In an industry where producers are worried about losing money with every film, J. Satish Kumar has won the National award for the Best Regional Film two years in a row for Thanga Meenkal (2013) and Kuttram Kadithal (2014).
The national recognition is his reward for choosing content over big stars and backing smaller films. “Very early on, I understood that by backing good scripts and keeping budgets small, I can keep risks low and establish JSK Film Corporation as production house of repute,” says Satish Kumar.
“I bankrolled Ram’s Thanga Meenkal half-way through the film because I saw a lot of potential. I invested in Balaji Tharaneetharan’s Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom , featuring Vijay Sethupathy, though it didn’t have well-known names then,” he says.
Mr. Kumar says that the fault lies with the producers who are ready to spend big money for the stars.
“No star is forcing us to make films for them. I have released four of Vijay Sethupathy’s films, but that doesn’t mean I will go out of the way to produce a film with him in the lead,” he says.
He further urges producers to consider making smaller movies. “They can make at least four movies with the money they spend making a big budget film. As a producer, you also have creative control,” he says. What is the film that he is most kicked about? “Director Ram’s next, Taramani , is a contemporary story set in urban Chennai. I am sure it will make waves when it releases. Apart from that, I am also looking forward to how Andaava Kanom , featuring Sriya Reddy in the lead role and Naalu Policeum Nalla Irundha Oorum , will be received by the public.”
