Director Bramma’s phone has not stopped ringing since the news of national awards broke out. His debut film Kuttram Kadithal has won the national award for the Best Tamil Film. “I am proud and happy. Moreover, I feel responsible now. I will have to deliver better in my next film,” he says. The list of well-wishers also included his college teachers. “I was never an ideal student. But, now they would be happy that I am faring well in another field,” smiles the physics student.
Kuttram Kadithal is a social thriller. It revolves around a group of friends, who go through a life changing experience. “The realism in the film has gone down well with the jury members,” he says. Anthony B. Jayaruban, a familiar name both in Bollywood and Kollywood, is the sound engineer of the film. “We have employed the Atmos sound system which comes with an additional speaker on the ceiling to offer an enhanced audio experience.”
The movie has been shot in 110 locations across Tamil Nadu. “Manikandan’s camera has contributed a lot to the feel of the film. We chose a variety of locations, including road side dabhas and highways. We have ensured that the lighting is as realistic as the narrative.”
Shooting the film was a learning experience, he says. “I have directed a short film before. But there were many interesting things I learnt only while making Kuttram Kadithal . For instance I knew there is a union for lighting while working for this film!”
For Bramma, the main challenge was to win the confidence of his team members. “Even though the film is supported by a strong network of friends, there were also people who were not familiar to me. I had to prove my talent to them. Also, it was challenging to convince the technicians about what I exactly wanted.”
When asked to name the directors who inspire him, Bramma was particular that either all three names should be mentioned or none should be listed. “Mani Ratnam, Bala and Anurag Kashyap…. I admire them. Their films carry a unique signature style.”
With Tamil movies bagging eight honours, this year is an important one for the Tamil cinema, says Bramma. “ The entry of young blood has created all the difference. It looks like Tamil film industry is set for a bigger role in the national scene.”
Kuttram Kadithal will see a commercial release soon
