Dharani, who has delivered three hits in Dhil, Dhool and Gilli - which have catapulted Vikram and Vijay to the top -- is now a name to reckon with in Tamil cinema.
Even while in school, he had just one desire: to enter the film industry. He worked hard towards that goal, taking almost two decades to emerge as a director of substance. He has now made a crossover to Telugu with his film Bangaram, starring Pawan Kalyan. On the eve of its release, Dharani tells us what's on his mind.
Are you happy with the way Bangaram has fared? There are reports that it has not fared too well.
The audience is growing. Although we had a good opening, there was a dip later, but people have started to go back to the theatres. I have not heard anything negative so far, other than comments about the film's length. We trimmed it from three hours to two and a half, and this has brought people back.
Why did you want to direct a Telugu film?
I was an assistant to Krishna Vamsi when he made the Tamil version of
Antahpuram. I have also worked with the late Tirupati Swamy. I watch a lot of Telugu movies, and language is not a barrier. So there was not much
difficulty.
How did you decide to make Bangaram?
I had a passion to make a film with Pawan Kalyan. In fact, he was impressed with Dhil and Dhool and wanted to remake them, but the rights were given to somebody else. We met A M Rathnam and everything fell into place.
The film took quite a while to make though.
Pawan had to finish his other films, so we started shooting Bangaram only in July 2005. He also trained in martial arts for the film and had to recuperate from an appendix surgery.
What was working with him like?
It was wonderful. A dream come true. My script is different from his earlier films. I have tried to break new ground by setting him in the midst of factions in a village. I didn't want any love element, but was still keen on a commercial film. So, there are no duets. The audience was shocked, but they are getting over this now and watching it. Pawan is an intelligent man
who knows what he's doing. He gets completely involved in the shooting process and is a perfectionist. He is a wonderful man to work with.
Would you want to do more films in Telugu?
If people in the industry like me and ask me to, I would.
Will you do a remake of Bangaram in Tamil?
No. I can't go through the whole process again. I have paid a lot of attention and worked hard on it. My work continues. I am still going around to theatres to see how audiences react.
You have a tremendous success rate with Tamil films.
One has to work hard. Success or luck will keep watch only if one has worked enough.
As a filmmaker, what is crucial to you?
The script is very important, because that is the base. Next comes adapting the script to the screen - the screenplay. And, of course, the process of filming.
What is your next project like?
I have not thought about it. I don't have a locker of stories. Something has to fascinate me and inspire me to write. I am quite instinctive and spontaneous as far as writing goes. I can't use scripts that I wrote during in my period of struggle.
Is there a maxim you follow in life?
Be happy. There is nothing to be sad about. It's not worth feeling sad about. It won't get you anywhere.
How has your journey as a director been?
I have been growing over the years. It's also quite scary as expectations are high. The more you achieve, the harder you have to push yourself.
Do you unwind by watching movies?
Yes (laughs). I also like music. I listen to Carnatic, hard rock and hip-hop. I try going to fusion music shows - particularly like Trilok Gurtu and Sivamani. I also like watching English and Tamil plays. I used to play the keyboard when I had a band. Now, I sometimes play the piano.
How is life now?
Still the same. I am still the same. I am doing my job. The day you think you are the best, you won't be.