With a string of box-office hits from the racy ‘Dheena’ to the power-packed ‘Ghajini’ and now with ‘Engeyum Eppothum’ (as producer), director A.R. Murugadoss has come to be known as a man with the Midas touch.
Of course, perseverance and hard work being important components of his success story.
Quiz him on the struggles and challenges he has faced and he brushes them all aside: “It’s all in the game. I never considered them to be a struggle. It is fun working and I enjoy whatever I do which makes me feel at home wherever I am.”
Approaching a screenplay from the eyes of an ordinary film-goer has been the secret behind his successful ventures. “At the end of the day, it all boils down to how well you punctuate your script with question and exclamation marks. You must keep the audience guessing. An effective script has interesting twists that takes people by surprise and determines the success of a film.”
Having etched his name in the higher echelons of commercial filmmaking, all his concentration now is directed towards retaining it. “Satisfying audience expectation is not an easy job. At times it can put you in a spot. That is it took me so long for my next project ‘7-am Arivu’.”
Murugadoss has the knack of spotting young talents and gives them their due. A firm believer of youth power, he strongly supports their ability to succeed which is well reflected in the stupendous success of Engeyum Eppothum. “They have the fire to perform. I could see the thirst to achieve. Success is more important for them than for me. Their sincerity impressed me the most,” he says.
, Music has always been a major contributor in the success of his movies: “Music does give the much needed impetus to a film as it reaches the audience first. Once I asked A.R. Rahman whether he composed songs depending on directors, he said it depends on how well the director is able to inspire him with situations. I am also of the same view. The situation should warrant a song. The director of the film should be clear in his mind and should be able to tickle the creative element in the music director. He should make the composer think and give him his due space to come out with appealing songs,” he says.
Murugadoss is not for preaching messages but feels it should be subtly conveyed. . “People may not like it. Like a sugar coated pill, you have to convey your thoughts in an entertaining manner. ‘Engeyum Eppothum’ is just a wake up call for drivers and it does not intend to scare people,” he explains.
He is also quite happy to associate himself with the Fox Star Studios as he feels that being a global player in this field they can get the film its due recognition. “Their market is huge and it would be easy for them to take the movie to the global audience.”
From Kallakurichi to Mumbai, his film journey is quite enviable. “It depends on how interested you are. If you have the urge and attitude, no matter where you are, you will be able to reach your goal,” he says.
Murugadoss was in the city with his ‘Engeyum Eppothum’ film crew comprising director M. Saravanan, cinematographer Velraj, actors Jai, Anjali and Sharwanand. The team visited theatres as part of their film promotion tour, which they began from the city.
