“My experience with love” – unveils director Suseenthiran
Director Suseenthiran seems to be in cloud nine just as a youngster would be when in love. He has every reason to be as the director is gearing up to answer the reviewers of Rajapattai with Aadhalaal Kadhal Seiveer [AKS].
We have seen too many love stories in Tamil cinema…
In all the four films that I have directed, love had been a part of it. But Aadhalaal Kadhal Seiveer would be the first full-fledged love story from me. This is not a regular love story. Everyone’s palm impression would look to be the same but actually it is not. The same applies to love.
We have registered the love life of youngsters belonging to today’s generation in Aadhalal Kadhal Seiveer in an all-new dimension. I haven’t spoken about AKS anywhere in the recent times because if I had told that four youngsters are the villains in Naan Mahaan Alla, the ‘impact’ of that film would have fizzled out. Likewise, I have handled an emotional subject in this film and audiences will have a different outlook on the lovers when they see the film. My strength is including a small social message in all my films and AKS will be no different.
Tell us about your team…
Newbie Santosh and Vazhakku En 18/7 fame Manisha Yadav play the lead pair. Poornima Bagyaraj will be seen making a re-entry into films with a very meaty role. Yuvan has scored the music. He had in fact told me not to worry about the payment and has worked with full involvement. I am thankful to him for that. AR Surya will make is debut as cameraman in this film. Jayachandran, who had worked in Azhagar Samiyin Kuthirai, has handled the art department.
He has done an excellent job and audiences will not be able to distinguish between a set and real structure. Anthony is in-charge of editing and this is the first time I am working with him. And my younger brother Thai Saravanan is producing a film for the first time.
Having worked with big heroes like Karthi and Vikram, you have now roped in a newbie as hero… is budget the reason for it?
Nothing like that. You must be aware that my very first film was with newbies. Then, for Naan Mahaan Alla, I roped in Karthi sir and for Azhagar Samiyin Kuthirai I cast fresh faces once again. So, it must be evident that I pick up the characters after penning down the script. It is story that decides whether a new face is required or an established hero is a must. When I cast newbies, it would be easier for me bring on screen what I want because I can enact the scenes to them and expect the same results. Therefore, I preferred to have fresh faces for AKS.
Directors are turning out to become producers these days… Is it so because producers are not extending complete support for them?
Every director would have to make some small compromises in films they are wielding the megaphone for and that cannot be denied. If we want to make a film as per our desires, then it is a big plus to be the director and producer as well. Apart from that, my brother has worked as an assistant manager in three or four films and it is my desire to make him a producer. I started Nallu Studios with that intention but my brother is taking care of the production entirely while I am concentrating only on direction.
You have cast Poornima Bagyaraj in AKS and she is making a re-entry after a long time. Was this role created specifically for the actress?
When I was busy with the casting, I came to know from PRO Nikhil Murugan that Poornima Bagyaraj is planning to make a comeback. I felt that she would be suitable for the powerful mother role in AKS and discussed the script with her. She liked it and agreed to star in the film after doing a lot of homework. She will certainly carve a niche for herself in this second innings.
Yuvan Shankar Raja and Suseenthiran… the magic continues… how?
It is the understanding between us. I never compel anyone and will not stress them out by infusing my demands. I narrate the entire story, tell the situation and Yuvan will take in every minute detail and come out with the best. I also expect everything to be simple and Yuvan likes it too. It is this understanding that brings out the best music, I think.
‘Thappu thanda pannum vayasu’ song seems to set a bad example to the youth…
We have spelt out the emotions of the youngsters in that song and did not advise them to be like that. A song would never create a bad impression. When audiences see the film, they will realize what the song means. Will you direct a commercial flick like Rajapattai again?
Everything is commercial here. When you plan a song, a lip-lock scene and comedy alternately, commercialism enters there. Only when there is no song in a film, it would be realistic cinema. When we go in for re-recording, the realism fades away. Apart from that, what we think is brought out in a different pattern.
When some of your best films don’t do well commercially, do you feel miserable?
(Talks after a long time…) Every film is made with the intention that it should turn out to be a success. But some films fade into the oblivion because of various factors like release time and lack of proper promos. Some of Kamal sir’s best films may not have done well at the box office but when we see it now we are mesmerized… isn’t it? When we look back, our life should be satisfactory. I do not regret making any of the four films that I’ve directed so far. Only when I don’t make good films I’ll feel sorry.
All the love scenes in your films are good… does it mean you were in love too?
(Smiles) I came to Chennai with the intention of becoming a director when I was just 17 years old. I spent my youthful years searching for good opportunities to become an assistant director. I was attracted to cinema more than love at that age. Though I wanted to fall in love just like the young guys of my age, my love for cinema was much bigger. My love life started after getting engaged to my wife, and the days between our engagement and marriage is my first love experience.
How’s this Diwali for you?
Diwali makes everyone happy and we do not go deeply into why it is celebrated. There have been several Diwalis in my life which I looked forward only for new clothes, fire crackers and good food. Some Diwalis were painful too. When I was as assistant director, I was left without any money and couldn’t buy anything for my family in my native place. But this Diwali would be the best so far because I have a lovely family and have become a director and producer as well. I am also planning to release AKS’s teaser on this Diwali. My heartiest Diwali wishes to my fans!
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