Tarantino, “non-linear cinema,” “futuristic genre”… The waiters at Zucca Pizzaria look bemused at all the film talk. A meeting of the Coimbatore Talkies is in session. The Facebook group is meeting for the first time today. Around 22 members, consisting of professionals, business men, home makers, students and entrepreneurs have gathered to talk cinema.
Shanti Suresh, who is the admin of the FB group, says the response to the Facebook group was overwhelming. “The number of members has spiralled to 280 in just a few days.” It is an active group, brimming with posts and comments. The subjects of discussion range from comic memes and tinsel town gossip to witty reviews on movies that are currently running. Some of them also post trivia about films from across the country. Vanitha Govindarajulu’s posts on Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali and Odisha films are popular. “I like watching films in all languages. Moreover, regional channels are screening many foreign language films these days,” she says.
Vipin Raj is a fan of Majid Majeedi. Vipin, who runs a software company, is passionate about cinema. “When I watch a film, I listen to the background score for the visuals and camera angles. These small details catch my ears and eyes.”
Some of them aspire to be film makers one day. Sivaraja Gopinathan is a software professional who is mad about films. “I am interested in short films. I watch a film every day on my laptop. That’s what keeps going amidst my hectic schedule,” he says. Sharath Krishnakumar, a third year B.tech student says that his college encourages the students to make short films. “Short film competitions are held among the different departments for third years. I am planning to actively take part, this year.” He is an admirer of Christopher Nolan. “His films follow interesting technique,” he says.
Says Shanti, “I wanted this group to be a platform for film buffs like me; a space where we can talk about the movies we watch. The idea is to meet once a month and watch a movie and discuss it. And, it could be art or commercial and in any language or genre. The idea is to make all kinds of movies, accessible to the members.”
Today, they are screening a film of Quentin Tarantino. It has all the trademark flavours of a Tarantino film with blood, gore and pop culture references. We munch on our popcorns as we watch the men on screen kill other men.
After the screening, Shanti explains a little about the film maker and his craft. “Many of the new wave Tamil films are influenced by his trademark non-linear narrative. This film was made in 1992, and was way ahead of its times.”
“Exposure to such experimental and unconventional films will improve the craft of the film makers of our country, too”, says Vijaya Krishnan, a businessman. Vijaya Krishnan hero-worshipped Rajnikanth during his college days. “I used to walk, talk and dress like him. But, now I have realised hero worship can kill creativity in movies.”
The discussions run late into the evening. Arunkumar, the owner of Zucca Pizzeria joins in. “Why don’t we have a late night screening with food and drinks?” he asks. Many like the idea, but a few want it during the day. “How about Sunday mornings, then?” asks Arun. The decision is taken. Someone suggests that they could even organise a special screening in the multiplexes while a few others suggest inviting technicians and cameramen for talks.
Before leaving, pictures are clicked and phone numbers are exchanged. Sonali Pradeep, who runs a production house with her husband, says that these kinds of spaces will keep the city’s film culture alive. “I came here and met so many people who are interested in movies and are serious about film making. These platforms help professionals in the cine-field like me to build contacts and find fresh talents.”
Coimbatore Talkies will meet next at Yolo, Avanashi Road, on December 20. Kannadamovie, Lucia, will be screened. For details follow them on www.facebook.com/groups/cbetalkies
