Dulquer Salmaan’s experimental film Solo with Bejoy Nambiar received accolades for its art direction, since it involved four different unconnected stories as its core script. The man behind the interesting vision is none other than art director Amaran who was elevated to a production designer with Solo. Vishal’s Thupparivalan too was a masterstroke by Amaran. Currently busy with Maari 2 and Kolamavu Kokila with Nayanthara, he speaks to us about the challenges involved in working for a anthology. “I was doing eight films when Solo came my way. Unlike other movies, this flick had four different genres and they don’t converge in the climax also. Each one had a different tale to narrate. I had to use four different tones and colors for each segment. The time given was just about 20 days and it was really hectic.”
Amaran thanks his mentor Sabu Cyril and Sharmishta Roy with whom he worked in Kaatru Veliyidai for pulling off Solo as a production designer. “I worked in Lingaa with my guru Sabu Cyril and the period set-up was one of the toughest projects ever. Even Kaatru Veliyidai’s terrain was thought-provoking. Having said that, these films gave me a lot of exposure and experience, and helped me handle Solo in a professional manner.”
Amaran’s hard work and creativity has paved way for yet another big project, Maari 2 with Dhanush. “Balaji Mohan and Bejoy are friends. The former watched Solo — and impressed with my work — roped in me as a production designer for his sequel to Maari.” We hear that he is also getting acting offers? “I played a role with grey shades in a short film Thottakkal Poovaachu which was directed by my friend. Those who watched me say I can try for stylish villain roles in films. I don’t mind if any good offers come my way.”
