Unnai Charanadaindhen was wrapped in just 31 days, Nadodigal in 90 days, 75 days for Poraali and 160 days for Nimirndhu Nil. Since this film is a bilingual one simultaneously made in Tamil and Telugu, it sums up to 80 days of shooting in each language.
When I make a film, I make it a point that it doesn’t turn out to be a stereotypical commercial film, but a film with some appealing message that will persist in the hearts and souls of audiences. This film centers on a theme that ‘You are the statue and you the sculptor. Sculpt the good traits in you and society will change by itself.
Behind Frames: What is the story of ‘Nimirndhu Nil’ actually all about?
Samuthirakani: Each one of us has come across this phase. When we pass out of our schools, we are so innocent that our minds are bound to knowledge and wisdom. But as we pass through the next level, we get affected by the society and it leads to a huge change in ourselves.
When you watch this film, it wouldn’t seem just like a movie, but there will be a personal connection. This indeed took a lot of time for me to complete the script. In fact, it needed so much of scrutinizing efforts or else it would turn out to be a docu-drama. I can assure that few minutes into the film, you’ll be straight into the situation what is happening there. There will be a persona connection with the instances and characters you see in the movie. There is a lot of humour, but your eyes will be moist.
Let me make it simple… In today’s world, we are chased and controlled by our situations. We are not in a situation to lead our life with own principles and ideas, but someone or something keeps pushing us. Say for instance, despite the Red Signal at Traffic, we are constantly pestered by other vehicles to cross it. After a certain extent, we just succumb to their pressure and break the rules….
Behind Frames: How did you manage to bring such a powerful star-cast into this film?
Samuthirakani: Each script I draft is always bound to some issues handled by the protagonists. When I approached Jeyam Ravi, I was ready with five scripts, but he wanted to be showcased completely in difference. He wanted a change indeed and we went ahead for it. Apparently, Nani who has played the lead in Telugu version was very much helpful throughout the shooting. These actors share a commonality that they’ll be ready for anything on the sets irrespective of difficulties and hurdles. Amala Paul, I must say, she will surely witness a great change in her career with this movie. Soori is not here for just tickling your funny bones, but has a substantial characterization. Sarath Kumar stunned us with his overpowering performance. I’m s sure his scenes in the film will be one of the greatest highlights in this flick.
Behind Frames: Both these actors – Ravi and Nani are well known as chocolate boys. How did you choose them for an unconventional role?
Samuthirakani: Exactly as you say, I purposely wanted an actor with chocolate boy image to be my protagonist. The film is based on one such character, whose life takes a turn by certain incidents that he unlooked for. This is about a boy, who had a peaceful childhood and teenage with his education pursued in an Asharm and Christian college. When he passes out and comes into society, he comes across shocking realities. He sees a board of ‘No Smoking’ and beside that a person smoking followed by three girls on a bike chatting on mobile phones. When the entire society turns against him and indirectly insists him to be one among them, he remains the same till the end just as the title suggests.
