Scriptures to help train screenwriters

He shot to fame while manning the camera for some of India’s finest directors, like Mani Ratnam, Girish Karnad and Shyam Benegal. But the filmmaker inside Rajiv Menon didn’t stop there. Having proved his mettle with hits like Minsara Kanavu and Kandukondein Kandukondein, the ad filmmaker-turned-director, who runs a film school named Mindscreen, is adding a new and unique dimension to the fine art of screenwriting in India. As part of the institute’s newly launched fast-track six-month course in screenwriting and filmmaking, the students will be coached in the fundamentals of penning screenplays with special focus on Indian narratives. Rajiv has employed the services of experts to help students understand the nitty-gritty of writing scripts.

Rajiv says, “I personally believe that in order to explore the true depths of any emotion that needs to be conveyed on screen, one needs to rely on the mother tongue. However Anglicised one’s approach to filmmaking, the native touch is necessary to lend your story an air of authenticity.”

Rajiv adds, “Take the simple example of Devdas, Paaro and Chandramukhi whose triangular interplay is an allegory of the relationship between Lord Muruga, Valli and Devayani. The same element of conflict is reflected in both stories — an ancient story retold in an interesting manner to captivate audiences.”

Rajiv is now inviting applications from students who have managed to get at least one of their stories, (irrespective of the language) published. Among those who will be aiding Rajiv in this initiative is Arshiya Sattar, an expert in South Asian languages and civilizations. Apart from this, Louis Cadier, an English writer and director from London who has worked on a plethora of radio dramas, advertising projects, music videos and films, takes on the role of the faculty at the institute. Also on board is Rajiv’s guru MN Gnanasekharan, who serves as the dean at Mindscreen.