The yet-to-be released Jayam Ravi-Nayanthara starrer, Thani Oruvan , is likely to be the last mainstream Indian movie to be shot majorly in ‘film’.
Directed by Jayam Ravi’s brother, M. Raja, Thani Oruvan , has been shot by cinematographer Ramji, who is known for putting his foot down when it comes to making creative choices and has only shot in film so far in his career.
The cinematographer, who is well-known for his work in films such as Paruthiveeran,Aayirathil Oruvan and Raam , said that it would probably be his last movie shot using ‘film’. “Except for a flashback sequence and a song at the end, almost 95% of the movie was shot in film,” he said.
With the world embracing digital cinema, it has almost become impossible for filmmakers to source film stock even if the producers are willing to foot the bill. How did he manage to get the film stock?
“I sourced the film stock from Mumbai through Gemini lab. This would be my last movie shot in film,” he says.
Asked why he chose to shoot using film for all these years, the cinematographer said that shooting in film offers him an opportunity to be far more creative.
“I personally feel that shooting using film enhances the creative process. The intensity and depth of an image is certainly better in film than in digital. However, the whole world has crossed over to the other side and has embraced digital cinema. There is no other way but to shoot my future films in digital,” he said, adding, “I thought this particular film would look better if it wasn’t shot in digital. Capturing hand-held images shot in digital cameras is not as sharp as in film. The slight jerk may not be visible to the untrained eye.”
With Thani Oruvan getting ready for release, Ramji is yet to sign his next. “I am listening to several scripts. I am hoping to work on different kinds of films. Thani Oruvan is a commercial film. But soon, I would most likely join hands with filmmaker Ameer once again.”
“Except for a flashback sequence and a song at the end, almost 95% of the movie was shot in film”
