As a seasoned cinephile with a penchant for Indian cinema, I must say that attending Mani Ratnam’s masterclass at IFFI was nothing short of a cinematic feast. His insights into adapting literature to screen, period filmmaking, and his creative process were as enlightening as they were captivating.
At a comprehensive seminar held during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, esteemed Indian filmmaker Mani Ratnam spoke with director-actor Gautham Vasudev Menon about transforming books into movies, his methods for creating period films, and his artistic workflow.
Discussing his recent two-part historical epic “Ponniyin Selvan,” based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s 1950s Tamil novel, Ratnam emphasized authenticity in period storytelling. “We wanted to make it look like it really happened, that it’s not just a set or something shot in the studio. There should be sunlight, dirt, sweat – you should feel that you are there at that point in time,” he said.
The filmmaker shared the difficulties encountered during the production of a period movie set in the Chola era. “You won’t find any forts or palaces in Tanjore today,” he said. “We had to shoot in a northern palace and then digitally alter the architecture to give it a more authentic South Indian appearance.” Ratnam elaborated on this.
In transforming the cherished literary masterpiece, Ratnam admitted to feeling the weight of reader expectations. “Everyone has their unique image of each character,” he said. “I wasn’t just wrestling with a five-volume book, but also the perceptions of numerous fans who are deeply invested in it. Yet, the only compass I had was that I too was one of those passionate readers.
In the creation of “Ponniyin Selvan,” Ratnam spoke about his working bond with the cinematographers: “During movie production, your Director of Photography becomes your closest ally. I aim to involve them as soon as possible, even before a script, when I have an idea. We embark on this journey together.
As a fervent admirer, I’d like to share my thoughts on the unique collaboration between the director and the esteemed composer, A.R. Rahman. This maestro of music truly excels in working hand-in-hand with directors. While the compositions are wholly his own, it’s his knack for blending style, offering creative options, and taking a fresh perspective on each scene that sets him apart. He doesn’t just underscore moments within a scene; rather, he creates a subtle layer beneath, adding depth and richness to the visual narrative.
In discussing his approach to filmmaking, Ratnam highlighted the need for efficiency while also embracing spontaneous discoveries. He said, “It’s crucial to be efficient in making films. Unexpected occurrences can sometimes yield wonderful results – you might stumble upon something unplanned that offers a fresh perspective. A director takes everything without hesitation.
When asked about potentially moving into streaming series, Ratnam expressed hesitation about long-format storytelling. “I’m very happy struggling with two hours. If you give me six and a half hours, seven hours to make, I think I’ll just get lost. It’s an art you have to learn.”
The filmmaker pondered over his connection between literature and cinema. He stated, “I believe that narrowing the distance between literature and cinema can lead to improved Indian cinema.” He also pointed out that Tamil literature, in particular, is abundant and mostly unexplored when it comes to adapting stories for films.
Throughout the masterclass, Ratnam maintained that despite his extensive career, each new project feels like starting anew. “If I’m honest with myself, every film is like a first film. When I go there, I don’t know how I’m going to do it, whether I’ll be able to put it together cogently. Whatever has happened before, good or bad, getting into a new project, starting off with a blank paper just pulls you down to one realistic place where it says that you’re still a beginner.”
As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but echo the wisdom shared by this esteemed filmmaker: “It’s crucial to treat actors with utmost care. They are the ones in the spotlight, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they have ample time to ready themselves, look their best, and deliver exceptional performances.
As a cinema enthusiast, I found myself among an illustrious gathering in the bustling auditorium. The festival director of IFFI graced us, along with the esteemed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, leading actress Suhasini Mani Ratnam, and the multitalented Khushbu Sundar, who also dabbles in politics. Notably, the acclaimed cinematographers Ravi Varman and Santosh Sivan were present, having collaborated extensively with Ratnam on various projects.
Next up for Ratnam is “Thug Life,” headlined by Kamal Haasan.
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2024-11-23 06:47