‘Being risky and new is always good’: Says director Arun Vaidyanathan of ‘Nibunan’

Director Arun Vaidyanathan explains the scene in Nibunan  

Critically acclaimed director of Achamundu Achamundu Arun Vaidyanathan is now back with his new age bilingual, ”˜Nibunan’ in Tamil and ”˜Vismaya’ in Kannada. In a recent chat, he shared details of his upcoming films.

Arun has been passionate about movies from a young age and identified himself as a storyteller. That passion made him quit a high-profile job in the US, to follow his dream in movies. A great inspiration to many youngsters who want to carve a niche in movie and animation industries, Devi Ravi has an intimate tête-à-tête with the director:

DR: Give us a sneak peek into your upcoming bi-lingual

AV: Being an NRI, this is my first  film I fully directed in India; first real multi starrer of a kind in Tamil where many leading artists have played pivotal roles. Though this is based on serial killer genre, there’s an element of family side to it. Cast and crew have been very cooperative and are extremely talented in their own rights.

DR: You have covered pressing social issue like Paedophilia in your first movie. Would you advise young film makers to pursue with such themes for their first movie?

AV: Debut directors should not be advised, if you ask me. They should go with whatever they have chosen to film. In the end, movie’s subject must be discussed and you should get noticed. Being risky and new is always good. Do what excites you as a film maker. Rest will fall into place. I had many stories before my first  movie Achamundu Achamundu, but chose the theme based on what I felt right then.

DR: Should young filmmakers address societal concerns that are more relevant to the society over popularity and profits?

AV: Social issues need not be addressed in all movies, but if one can address subtly, it will always be good. For example, though my current movie is based on a thriller genre, there are elements that are of social impact. If it can be portrayed in any genre, why not?

DR: One gets noticed because of successes ”“ but they are created on the back of failures; How did your failures, if any, change you and your process?

AV: Compare a film maker to an entrepreneur. Successes and drawbacks are common. Most societies in general, especially movie audience are opinionated. Once you are in a public domain you should develop thick skin. Not everyone will like every genre or every movie being made. Do your best!

DR: Being an NRI, it wouldn’t have been easy for you to make transition to Indian movie industry culture. How did you manage to acclimatise yourself?

AV: With passion and perseverance! Wherever you make films, it won’t be easy. Even independent films in Hollywood are tough to put together and sell. In my case, I was born in India and was well exposed to Indian films, especially Tamil films. Although the Indian working condition is very different, I prepared myself mentally and physically. I brought the planning side of filmmaking I learnt in USA and made sure I make a difference while I film here. You should be able to adapt yourself, if you want to be successful.

 

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