Marina Beach at nearly 7 in the morning. Morning walkers stride briskly down the promenade, a few red-faced joggers pant their way through, excited dogs tug impatiently at their leash, hawkers dole out plastic cups of lurid colored herbal juice and cut fruit while a little boy on a cycle too big for him offers lukewarm, sweetened tea to passers-by.
At the Bharatiyar Statue, a bunch of people wearing white T-shits emblazoned with a red symbol proudly proclaiming the numbers-“ 500 and 5” laugh and jest among themselves, waiting for the event to begin. The event in question is a five kilometer run from the statue to the lighthouse and back to commemorate the completion of a cherished project. “500 and 5 is a movie that basically talks about the journey of Rs 500 through the lives of five people and their trysts with that money.” says Raghu Jeganathan, part of the four-member core team that has created this feature film.” According to Deepak Sundararajan who plays the character Sudalai, “I act as a small time henchman of a don. For me the money means the ability to escape this identity and become a kingpin myself.” This linear progression of money continues till it reaches the final character-a revolutionary who attempts to do away with the concept of money itself.
The run is not just celebratory one—it also attempts to demand the creation of a less materialistic world.” In a world where there is a price to just about anything we wanted to shake things up and shout out for change.” continues Raghu. “Running is the physical manifestation of that need. Also, since this is essentially a people’s film with over 150 contributors, we wanted to do something together to celebrate that moment.”
The run is flagged off-people run, walk, amble or jog towards the lighthouse. One young lady sprints down and is back before the rest have even reached halfway. A rather rotund young man is being encouraged to run by his fitter companion while he keeps shaking his head, mumbling -“I don’t think I can.” Another runner claims that although he hasn’t run for years he is doing it now to support his friend. There is a spirit of camaraderie, laughter and chatter as the group moves towards the lighthouse.
When they return panting and a little out of breath but with a sense of accomplishment, the audio launch of the film occurs where 200 free CD’s are given away to the participants. “Almost everyone who has participated in the run today is connected intimately with this project. It is essentially the triumph of the independent film maker revolution.” continues Raghu admitting that the internet has created fresh spaces for creative expression. “We even have people running for us in the U.S. and U.K..”
The actual date of release has not yet been decided.” The film has been submitted to the censor board for approval. We hope to have the premiere by August. “admits Raghu.
