“Neerparavai” highlights plight of fisher folk

He may be just two films old, yet Tamil director Seenu Ramasamy is a filmmaker to reckon with, having won a National Award for his second film, ‘Thenmerku Paruvakaatru’ in 2011. This film also fetched Saranaya Ponvannan and Vairamuthu the Best Actor and Best Lyricist awards respectively.

As his third film, ‘Neerparavai,’ starring Vishnu, Sunaina and Bollywood actress Nandita Das gears up for release in India this weekend, expectations are high from this director, who has earned a reputation for realistic portrayal of stories. ‘Neerparavai’ is produced by Udayanidhi Stalin’s Red Giant Movies with music composed by N.R. Raghunandan and cinematography by N. Balasubramaniyam.

Ramasamy sat down for a chat with tabloid!.

On ‘Neerparavai’

“This story is set against the backdrop of a coastal fishing village where Christians, Hindus and Muslims live in harmony together. Shot at Manappadu, [a village 15km away from Tiruchendur], it talks about the trials and tribulations of this community. While it is has been shot realistically, this is a mainstream story with a classical touch. I wish to put across to viewers what they need to know. I believe in selling elaneer [tender coconut water] to people and not charayam [alcohol].

On his actors

“Vishnu plays a fisherman and is paired opposite Sunaina. He was totally dedicated to his role, which called for rigorous physical exercise, waking up at 4am and rowing a boat into the sea with the fishermen. Being a sports person, he was able to meet these challenges, besides being a quick learner. This film will certainly bring him appreciation.

Sunaina’s talent has not come to the fore yet for want of a good role. I would say she belongs to the calibre of actors like Revathi, Shoba and Archana. She was equally committed. I was impressed with one emotional scene that she performed without using glycerin. This role will be a milestone in her career.

Saranaya plays Vishnu’s mother and again she has done a great job. ‘Poo’ Ram’s acting is commendable too. His performance involved subtle portrayal of love without revealing his feelings.

Samudrakani [a director and actor] plays a Muslim character. It happened by chance when he visited me at the shooting spot. I casually mentioned this role and if he would be interested. Samudrakani agreed immediately.”

Why Nandita Das?

“Nandita Das is a nationally-renowned actress and through this story I wish to highlight an important issue that concerns the lives of the fishermen. Her pan-Indian image will serve to take this message across the country.

I sent her an email offering the role. It seems she had enquired about me with cinematographer Ravi Chandran, who asked her to go ahead without any thought.

Nandita came down with her son and stayed a week on the sets. Needless to say that her performance is brilliant.”

For her part, Das told us the feeling was mutual. “He is a passionate film-maker and a clear-headed director, who is at the same time open to suggestions and other ways of interpreting character and situations. I enjoyed my experience of working with him.”

Cinematic dreams:

“A native of Madurai, I grew up with a love for Tamil literature and film especially those of directors Balu Mahendran and Mahendran. I aspired to make films like them someday. After graduating in mathematics, I thought of venturing into films. So I wrote a letter to Balu Mahendran. When there was no reply, I followed it up with a second letter, enclosing a copy of my first letter . This time Balu sir replied asking me to meet him. I learnt the ropes under him and then assisted director Seeman for a film before directing my first film, ‘Koodal Nagar.’ It took me fifteen years of struggle to emerge as a filmmaker.”

BRIEF OPTIONAL

Telugu director T. Prabhakar feels it isn’t right to judge films by their titles as they are most often either named to attract audience attention or have at best a vague connection with the story.

“You can’t judge a film by its title because not all film titles have some connection with the context of the film. My forthcoming Telugu film is titled ‘Oka College Story’, but it isn’t only about college life and classroom romance. Some films with quirky titles are aimed at drawing audience to the theatre,” Prabhakar told IANS.

“Oka College Story”, which stars Shravan, Monal, Aarthi Puri, Vijaya Bhaskar and Naveen, is inspired from few Tamil films, but not copied, says the director.

“My film is inspired from few Tamil films, but not copied entirely. I really liked few Tamil films that released recently and based on these films, I scripted my film,” he added.

The film, which is in its post production phase, has cinematography by Shanapathi and editing by Praveen Pudi. It will release in the first week of December.

-- IANS