Raazim Althaf Ahmed, Mass communication student
Filmography
Wake-up Call, Nizhalin Nijam, Aatraamai
His short film Wake-up Call released on YouTube instantly got over 1000 hits and was shared many times. In the film, a radio jockey speaks to two characters Ram and Rahim, who are trolled on the social media for their comments on the beef ban. “When one person comments on an issue, 10 people like it, another 100 share it and what happens at the end of it is a malicious hate campaign,” says Raazim. “Short films are a powerful media to make an impact,” he says. Wake-up Call won six awards in the best film and best screenplay categories.
Everyone is connected on social media, even a recorded voice circulated through whatsapp has an impact. So, why not films with a social thought, he asks.
Raazim’s first film Aatraamai (inhibition) made in docu-drama style on the Tamil Eelam struggle won appreciation from the national award winning director Vetrimaaran who said it has to be shared with the current generation. “I was inspired to make this film when I accidentally clicked on a link that led me to shocking videos. Aatraamai is part real, part fiction.”
His second film Nizhalin Nijam is about how women in live in relationships end up terminating un-planned pregnancies several times and suffer severe health problems. Repeated abortions plays havoc on a women’s health, was the crux of the film. “When director Cheran saw the film, he appreciated and congratulated me for choosing this subject,” says Raazim.
Why films?
I am the third generation film maker from my family. My grandfather tried and failed in the 70s. In the 80s, my father also failed making a film. It’s my turn to set a new record. “It is day-to-day issues affecting the common man that bother me. I dropped out of my final year in architecture (I had 22 arrears!), enrolled for visual communication, and currently making films.
What next?
A film on Kudankulam
His inspiration
I enjoy watching entertaining films like Rajini Murugan , because I know for a fact that I can never make such commercial films. I am also unsettled by films such as Vetrimaaran’s Visaranai , Ameer’s Paruthi Veeran and Balumahendra’s Moonram Pirai. I want to make such films, but in my own style.
R. Vijay Kumar, Visual communication student
Filmography
Kanney Kalaimaney, Manam, Orunaal …
Actor Thalaivaasal Vijay who shines in his performances is the hero of Kanney Kalaimaney , a 25-minute telefilm on caring for parents in their old age. “My neighbourhood Thatha who I met and talked to regularly went missing for a long timeI was shocked to learn that his son left him at an old age retirement home before moving to the States with his family. I made the film to raise this issue,” says Vijay. “The film questions why highly educated children abandon their aged parents while in villages, people still cherish them,” he says.
Director-actor Samudirakani and director Chimbu Devan who made the trend-setting Imsai Arasan 2aam Pulikesi gave a standing ovation to the film. Kanney Kalaimaney won many awards. Director Agathiyan who made the national-award winning film Kaadhal Kottai judged the film as the best in all categories.
His short-film Manam got 24 awards. It tackles the issue of divorce and how it is dealt with in modern times. Oru Naal , a comedy dedicated to Abdul Kalam (where yamadharmaraaja takes a day off from work when Abdul Kalam passes away) won 20 awards.
Why films?
A role of a film-maker doesn’t end with making romance or crime films. He has a responsibility to make films that touch the common man and make him aware of social issues. “I will be happy even if one person decides to take his parents back from a retirement home after watching Kanney… any film should make you react. I want my films to do that.”
Vijay Kumar makes his films in one day. “We shoot, edit and carry out post-production, sound mixing, all in a single day. This is just to prove that with meticulous planning, one can do it.
What next?
Send Manam and Oru Naal to Chennai Film Festival and Boston film Festival for short films. And, make a feature film inspired by a true story
His inspiration
Nicholas Spark’s Best of me, a romance that tackles a bigger social issue. Director Gowtham Menon for his style of film making and Director A. R. Murgadoss for packing a message to the masses in all his films.
S. Gowtham Prasath, Masters in Information Technology
Filmography
Imai
Working part time with an event management company run by music director Leo of Kannada films triggered his interest in films. “Associating with him inspired me to make a film with a novel theme,” he says.
Imai , a 18-minute short film speaks about eye donation, safe driving, awareness on wearing helmets, and etiquette of pillion riders. The film has blood and gore, romance and finally a message on eye donation.
Character artiste Gopal, known for his performance in the award-winning Naadodigal features in this film.
This is just the start, says Gowtham. “Though I come from an engineering background, I am a self-taught film maker and want to make a difference to society through my films.”
Films must showcase negative aspects to covey a positive thought, like director Vetrimaaran’s Visaranai . After watching Imai , you will go back wanting to pledge your eyes and letting your family know about it. You will also drive safe.
What next?
A feature film on the addiction to social media and the havoc it creates.
His inspiration
Director Samduirakani’s Nimirnthu Nil , trend setting films of Karthik Subburaj, and the new wave of Malayalam cinema that includes films like Premam and Oru Vadakkan selfie inspires me tread new paths. I want to make a film that surprises the audience. “A film should keep the audience at the edge of their seats till the end. There has to be unexpected twists and turns. Imai starts off as a commercial film and ends differently.”
Filming now…
A patriotic song titled Coimbatore Album that talks about the pride of the city. It is set to music by Leo.
