On the morning of the release of my debut film, 'Ordinary', I felt an unbearable tension within me. My mind had gone blank. What was going to be the fate of my film at the box office? But then, I told my wife, “I don’t think I have made a bad movie.”
At 10.20 a.m. on March 17, I received a call from the film’s writer, Nishad K Koya, during the interval of the morning show at the Cinemax theatre at Kochi. He said, “There has been a superb reaction among the audience. The film is going to do well.” Thereafter, there were congratulatory calls and messages from friends, acquaintances, and colleagues. Soon, the first review appeared on the Net: ‘Good movie’.
At noon, I stepped into Saritha theatre. My legs were trembling, but what was amazing was how much I enjoyed watching my work. There were laughs and claps and whistles. I stepped out during the interval when a group of youngsters approached me. “Are you the director?” they asked. I was surprised that they had recognised me, and looked puzzled. One of them said, “We could guess by seeing the tension on your face. Don’t worry, it is a good movie.”
'Ordinary' is about a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus which travels from Pathanamthitta to the mountainous village of Gavi once every day. The story details the relationship that the bus driver, played by Biju Menon, and conductor (Kunchacko Boban) have with the passengers, as well as the people in the village. The first half has several humourous episodes, but it turns serious after the interval, with a murder taking place.
To me, the most amazing character was the bus. It was a 20-year-old vehicle, and heading for the scrap heap. We painted it in KSRTC colours. I was always tense about whether the bus would break down or not. But it performed perfectly, even when it got stuck once between two trees. But the moment I announced, ‘Pack up’, at the end of the 63-day shoot, the bus died on us. It seemed that it did its last job with all heart and soul.
'Ordinary' is a dream debut for me. I have realised that for a film to do well, you need a solid script. It took me four-and-a-half years to get it ready. There is a stronger chance for success when the story is clear in your mind, before the shoot begins.
I have to thank my mentor (director) Kamal sir for the 11 years I spent under him. He taught me sincerity, passion, and a positive attitude needed to surmount obstacles, as well as to deal with artistes. There is no use of shouting and screaming, if you want to get the best work out of them. An actor might give a bad shot, but it is important not to criticise him immediately. Instead, you could ask if it is okay to do a re-take. I am about to start work on a new script. I will be flying off to Dubai, where I have an apartment, to work in peace.
( Director Sugeeth’s Malayalam film, 'Ordinary', is a superhit)