Vijay, the director of 'Madrasapattinam' talks about his film to Expresso
On remaking films with good content
My first script revolved around a guy who wanted to become a cop and his relationship with his father. When I discussed the script with director Priyadarshan, he said that it was very similar to ‘Kireedom’ and that I should remake ‘Kireedom’ instead. When I saw ‘Poi Solla Porom’, I liked the script a lot. But I told my producers that I wanted to do the same script in my own way. Even though I am a big fan of Dibakar Banerjee, as a filmmaker, I didn’t want to do what he had done. I don’t like having songs and fights just for the sake of it. I prefer doing sensible films that appeal to the general sensibilities of people. I am not averse to the idea of remaking films, but the content has to be good.
‘Madarasapattinam’
Period films evoke great expectations. I knew that the day I started shooting for this film. I also knew that the pressure on me would be immense because this is a very difficult and different genre to pull off. Only three filmmakers so far; Kamal sir, Mani sir and Priyan sir have been successful with this genre and that made me work even harder.
Period films in Tamil cinema
Well, I would never blame the audience. Filmmakers and their films never fail, but it is the idea that fails most of the time. At the end of the day, if the audiences feel that the film can provide good entertainment for two-and-a-half hours it would do well. Sometimes it so happens that the filmmakers’ idea doesn’t reach the public in a way that he/she wants it to. With the success of films like ‘Subramaniapuram’, I have no reason to believe that people are not ready for different themes.
Homework paramount for a period film
Absolutely. Good old Madras must be replicated in the most accurate way. We spoke to more than fifty different old citizens to understand what kind of language was spoken, the colour of trams, buses etc. We even spoke to Rajaji’s personal assistant to understand the lifestyle and the way people spoke during those days. I must also thank people like Muthiah and Manohar Devadas for providing good insights about good old Madras.
What to expect
Love is the central theme in this film. All I can tell my audience is to expect a good insight on life in Madras during those days and a beautiful tale of love.
Arya and Amy Jackson
Arya was one among the unit, even helping us in controlling the crowd sometimes. He has done a phenomenal job in his role as a wrestler. I knew my heroine was Amy Jackson ever since she won the Miss Teen award. Even when I was auditioning many, I always wanted Amy to play this character. She looks gorgeous for that character. I don’t want my actors to come prepared on the sets. I prefer training them myself. I did the same with Arya and Amy for ‘Madrasapattinam’. Arya is very smart between his ears and the fact that he is a quick learner helped me on the sets.