The snazzy and wonderful visuals of Martin Prakkat’s Charlie owes much to cinematographer Jomon T John, but there is another talent behind the scene that gave the scenes a pace and connection. This has been done by the movie’s editor Shameer Muhammed.
He first stepped into the industry as a spot editor through a Shaji Kailas movie and had worked with director B Unni Krishnan for several movies, including a Telugu film.
Shameer, obviously, says that spot editing helps in the final trimming a lot. “Spot editing is popular in the Malayalam industry, as it helps us and the director to improvise a lot. It also gives an initial feel of the movie and is as important as final trimming,” he says.
Shameer debuted as film editor through Charlie. “I could not have had a better debut,” he says. “Charlie threw a lot of challenges to the crew, including me. And, if my work earned a mention, it is because of the support from the director, producer, cameraman and the actors.” He adds that working with a perfectionist like Martin only brings out the best from the crew.
“A director’s attitude has a significant impact,” says Shameer. “Martin gave me full freedom to flex my creative muscles and there is a lot of space to work.” He, however, adds that as much the director, the editor, too, delves deep in the script.
“An editor should know the script well, and be the director’s tool. Charlie, after spot editing, was three hours long, but, after final trimming, it was just 2 hours 10 minutes. That definitely added to the pace,” he says.
He is also full of praise for how the industry has warmed up to technicians. “It is possibly the best time for technicians in the industry, because of the development of technology,” says Shammer.
Shameer’s next project is Inspector Dawood Ibrahim (ID) which stars Jayasoorya, the shoot of which is going on at Kasargod.