Making the Director’s cut: an insider edition

In conversation with one of Chennai’s upcoming directors, I have learnt a few ins and outs, personal anecdotes and revolutionary thoughts about filmmaking. Kathirvel Pandian is an assistant director, currently employed at ‘Slingshot Creations’, a production house. He is on his way to becoming a director.

Kathirvel Pandian, upcoming director and dreamer

What made you pursue filmmaking and advertising?

I have always been interested in movies. My great grandfather is T.S. Balaiah, a veteran Tamil actor. I have heard a plethora of stories about him while growing up. There’s always been this fascination in me to learn how these movies emerge on screen and bring life to things from one’s own imagination. The magic of filmmaking and cinema is what reeled me into this field. I have finished my photography and cinematography degree. Now I am employed at an advertisement production house where we as a team produce advertisements and promotional content.

What is your drive behind making films/ads?

My mother is the driving force in my life. I was clueless when I entered this field, but my mother’s encouragement made me push myself. My dream is to make a movie that satisfies any kind of audience. My family and my friends are always positive and they encourage me in all my endeavours.

What roadblocks did you face when you were starting out?

Right after I finished college, I went to a reputed cinematographer to ask for a job as his assistant. He asked me to wait since I was fresh out of college. But that waiting time took a toll on me. I had to put my dream on hold and pursue a career in other fields like wedding photography and the like for my everyday living. That period of waiting led to a depressive stage in my life. Till date, that cinematographer has not got back to me though I follow-up with him regularly. After that, I joined an advertising company and found a team that is teaching me every day.

What is your greatest achievement till date?

Trying is also an achievement. I am trying every day to make all those around me proud. But personally, for me, my achievement was when I got a chance to work on a project with Mr Kamal Hassan. That moment was unforgettable and I felt as though I was truly seeing a dream come true.

Can you tell us about an incident/ an interesting anecdote that stayed with you regarding an actor or someone you have worked with?

Quite recently, I had an opportunity to work with Simran, the actress. It was a shoot involving young children. The way she approached the project and her level of patience towards filming amazed me. She graced the set with her presence and her patience was remarkable. Something else I cherish is when my director, Mr Bharadwaj Sundar tells me to take some time off when my creativity is less and stress is high. He tells me to explore life, surprise people and get surprised along the way.

Can you tell us about the greatest moment in your film career?

The recent promotional videos for Vijay TV’s Big Boss were done by my team. The opportunity to work with experienced actors like Kamal Hasan, alongside cinematographer Manikandan was a great moment. The entire set was a different experience for our company and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

On the sets of BigBoss’ promo

Do you have any advice for young filmmakers out there?

Don't wait. Take every opportunity you get. Never miss out, regardless of the size of the project, be it small or big. Do not wait to join well-seasoned directors; a director is a director no matter how many films he’s worked on. Build your contacts and never give up.

Do you think it is essential to go to a film institute in order to become a successful filmmaker?

Attending a film school or an institute is not really a requirement. Almost all directors in the field now would not have undergone strenuous training to become directors. You learn from experience and that will shape your style of filmmaking. However, in recent times, I feel like the idea of going to film school is prevalent in many people. If you want to learn about different filming techniques and the latest technology that has been developed, then attending a film school is essential, but mostly you learn and hone your skills over time.

Shoot in progress at Vijay TV

Which film has inspired you the most?

The film that has inspired me the most till date is A.P. Nagarajan’s Thiruvilayadal. I still feel like the movie was way ahead of its time. From the technical aspects of the movie, like lighting, makeup, costumes and screenplay to the acting and the way the entire movie was carried out, I am still in awe of it. Apart from this movie, Kamal Hassan’s Panchatanthiram, Virumandi and directors Mysskin and Vetrimaran continue to inspire me every day.

Which particular filmmaker has influenced you the most?

My greatest influence and inspiration has always been Kamal Hasan. He did not stop at acting and directing; he went on to choreograph, sing, create costumes and take care of almost all aspects of making a film. He has taught me that as a filmmaker, it is not just the direction that is necessary but the whole product. All the different fields and details are quintessential. To me, he is a person who is so into this art form that he has become a part of it and that amazes me.

Which book would you love to make a film out of one day?

The one book that I would really love to work on is author Perumal Murugan’s Ponnachi (Or “The story of a black goat”). I feel that remaking the book as a movie would be amazing.

If you got the opportunity to remake a classic movie or even an advertisement, which one would you go for?

For me, if it is classic, let it exist as it is. Remaking a classic is something I would not recommend. It is recreating someone else's art and what they have put out. I feel like remaking a classic would take away the essence of the movie.

How do you feel the pandemic has affected the world of cinema? How did it affect your projects personally?

The pandemic did pause life as we know it. The filmmaking field especially came to a standstill, as theatres and movie sets were all shut down. The producers of movies, technicians and all the people whose lives depend on this field, were affected heavily. Personally, we did shoot a bit of our projects after the government gave its approval during the pandemic. It did not affect me much, since most of my projects were just postponed to a different date.

If you weren’t a director in the field of filmmaking, what role would you choose?

If I weren’t a director, I would have chosen to become an athlete or something in the field of sports. I have a love for motor sports and I would have pursued that. I still think of becoming a Formula One racer from time to time, but that is harder than filmmaking.

Editor: Dainty W