Although experimentation is an everyday thing in the film industry, for a newcomer, it could be a risky affair. The fear did not stop director Seji Palooran. He embarked on a journey after taking a decision that he would definitely direct a film but would not travel through the conventional path of filmmaking.
Who is Seji Palooran? And he says, “I am a Malayali artist settled in Hyderabad. As an artist, I was always interested in filmmaking and so embarked on a journey to make a micro budget film in Malayalam although I have no prior experience in filmmaking.”
Asked about his micro budget movie Maattam, he explains, “Maatam revolves around the life of an artist. Like the name suggests, it speaks about the silent psychological changes that happens in the artist’s subconscious mind during a narco-analysis test. The movie has a fresh cast and crew. The role of the artist Christopher is played by newbie Victor Madhav. Arunima Muraleedharan plays the female lead named Rose.”
Speaking about the objective of stepping into the movie business and taking an unconventional route, he says, “I have been involved with this project for the past two years. Although the shooting was completed in a year, it was shot in three different sessions at Idukki as I was single-handedly controlling not just the direction, but the production, costume, makeup, choreography and art direction as well. I had a three-member technical crew. The equipment required for filmmaking such as moving accessories and lights were made using ‘Do it yourself’ techniques. For example, we made a light that can work on both battery and electricity. I believe these moves are the first-of-its-kind in Indian cinema history. The entire movie making process was experimental and I hope those who wish to make micro-budget movies in the future can look at my work as an example.” The movie is set for a theatrical release on July 1. Maattam will also be released online the same day.
