Movies

Winds of Change: In conversation with Kaattu director Arun Kumar Aravind

Published

7 years ago

October 26, 2017

FWDmedia

fwd life Kaattu director Arun Kumar Aravind (1)

Images: Arun Kumar Aravind

Editor turned director Arun Kumar Aravind speaks about his newest film Kaattu which is garnering great response

Interview by Suhas KM Translated by: Shilpa Ann Stanley Words by: Charishma Thankappan

Delivering much talked about characters and films like Cocktail, Left Right Left, and Ee Adutha Kalathu; editor turned director Arun Kumar Aravind speaks about his journey and his latest film Kaattu.

What interested you to work for Kaattu when you heard the script?

It’s been 17 years that Kaatu script has been written. I am very close to Anandhapadmanabhan and we had discussed a few scripts. And I think around a year and a half back, Murali Gopy had mentioned that Pappan has a script and he asked me to listen to that. If you ask me what attracted me to this script is, the milieu. The story is set in the ‘70s and ‘80s, where there was no electricity; technology hadn’t come up. So we wanted to revisit that era and show it to the present generation.

The legendary director Padmarajan’s stamp is there in this movie Kaattu. How challenging was it for you?

It was a great responsibility for me when I chose Padmarajan’s characters in this movie. I wanted to ensure that nothing should go wrong. And now the responses which we are getting are more than our expectations. To portray that particular period, I think we have used all the technicalities. We have taken all the shots in the brand new camera Arri XST. We have used master prime lenses for that and the sound has been done by Dolby Atmos. To recreate the ‘70s and ‘80s, I think all the departments have worked really hard for this.

fwd life Kaattu director Arun Kumar Aravind (2)

What made you choose Asif Ali to do the role Noohakannu?

When I heard the description of the character of Noohakannu, I was well convinced that Asif was appropriate for that role. When I discussed the role with him, he quickly felt like doing the film. And moreover, we were confident enough with him because he could easily transform into Noohakannu’s mannerism and physicality.

I have noticed that all your heroes have shades of grey and are not categorised in black or white. Why so?

It’s nothing like I wanted to create those ‘grey-shaded characters’. We’ll always see people’s positive face. But each and every one of us has a negative aspect too. So it becomes natural if we reproduce them in movies in a realistic way.

Critics have pointed out that your characters take a lot of time to get established, as either positive or negative. What do you have to say about this?

In my view, the story is carried out through my characters. So if there is no substance in them, and if they are not able to transform into that appropriate character I don’t think the audience will be able to accept the plot or the movie. And furthermore, we have different kinds of audiences too. Some audience can accept the characters even before they are established. But there are some audiences who need detailing in characters.

Following three hit movies, you returned with the movie 1 BY 2, casting Murali Gopi and Fahad Fasil. Almost everybody was expecting the movie to be a huge success, but unfortunately, it didn’t do well. What do you think could have been the reason?

I don’t consider it is an average movie. People have expectations once a movie is released. And I think this movie couldn’t meet people’s expectation. This might be the reason of failure. I should state that I have put the same effort in this movie too.

fwd life Kaattu director Arun Kumar Aravind (3)

Was it the failure of 1 BY 2 that made you wait for another three years for your next movie?

Whatever it is, be it success or failure, it doesn’t affect me. I am a person who thoroughly hands over my movie to the audience after the making. Thereafter, it is their choice to accept it or not. Every movie is a learning process for me.

Your combination with Murali is a known hit combination in the Malayalam movie industry. How did it start?

I approached Murali to act in one of my movies. After that, we had a lot of conversations on many subjects. Ee Aduthakalathu was one of them and I was really impressed by the storyline. I asked Murali to write the script for that, which initially he denied because he wasn’t very confident about writing a script after the failure of the movie Rasikan. With time, after we started talking to each other, we understood that we have the same vibe. We are looking forward to more movies together in future.

When did you consider shifting your career from editing to direction?

When I started my career, I never had any plans to become a director. After editing almost 30 films, I thought of making a film and I was interested in learning direction. It was while doing the movie ‘Kaanichivaram’ that I finally decided to try out direction.

Your production Vedi Vazhipaadu faced a lot of problems because of the censor board. What is your impression about the interference of the censor board?

The censor board doesn’t have any authority to chop a movie; they have the authority to only give film certification. Today, I think almost everyone can see all sorts of videos which are accessible on the internet. So I really don’t get it as to why the censor board is demanding to cut a few scenes and several dialogues from movies. They claim that it affects the audience in many ways. Actually what censor board is doing is something which is not satisfactory. Do they think that our audiences are fools to follow what they see on screens? Our audience is knowledgeable and intelligent enough to take the movie as it is.

Actors like Indrajith, Murali Gopy, Jayasurya, and now Asif Ali have had the best performances of their careers in your films. What’s the secret behind it?

I’m happy to hear that. All actors should be like clay so that the director can mould them according to how the character should be. If you give a defined character, they will be able to deliver their utmost performances.

