Do you feel intrigued by Gautham Menon’s thought process when you watch his movies? Do you wonder what goes through his mind as he etches a romantic scene? Well, you are not alone!
Here is a quick peek into the enigmatic mind behind the visuals, as he shares his opinions on women empowerment, Enai Noki Paayum Thotta’s mystery music director, working with STR again and the impending Producers’ Council election which he is a part of. Needless to say, he lit up our DC office in Chennai with his wit, straight talk... and of course, insight into what makes him the most romantic of ‘em all!
ON HEROINES BEING JUST A GLAMOUROUS ADDITION
Why do heroines accept such kind of roles, then? Even newcomers in the industry have the right to know what kind of script they are working on, their characters and the sequences. For example, I tell Manjima or Ritu Varma about the scene that they are going to perform beforehand. If the heroines are not comfortable, why are they signing it in the first place? Take the infamous Suraaj-Tamannaah case for example; she knows what she was doing and she could have said no.
LEARN TO SAY NO
Kollywood is still 10 years behind when compared to Bollywood. The actresses in B’town have pushed the envelope. Kangana came out and said that she doesn’t care about being in a Khan film. I really admire her for her courage. It is inspiring to see her growth — the background she has come from to where she is now. In K’town, Nayanthara is specific about her timings, styling and the scenes that she wouldn’t do — and I respect that. She was not like that five years ago. Somewhere, I am hoping every heroine would follow suit eventually.
WHO IS MR.X?
It was a conscious effort to put ENPT’s song out first so that people would not have any pre-conceived notion about the album. We had the opportunity of working with someone who is interesting and he is cool with the secrecy. It is a campaign and we honestly thought the excitement would die down after Maruvaarthai’s release. But, my team got back together and started a Twitter account for the composer and set the ball rolling.
Speaking his mind
I am in a really confident phase. After a point of time, you realise there are very few directors in the industry who have stood the test of time — so I thought it was okay to talk about the industry openly, put it out there, and it might just inspire someone. Recently, I met Karthick Naren and was astonished seeing his clarity in thoughts. When I was his age, I was beating my way around to make a film.
ON POLITICS
After seeing the political scenario in Chennai, I called a few people from the industry asking if they would be willing to go public, and hopefully create a difference. The young crowd wants a new leader and in four years’ time, it might happen.
Of morality in filmmaking
We are somewhat responsible and our films do influence people. That’s where the Censor Board comes into play. If the Board certifies a film with
A-certificate, people should comply with the rule and not bring kids for such movies. You watch a film with love, violence and sex — but you don’t have to act according to the film! Many people have approached me saying that the romance portions in my film inspired them to propose to their girlfriend in a similar fashion. I retort and go, ‘Dude, do what you like to do and not what I show on screen!’
WELCOMING CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM
Audiences dissecting films has existed since the Minnale days — and the criticism always come out in the open. I work as an audience myself and if I am disturbed by a particular scene, I wouldn’t have it in my film. Having said that, I always am trying to push myself and my boundaries. For instance, Nadunisi Naaigal was about a protagonist with a medical condition. It was made to create awareness and convey that these people need to get treated. I want to explore such edgy topics more in the future.
His infamous ‘scripts without a climax’
I obviously have a fair idea of where the tale is going. But when you write a script and start filming — somewhere, your actor gives his own twist. For example, my idea of Dhruv in the Dhruva Natchathiram was scripted in a certain way, and Vikram adds his own dimension to it — I like that about my actors, because it inspires me. Yes, because of this, I have lost films and I guess, there’s a slight regret. If the project with Vijay had materialised, it would have been a big break. But he wants a bound script where he can visualise the entire film from start to finish — I’m sure I’ll give him that someday. (smiles).
Being a romantic
I find romance in everything about life! Waking up to the sound and sight of an overcast sky, a coffee by myself in a cafe, catching up with my friends after ages, going out on a silent drive with my wife... I’m that kind of person. I also use many of these moments in my films.The scene where STR surprises Trisha on the train in Vinnaithaandi Varuvaya — I’ve done that in my life! One of my most favourite romantic scenes? In many of my movies, there are moments where the hero takes the heroine by surprise with his arrival. I always love to see that reaction, and wait to see the emotion unfold on screen.
AN AVID MOVIE BUFF
Whenever I am off-shoot, I try and watch a movie or a TV series. I read for about 45 minutes and try to write for at least an hour.
STILL A RELUCTANT WRITER
Recently, I met Anurag Kashyap and he told me that he is doing a Hindi film. Immediately, I asked him, ‘Will it work in Tamil? Can I do the Tamil version?’ I always look for a bound script where I can instantly start my work as a director. I am still reluctant and I hope it changes.
UPCOMING PROJECTS
There is also a four-hero subject, scripted by my partner Reshma. For me, it is the first time I have a complete script with a climax! Puneeth, Prithviraj, Naga Chaitanya, Anushka, and Tamannaah are already on board. Manjima or Nivetha Thomas might also join the team. We are also waiting to sign STR. The shoot will happen in the US.
ON PRODUCER COUNCIL ELECTION
It’s a nice, eclectic mix of people. SR Prabhu is a tech guy and Gnanavel knows the nuances of producing films. As Mysskin pointed out, we don’t have anything against us and I think we should be given that opportunity. We have plans to avoid the cluttering of films and stop the katta panchayath business. I have been in that position and I think we would be able to help other filmmakers accordingly.
PELLI CHOOPULU TAMIL REMAKE
We have got Vishnu Vishal on board for the Pelli Choopulu remake, which has been titled Pon Ondru Kanden. We had already signed on Tamannaah for the project which will be helmed by Senthil Veerasamy.
