A Ganesh Nadar in Chennai
Tamil director R Kannan, a former assistant to Mani Ratnam for 10 years, made his first independent film, Jayam Kondan, starring Vinay Rai, Bhavana and Lekha Washington. It was a winner.
Then came Kanden Kathalai, the Tamil remake of Jab We Met.
His latest film Vandhaan Vendraan with Jiiva and Tapsee in the lead is releasing this Friday.
He spoke to A Ganesh Nadar about the film:
How was the experience of working with Mani Ratnam?
I worked with Mani Ratnam for 10 years and I learnt a lot from him. I worked with him on films such as Kanathil Muthamittal and Guru.
'Directing a remake helped me strengthen Vandhaan Vendraan's script'
Is it true that you had to struggle for 15 years before you made your first movie? Could you tell us something about those years?
I came to the industry as an assistant to veteran director Manobala. I started off assisting in TV serials and later with the help of Suhasini madam (Mani Ratnam's wife), I got an opportunity to assist Mani Ratnam. That's my journey before I became an independent director.
Kandein Kadhalai, a remake, was a hit. How come you decide to do a remake?
I remade Kandein Kadhalai so that I could get more time to work on the script of Vandhaan Vendraan. Directing a remake helped me strengthen Vandhaan Vendraan's story and make innovations in the script.
'Vandhaan Vendraan is a positive film'
Do you find it easier to work with your own script or one written by others?
Jayam Kondan also was my own script (story, screenplay and direction). Nothing comes easy, whether it is directing my own script or making a remake.
The only advantage in your own script is that there will be no comparison with the original, as happens with a remake!
When you were writing the script, did you have the lead players in mind?
No, I did not have anybody in mind while writing the script. Only after the script was ready did I decide on the cast. I decided on Jiiva only after finishing the script.
How would you describe Vandhaan Vendraan, which literally means 'came and conquered'?
As the name suggests, it's a positive film. The film revolves around the protagonist who wants to win!
'Tapasee and Jiiva are thorough professionals'
I enjoyed making all the three movies. I consider all the three movies as my own. I can't differentiate.
How was it directing Tapasee and Jiiva?
It was a very nice experience working with two thorough professionals. They worked with me as a team to make this a better product. They gave their 100 per cent.
'Santhanam is a director's artist'
Did Santhanam stick to the script or did he improvise the comedy scenes?
He follows the script 90 per cent of the time but sometimes when we feel improvisation is needed, we don't hesitate to implement his ideas. Santhanam has a real good attitude and is a director's artist.
How important is music in your films?
Music has played a very important role in all my three films. I make extra efforts to sit with the music composer to get a quality product.
'I will start working on my next script only after Vandhaan Vendraan is released'
I consider film to be an entertaining medium and as a film maker it's my duty to entertain my audience. Yes, there are no songs and fights in real life, but if as a filmmaker I can make the audience happy through songs and fights, then why not?
As your first two movies were hits, was there more pressure on you when making this movie?
Be it first or third, there will definitely be pressure. Crores of rupees are involved in production. So there will be pressure.
What are your future plans?
I want to concentrate on the promotion of Vandhaan Vendraan now and release it. Later, I will start working on my next script.
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