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Movies

A Nostalgic Journey Through Love &Cinema : Best Bollywood Romantic 90s Movies

Published

1 month ago

March 25, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

As we reminisce about the golden era of Bollywood cinema, the 90s stand out as a time when romance reigned supreme on the silver screen. From epic love stories to heartwarming tales of passion and longing, 90s Bollywood movies have left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. If you’re in the mood for some classic romance this vacation, here’s a curated list of the best Bollywood romantic movies from the 90s that are guaranteed to make you swoon and fall in love all over again.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995):

Directed by Aditya Chopra, this iconic film starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol is a timeless masterpiece that continues to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. With its unforgettable love story, breathtaking scenery, and soul-stirring music, “DDLJ” is a must-watch for romantics of all ages.

Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994):

Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, this beloved family drama starring Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit is a celebration of love, tradition, and togetherness. With its vibrant song and dance sequences, endearing characters, and heartwarming storyline, “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!” remains a cherished favorite among Bollywood fans.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998):

Directed by Karan Johar, this romantic drama starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, and Rani Mukerji is a quintessential love triangle that tugs at the heartstrings. With its catchy music, stylish costumes, and memorable dialogues, “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” is a nostalgic journey back to the 90s era of Bollywood romance.

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999):

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, this epic love story starring Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Ajay Devgn is a cinematic masterpiece that explores the complexities of love and sacrifice. With its grandiose sets, soulful music, and powerful performances, “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences.

Rangeela (1995):

Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, this romantic musical starring Aamir Khan, Urmila Matondkar, and Jackie Shroff is a colorful and vibrant ode to love and dreams. With its foot-tapping music, electrifying dance sequences, and captivating performances, “Rangeela” is a delightful blend of romance, drama, and entertainment.

As you embark on a nostalgic journey through the best Bollywood romantic movies of the 90s, prepare to be swept away by timeless love stories, unforgettable melodies, and iconic moments that have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Whether you’re a die-hard romantic or simply in search of cinematic escapism, these timeless classics are sure to make your vacation a memorable and magical experience. So, grab some popcorn, snuggle up with your loved ones, and let the magic of 90s Bollywood romance transport you to a world of love, laughter, and happily ever afters.

Main Story

Feminine Characters in Bollywood Films Who Could Be Relatable

Published

2 months ago

March 7, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Artistic works can occasionally achieve the ideal balance between the universal and the particular. Art has the power to unite us, despite the fact that our paths have been very different. There are songs whose words perfectly capture what you’re feeling. Alternatively, some movie stories seem to be crafted directly from your experience. Bollywood cinema has long been celebrated for its colourful storytelling, vibrant characters, and memorable performances. Over the years, we’ve seen a shift towards more nuanced and relatable portrayals of women on the silver screen. These characters not only resonate with audiences but also reflect the diverse experiences and aspirations of modern women. Here are seven feminine characters from Bollywood films who could be relatable to viewers:

Kaira from ‘Dear Zindagi‘

Potraied by Alia Bhatt, Kaira’s sleeplessness was caused by more serious problems that need counselling to resolve. I hope that more people could and would take that action. Her state of mental disarray was somewhat recognizable.

Geet from ‘Jab We Met’

Played by Kareena Kapoor Khan, Geet is a free-spirited and confident young woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after a chance encounter with Aditya, played by Shahid Kapoor. Her infectious energy, resilience, and zest for life make her a relatable and endearing character for many.

Piku from ‘Piku‘

Deepika Padukone portrays Piku, a strong-willed and independent woman who juggles her career, family responsibilities, and personal life with grace and humor. As she navigates the complexities of caring for her aging father, played by Amitabh Bachchan, Piku’s authenticity and resilience make her a relatable and inspiring character for many.

Rani from ‘Queen’

In this empowering tale of self-discovery, Kangana Ranaut shines as Rani, a young woman who embarks on a solo honeymoon trip to Europe after being jilted at the altar. As Rani navigates unfamiliar territory and embraces newfound independence, audiences are inspired by her courage, vulnerability, and unwavering spirit.

Veronica from “Cocktail”

Deepika Padukone delivers a nuanced performance as veronica, a modern and independent woman who finds herself caught in a complicated love triangle. As veronica navigates the complexities of friendship, love, and self-discovery, audiences are drawn to her authenticity, vulnerability, and strength.

Aisha from “Wake Up Sid”

In this coming-of-age drama, Konkona Sen Sharma plays Aisha, a young woman who moves to Mumbai to pursue her dreams of becoming a writer. As she navigates the challenges of adulthood, career aspirations, and romantic relationships, Aisha’s journey resonates with viewers who are also finding their place in the world.

Movies

Arjun Ashokan Films Worth Watching

Published

2 months ago

March 1, 2024

Reshma Vivekanandan

Arjun Ashokan’s journey in malayalam cinema has been marked by versatility, passion, and a commitment to his craft. From his performances in acclaimed films like “Bramayugam” to his captivating roles in romantic dramas like “June” and “Super Sharanya,” Ashokan continues to captivate audiences with his talent and charm. As we celebrate the must watch of Arjun Ashokan’s movie roles, we look forward to witnessing his future endeavors and the indelible mark he will undoubtedly leave on Indian cinema.