‘A good film is like a good feast’

Ace film-maker Balu Mahendra defines a good film as that which is commercially viable, that is, it is good for one and all — the film-maker, the audiences and the producers and artists. Also i

Ace film-maker Balu Mahendra defines a good film as that which is commercially viable, that is, it is good for one and all — the film-maker, the audiences and the producers and artists. Also it must be aesthetically pleasing, but at the same not provoke the ‘animal’ or ‘mirugam’ in one. The director shared this view as he addressed a gathering of students, at the the inauguration of a two-day seminar in Shri Shasun Jain College, T Nagar. This was an innovative move in terms of film marketing, especially in Kollywood, wherein Minveli Media Works in association with MBA students from various colleges have taken up their production Krishnaveni Panjaalai as a case study, and live project through which the students can gain real time experience in the marketing of a film.

“A good film is like a good feast and a sumptuous good feast always reminds one of mother’s cooking,” he says. “A medium budget film today is made at a cost of `3 crore? I am very surprised by this. An amount like `3 crore is huge. But a good film, can be made in a matter of lakhs,” said Balu Mahendra citing examples of his own films, “Veedu in 1988 was made at a cost of `12 lakh but it made a revenue of `72 lakh, six times more the amount that was invested in it.” Why and how? He explained, “Because the content was appealing to the average middle-class man who wanted to buy a house. And believe me you can make a film without it being a love story.” Take Azhiyadha Kolangal for instance, there was no story in it but just random recollections of nostalgic memories.

He revealed, “Sathi Leelavati, in 1995, a full-length comedy film, was made in 60 lakh, not inclusive of Kamal Haasan’s salary. It was one script, one idea and three films came out of that, the other two being Rettai Vaal Kuruvi in 1987 and Marupadiyum in 1993.”

About his next film, he stated, “The script is ready and I am waiting to use my brand new HD camera, costing `25,000. You can make use of the resources you have and come out with a good film with great clarity.”

Ace film-maker Balu Mahendra defines a good film as that which is commercially viable, that is, it is good for one and all — the film-maker, the audiences and the producers and artists. Also it must be aesthetically pleasing, but at the same not provoke the ‘animal’ or ‘mirugam’ in one. The director shared this view as he addressed a gathering of students, at the the inauguration of a two-day seminar in Shri Shasun Jain College, T Nagar. This was an innovative move in terms of film marketing, especially in Kollywood, wherein Minveli Media Works in association with MBA students from various colleges have taken up their production Krishnaveni Panjaalai as a case study, and live project through which the students can gain real time experience in the marketing of a film.

“A good film is like a good feast and a sumptuous good feast always reminds one of mother’s cooking,” he says. “A medium budget film today is made at a cost of `3 crore? I am very surprised by this. An amount like `3 crore is huge. But a good film, can be made in a matter of lakhs,” said Balu Mahendra citing examples of his own films, “Veedu in 1988 was made at a cost of `12 lakh but it made a revenue of `72 lakh, six times more the amount that was invested in it.” Why and how? He explained, “Because the content was appealing to the average middle-class man who wanted to buy a house. And believe me you can make a film without it being a love story.” Take Azhiyadha Kolangal for instance, there was no story in it but just random recollections of nostalgic memories.

He revealed, “Sathi Leelavati, in 1995, a full-length comedy film, was made in 60 lakh, not inclusive of Kamal Haasan’s salary. It was one script, one idea and three films came out of that, the other two being Rettai Vaal Kuruvi in 1987 and Marupadiyum in 1993.”

About his next film, he stated, “The script is ready and I am waiting to use my brand new HD camera, costing `25,000. You can make use of the resources you have and come out with a good film with great clarity.”

malinishankaran@newindianexpress.com

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