Karthick Naren came into prominence directing award-winning short films like Nirangal Moondru . He made his debut in Tamil cinema at the age of 21 with Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru (2016), starring Rahman. His second film, the multi-starrer Naragasooran , has been delayed due to financial difficulties. Up next for Naren is Mafia: Chapter 1 , starring Arun Vijay and Prasanna. These are four films that he highly recommends for cinephiles.
Kannathil Muthamittal (2002)
I was in school when this film released, and it was the first movie that moved me emotionally.
A still from ‘Kannathil Muthamittal’
Till that point, I would watch films for entertainment, and take them in a light-hearted manner. But this Mani Ratnam-directorial changed everything for me. I became very connected with all the characters in the story. It remains my most favourite Tamil film of all time.
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
This Juan José Campanella film is a perfect example of how to blend emotions in a thriller script.
A still from ‘The Secret in Their Eyes’
The subject is high on suspense, almost like a whodunit, but the way in which these emotions have been incorporated is fantastic. Christopher Nolan has often spoken about how the end of a film is very important. Going by that, this film’s end had a huge emotional impact on me.
Upstream Color (2013)
I cannot explain this film at all.
A still from ‘Upstream Color’
It might not be everyone’s cup of tea. It is one of those movies that you have to just let wash over you. You cannot slot it in any particular genre, but it pushes cinematic experience to the maximum. It is directed by Shane Carruth, who is an unsung hero, and is like the Christopher Nolan of indie filmmakers because his earlier film Primer , a low-budget film, tackled sci-fi concepts. It took me a couple of viewings to be able to analyse that story.
Chernobyl (2019)
I caught this on Hotstar recently, and I highly recommend it.
A still from ‘Chernobyl’
Usually, they say that a filmmaker is successful when the effect of his offering — be it suspense-thriller or horror — is carried over to the audience. When I watched Chernobyl , I felt claustrophobic. I felt unsafe. The series is about the nuclear disaster. But even while watching it on a television set from the comforts of my home, I actually had to cover my face with hands. It was almost like I was being exposed to radiation. Such was the impact.
( As told toSrinivasa Ramanujam )
