Interview:
Gautham Vasudev Menon

Director Gautham Vasudev Menon.

You’ve been in the US for the filming of Vinnaitaha a n d i Varuvaaya…How’s the film coming along so far, and how was it like filming at Princeton University?

I am done with the Tamil film. As soon as we got in into New York, we started filming at various locations for the Tamil film and that includes Central Park and a church in Queens. We filmed at Times Square and in an apartment in Manhattan. I had to film with Trisha in a week and send her back as she had given us only seven days and she is the heroine of the Tamil film. So, we focused on finishing the Tamil shoot and once we were done with her dates I started the Telugu version. For the Telugu version we needed to shoot in Princeton and I must admit that I was quite bowled over by the campus. We got some great shots with the buildings as backdrops and I am thankful to Mickie who was our line producer along with Mahesh Menon. Mickie suggested that we shoot at Princeton based on the requirement that I had given her. We filmed an entire song sequence at Princeton with the lead actor Chaitanya and actress Samantha and five dancers from New York.

Could you tell us a bit about the two projects you’re working on these days…When are the films coming out?

The Tamil film is called Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaaya and the Telugu version which is a remake of the Tamil film is as yet untitled. Both films are slated to release on January 14, 2010. We have different actors for both the films but the story and screenplay is the same. It's a love story, very feel good, with some great music by Oscar award winner AR Rahman and a good team of technicians who are regulars on my films.

Movie : Vinnaitahaandi Varuvaayaa

You’re releasing Vinnaitahaandi Varuvaayaa in both Tamil and Telugu and you’ve also remade Minnale as Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein (RHTDM)…Why are you drawn to remaking films?

I am not ideally drawn to remaking films. The script is very universal and we have big audiences in both these languages and it makes sense to cater to them with actors who are popular from these states. And, ideally this is a parallel production and with both films releasing on the same date, I don't feel weighed down recreating sequences.

Any plans of directing any more Hindi films?

I would love to direct a Hindi film and I am waiting for the right actors to fall in place for my script.

While you’ve only made one Hindi film, RHTDM, which is a remake, are there any key differences you’ve noticed in the way both film industries operate?

Hindi cinema has gone global and today caters largely to an international audience. The scripts are suited to their liking whereas regional cinema, Tamil and Telugu especially, still are more focused on the audience within the states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra. The regional films are not even marketed like Hindi films are these days. My focus is to reach out to a larger audience across the world. We plan to start with this film. It's going to get a big international release and we plan to start by getting the music across to listeners all over the world. I plan to distribute this film myself across America and the UK and that should set the ball rolling. It's all about publicity and marketing these days.

Why do you think regional films in India don’t get publicized as much as Hindi films? Do you have any suggestions for how this trend can change?

Producers do not have the vision here. They are not aware of the market outside their region. Regional cinema is at a place where Hindi cinema was ten years ago. We have to get our act together.

How do you balance making films that are sensible yet at the same time also provide audiences with entertainment?

Isn't that what every filmmaker strives to achieve? Sensible cinema on a commercial platform. That's my focus even as I start writing the script. And so far, thankfully I have been able to balance that well.

You’ve made a few films revolving around police officers and have also made a few romantic films…are there any other subjects you want to explore?

Sky is the limit when it comes to being creative. There are so many subjects I would like to explore, and I believe that you can't force yourself to write. Something has to inspire you initially and then you just take it forward. I am looking to make a murder mystery now. 

Tell us a bit about your screenwriting process and how you zone in on a subject.

A particular idea grabs me and I start to write based on that. I travel and write. Lots of ideas that I have put down but haven't entirely pursued too as yet. I revisit them as and when I can. I don't push myself if I get stuck at a point. I read and watch films and that helps while writing. It takes me mostly a month to finish a screenplay. I stay focused and so far it's been a good journey.

Are you a big film buff? Do you keep up with international films? Any favorites?

Yes. I try and watch every film that comes out. My recent favorite is Public Enemies with Johnny Depp and Michael Mann.

Are there any directors you really admire?

I am a huge fan of all Martin Scorsese films. Rob Reiner and Ron Howard, too. I like Mani Ratnam's films also.

How did the transition from ads to films happen?
Ad films were just to make some good money. I still don't like to make ad films. For me, the whole rush is to create something that is about 2 hours long and get a world audience to watch it and have them talk about it. In those 2 hours the deal is to take the audience on a roller coaster ride. 30 seconds to one minute on film doesn't interest me.

You initially worked with Rajiv Menon…What are some tips you have for aspiring Assistant Directors?

I worked with Rajiv Menon. It is quite necessary to train under somebody and to learn what it takes to make a film. Here the person you are working with is not going to give you any special attention. It's up to you to learn on the job. Assistants have to watch and observe and pick up skills. It helps to read books on filmmaking and it helps to watch a lot of films, too. Good communication skills and a great story telling ability is essential. How do you know you have that in you? Trust me, you will know.

Music is an integral part of your films and you’ve had the chance to work with talented composers including Harris Jayaraj and now AR Rahman is composing for your upcoming film…How involved are you in the music composition stage of your films? Or do you give the composers complete freedom?

I narrate the story and make sure the composer knows what the song should carry. Then I give them complete freedom. The two people I have worked with are very good at what they do and I have had no problems in getting what I wanted from them for the film. Tell us a bit about how you got in touch with Harris Jayaraj? I met Harris just before Minnale started. I worked with him on an ad film. I thought he had great potential and asked him to compose songs for my story. And, I have always wanted to with AR Rahman and I met him and narrated the story of Vinnai Thaandi. He liked it and agreed to give me six songs for the film.

You’ve directed many talented actors including Madhavan, Kamal Haasan, Surya, Jyothika, Asin, Milind Soman…and you’ve also worked with newcomers...Are there any tips you have for actors attending casting sessions?

A good actor should be able to bring to life the vision of the writer and director. He or she should forget that there is a camera in front and ideally should have no inhibitions. Reading the script many times over and getting into the skin of the character is a must. Although, it’s really a totally different ball game here. When we cast, we mostly work with heroes, the big stars, so there is no question of casting the hero based on the script. Normally a script is taken to the hero and he plays the lead if he likes the script and then the lead actors are chosen. We don’t do rehearsals, screen tests, that sort of stuff.

Yes, for the secondary characters, we do screen tests.

You’ve worked as a director and screenwriter for about 8 years…how have you seen yourself evolve as a filmmaker in these past few years? Are there any things you think you could improve on?

I am pretty happy with the way things are going for me and with what I have carved for myself. And I also know I have a long way to go. I would like to reach out to a wider audience. And, I’d like to make films in English also, films people around the world will get to see.

And, lastly, what are some changes you’d like to see taking place in the Tamil film industry?

The stars should go and actors should take the reins. The Tamil industry needs more actors. The whole star system should go—it gives more creative freedom to make your own kind of films instead of trying to cater to what the star needs and tailoring the script to their liking.

Do you think film festivals are a useful platform for Tamil films?

Yes, they are. But, producers are not intelligent enough and don’t know how to market films and just worry about getting their money back and once that’s done they don’t go the extra mile to market the film to reach a wider audience.

Is there anything else you’d like to add to this interview?
The young breed of filmmakers in India today are just a step away from going global. Watch out for them. It’s been a pleasure interviewing you, Gautham. All the best for your upcoming films!

[ BY AMANDA SODHI ]