When friends become enemies

Director Vijay Milton tells nikhil raghavan that Kadugu has strong female characters much like his previous films

August 06, 2016 04:26 pm | Updated 05:25 pm IST

Vijay Milton says that his Kadugu (mustard in Tamil) is about how circumstances play havoc with the lives of its lead characters. The teaser that has directors Suseenthiran, Pandiraj, Venkat Prabhu, Lingusamy and Balaji Sakthivel discussing the theme of this film is already creating waves on social media, and has been lauded by even those from the industry, like Gautham Menon who tweeted his appreciation.

Excerpts from an interview with Vijay Milton:

From cinematography to direction, how has the journey been?

Even though I have worked as a cinematographer for many films, my heart has always been in direction. Even during the days that I was a cinematographer, I used to help with direction. Having worked with a variety of directors, I have learnt various styles of filmmaking, and as a result, I was able to write almost 10 scripts in different genres. I am a full-time director now and continue to be the cinematographer of my films as it’s an advantage. My debut directorial film, Azhagai Irukkirai Bayamai Irukkirathu, did not do too well, but I waited patiently to make Goli Soda , which went on to become a hit.

How did Kadugu come about?

I wrote its script quite some time ago, and have been looking for the right actors, especially for the main two roles, which demand a certain look and build. Bharath was an easy choice, and his support to the project has been immense. He has been ever-willing to go beyond the call of duty, and was flexible with his remuneration and dates.

The other main role has been played by director Rajakumaran. My brother, Bharath Seeni, has played a character too.

What is the film about?

It is about emotional turmoil mainly. Bharath plays the Panchayat Chairman of Tharangambadi (formerly Tranquebar, a town near Pondicherry). Rajakumaran comes into the town from a city, and lacks knowledge of local customs and sentiments. Bharath, raised in Tharangambadi, is passionate about his township. Kadugu is about a situation that causes the friends to take up opposite sides when faced with an issue.

It is difficult to slot the film under any particular genre, as it is about how life unfolds differently for people, even under similar situations. It explores the psyche of a person who may or may not have committed a crime, but is affected by the idea of it. I have attempted to place the camera inside his psyche, so to speak.

Would you say your films are hero-centric?

While they do revolve around the male character, I have been told that in films such as Azhagai Irukkirai… , 10 Endrathukulla and Goli Soda , the female characters were strong personalities, and crucial to the narrative. All this happens subconsciously when I write the screenplay. In Kadugu , for instance, the four female characters, including one played by a child artiste, are the pivots around which the three male characters move forward.

How did the idea for your teaser come about?

Filmmaking is a tiresome job. At every stage, we have to firmly believe that we have done our best. All the personalities featured in the teaser are my friends, and on various occasions, I have invited them to discuss and debate on my ideas and script, and record it. While making the teaser for Kadugu , these clips came in handy.

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