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My notebooks were no ordinary scribble pads - they were more akin to comic books or storyboards, filled with depictions of the characters and creatures I had come across in the small town in Kerala where I spent my formative years. Sketching and painting were my sole pursuits, and I poured my heart and soul into bringing to life the flora and fauna that thrived in the lush green and yellow paddy fields around my ancestral home.
Looking back, I realize that my deep-seated love for art and storytelling was firmly rooted in my profound connection to nature. It was this very connection that led me to imbue rain with its own personality in my first Malayalam feature film,( LUCA) and to draw inspiration from other nature forces in my subsequent works.
My childhood was a time of pure bliss, filled with endless books to devour and a passion for writing poetry and stories that I eagerly shared with my schoolmates. Growing up in a middle-class family with my father working at a bank and my mother a homemaker, the glitz and glamour of movies were never really on my radar. However, all of that changed after I entered a competition.
It was during my 9th grade that I decided to take part in a competition hosted by a cultural organization called Mela. It was a defining moment for me as I managed to win awards for both my poetry and story writing. The chief guest who presented the awards were none other than the renowned Malayalam actor Nedumudi Venu, who I had the privilege of meeting for the very first time in my life. His presence left an indelible mark on me, and I knew then that my passion for the arts was something worth pursuing.
My film journey began when I ventured out of Kerala to pursue a BSc in Computer Science, in the city of Hyderabad. During my time there, I discovered a passion for the art of filmmaking and began immersing myself in the world of cinema. I also joined in Arena Multimedia to learn advanced Multimedia and Editing which cemented my passion for filmmaking. My Masters was from Madras Christian in Communication and Journalism.
Over the next seven years after masters, I explored various industries, including PR, IT, and NGOs, while assisting in the production of three ad films. Throughout this time, I attended many film-related events and festivals.
Working at the IT company proved to be a game-changing experience for me. Although I couldn't afford my own camera at the time, the company had one that I could use to create videos for them. I made it my mission to keep the camera with me on weekends so that I could use it to make my own short films. Writing scripts during the week and shooting on the weekends, these sessions became my own personal training ground for movie-making.
It wasn't until 2010, when I randomly created a short film on climate change called "My Paper Boat," that I received recognition for my work. The film won first prize out of over 600 submissions at the UNO Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, earning me a scholarship to study a film course in the UK.
After returning from my studies, I learned that breaking into the film industry was not as easy as I had hoped. Despite writing two scripts over four years and approaching countless directors and actors, finding a producer proved to be a major hurdle. As a result, I turned to teaching film studies part-time at Madras Christian College for financial stability, and eventually discovered a passion for it.
But my love for film persisted, and I embarked on a journey with just a DSLR camera and a friend on his scooter. Traveling from Chennai to Rameshwaram, we shot at different locations and created a feature-length film entirely on our own. This film, "Alaiyin Thisai," which was done with very little, proved to me that I could become a filmmaker without anyone's help. Today, I continue to teach and take classes for film students while also pursuing my own passion for film-making.
After years of relentless dedication, my first Malayalam film "Luca" finally hit the screens in 2019, showered with both critical acclaim and commercial success. With my second film "Mindiyum Paranjum" set to release soon and a third one scheduled to start production this month, the silver screen has been a constant playground for me. As I await the release of a Bollywood film in collaboration with Platoon Productions, I remain humbled by every opportunity that comes my way. My aspiration is to keep creating films that stir emotions and leave an indelible mark on the audience.
To all those dreamers out there who wish to pursue a career in filmmaking, I implore you to stay steadfast and resolute. The road ahead may seem arduous, but perseverance and hard work are the sole keys to unlock success. It is crucial to carve out your own niche, a unique signature style that sets you apart from the rest. Trust your audience and most importantly, trust yourself, for that is what will lead you to triumph. I am grateful for your unwavering support, and I look forward to sharing more of my journey with you!
What's yours thought about the company's camera Arun used to shoot videos?
Isn't it an apt example of finding ways to follow your passion?
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