Why filmmaking? How did your journey commence?
Coming from a family that has been in the industry for a long time, I think it’s always been in my blood. So I went to Australia and pursued a course in multimedia. After this, having always had a fascination for commercial films, I made the conscious decision to work with a director whose style matched my love for such films.
What do you like the most about Siva’s filmmaking?
I love how he manages to react to situations with calmness and provides a solution-oriented approach.
What did you learn from him?
Artiste management and how to extract work smoothly from people.
What is the best thing about being an AD?
Filmmaking is all about team work, with everyone pitching in with their own areas of expertise. But ADs get to work in every department.
Which is the best film you’ve worked on so far, and what were your contributions?
Vivegam. I got the co-director credit and helped with quite a lot of aspects. It was a big jump for me. I learnt a lot in the process, especially in terms of CGI.
What’s one area of filmmaking that you are having a tough time with?
CGI again. That’s an area where I have to improve by leaps and bounds. Though I learned many lessons from Vivegam, I have still only crossed half the bridge.
Have you been star-struck?
By Ajith. And I don’t think I’ve gotten out of it yet. I have worked with him from Veeram, and he has always been a humble, down-to-earth artiste. Also, I’m awed by his commitment to his work. Imagine working in conditions where the temperature drops as low as minus seven degrees with just one layer of clothing! He did that for Vivegam.
What are your upcoming projects?
I have just finished my scripting work for an action film.
Chandru Senthil
Director worked with: Siva
Films worked on: Veeram, Vedalam, Vivegam
Key responsibilities: Everything from pre-production to casting