“If the film is not interesting, then there is no point making it in 3D,” stated octogenarian Ashokamitran, well-known writer and film critic with a decade-long alternate career as public relations officer of Gemini Studios in Chennai.
Speaking at the University of Madras recently, Mr. Ashokamitran talked about his memories recorded in his book, My Years with Boss , in which he reminisces about his years of service under S.S. Vasan, the man who ran the flourishing Gemini Studios.
He differentiated the responsibilities of a public relations officer from that of a publicist who, he said, lacked a philosophical touch. “They are both technical departments,” he said as he mused over the year of 1952 which was a critical period for Hollywood movies.
Explaining the technicalities of the aspect ratio, he familiarised the concept of cinemascope.
Juxtaposing the current scenario with the yesteryears when actors were duty bound to the producer, he said, “Earlier the producer was the boss. But now the actors are more important than the rest of the crew.” Speaking about the current state of the workings of a movie set where the actor takes precedence over all else, he said, “The actor cannot guarantee the success of every film he or she does.”
Relating with the role that Gemini Studios played in the world of cinema, Mr. Ashokamitran emphasised on the worth of each and every film. “It is not just for entertainment. The film has to be worthwhile and an engrossing experience,” he stated.
