Over the past weeks, we have had the privilege of featuring acclaimed directors within the Malaysian Tamil cinema industry, each offering invaluable insights into their experiences and the industry’s development. These discussions have shed light on the immense hard work, dedication, and effort invested by directors in bringing their visions to life on the screen. Despite the challenges and limitations faced, these directors exemplify the resilience and passion that drive our Malaysian Tamil cinema forward.
It’s important to recognize that our Malaysian Tamil cinema industry, while thriving with talent and potential, operates within a different landscape compared to the illustrious Kollywood industry. Unlike the vast resources and infrastructure available in Kollywood, our industry grapples with limited budgets, smaller production houses, and a comparatively modest audience base. This reality often translates into a struggle for recognition and visibility, with many deserving Malaysian Tamil movies facing challenges during their theatrical runs simply because of their national origin. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the immense quality and potential of Malaysian Tamil cinema. Despite the odds, there have been numerous instances of outstanding films that have captivated audiences and garnered critical acclaim. These films stand as testament to the talent, creativity, and cultural richness present within our industry. As we continue to celebrate and support Malaysian Tamil cinema, it’s evident that greater recognition and exposure within the community are vital for its growth and success.
Varnam seized the opportunity to feature acclaimed director Karthik Shaamalan, offering his insightful perspective on the Malaysian Tamil cinema industry.
Karthik Shaamalan stands out as a prominent figure in the Malaysian Tamil cinema landscape, celebrated for his directorial talent. Despite lacking a formal education in film, he dedicated himself to learning the craft independently, driven by a desire to prove his capabilities in the field. Undeterred by initial setbacks, he produced nine short films and submitted them to numerous film festivals. While the response was initially modest, he persevered, gradually garnering more nominations and recognition. This success served as a source of motivation, prompting him to explore photography as well. However, navigating the film industry in Malaysia posed challenges, particularly due to the distinct dynamics of the DVD market, where profitability often took precedence over artistic merit. Undeterred, Karthik Shaamalan took a bold step by securing a personal loan, quitting his job, and producing a DVD film. This marked the beginning of his filmmaking journey, setting him on a path towards success.
Then, he embarked on his cinematic journey with the Direct-to-video movie “Melle Tiranthathu Kathavu”. Subsequently, he directed “Manggalyam Tanthunanena,” a telemovie that further showcased his talent. With a string of high-quality productions, Karthik Shaamalan swiftly carved out a niche for himself in the industry. His transition to theatrical films proved to be a success, with several of his works performing exceptionally well at the box office, solidifying his reputation as a distinguished director.
One of his notable achievements includes “Kalyaanam 2 Kaathal,” a series that garnered widespread acclaim and captured the hearts of many viewers. Building on this success, Karthik Shaamalan’s most recent theatrical release, “Adai Mazhai Kaalam,” emerged as a blockbuster hit upon its release last year. The film’s captivating storyline and mesmerizing music resonated deeply with audiences, leaving an enduring impression on the Malaysian Tamil cinema industry.
When asked Karthik Shaamalan in 3 words, he replied:
Family, Film, Photography
Through his response, it’s evident that Karthik Shaamalan’s unwavering love for his family takes precedence above all else. This profound affection for his loved ones is palpable, reflecting his deeply rooted values and priorities. Following closely behind is his passion for filmmaking and photography, which serve as pillars of his life. Films, in particular, hold a special place in his heart, as evidenced by the dedication and fervor he pours into each project. His profound love for the art form shines through in his creations, resonating deeply with audiences and forging lasting connections.
Karthik Shaamalan’s approach to scriptwriting further underscores his commitment to his craft. He emphasizes the importance of deriving joy and satisfaction from the stories he writes, ensuring that each narrative is a journey he himself would relish. Maintaining narrative continuity is paramount for him, as he meticulously crafts each scene with the audience’s enjoyment in mind. By viewing the story through the lens of an audience member, he ensures that every aspect of the film contributes to a seamless and captivating viewing experience.
The creator himself must be the first audience!
– Karthik Shaamalan
Karthik Shaamalan’s dedication to his craft extends to his approach to project selection. He has invested considerable time and effort into writing numerous projects, pouring his creativity and passion into each one. However, what sets him apart is his unwavering commitment to authenticity and the cinematic experience. There have been instances where, despite investing significant time into a project, he has made the difficult decision to abandon it if he feels that the essence or “feel” is lacking.
He explained, “Once I feel satisfied with the story, I’ll meticulously convey it to every member of the project, ensuring they share my excitement. Only then does the project proceed to production. During filming, I’m filled with anticipation and enthusiasm, eager to shout ‘Action!’ as filming begins. Conversely, I’m the first to feel a pang of sadness when it’s time to call ‘Cut’ and wrap up the scene, as I’m reluctant for the magic of the moment to end.”
This aspect of his creative process reflects his genuine dedication to delivering high-quality content to his audience. Rather than compromise on the integrity of his work, he prioritizes the authenticity of the storytelling and the emotional resonance of the cinematic experience. This willingness to let go of projects that do not meet his standards underscores his commitment to excellence and ensures that each endeavor he undertakes is imbued with sincerity and passion.
I prioritize ensuring that the audience’s time is never wasted. While money can be recovered, time is irreplaceable. Therefore, I strive to create content that respects the audience’s investment of time, ensuring that every moment spent watching my work is meaningful and worthwhile.
When asked about his experience with previous projects, he expressed his enjoyment regardless of the project’s nature, be it a feature film, telemovie, or music video. He relishes every aspect of the filmmaking process and finds joy in being behind the camera. Delving into the intricacies of cinematography, he particularly appreciates discovering the beauty that lies beyond the lens – understanding the nuances of lighting and how shadows can enhance performances. His passion for the art is evident, and he considers himself blessed to have amassed beautiful memories from his previous endeavors.
When asked about the audience response to his film “Adai Mazhai Kaalam,” which garnered seven awards at the MICA Awards, Karthik Shaamalan highlighted that beyond its financial success, the film’s primary aim was to ignite a spark in people’s lives and prompt them to contemplate necessary changes. The team was profoundly moved by the overwhelming feedback, particularly from Netflix viewers. Messages poured in from individuals across India, Singapore, and even Canada, expressing appreciation for the film and sharing how it prompted them to reflect on their own lives. This outpouring of positive feedback validated their intentions and aspirations for the film, confirming that it had indeed made a significant impact on the audience.
“Adai Mazhai Kaalam” received widespread acclaim, earning accolades across multiple categories at the MICA Awards, including Best Debut Actor, Best Debut Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Script Writer, Best Artwork Poster, and Best Lyricist. Prior to this, the film had already made waves by securing the Best Emerging Director award at the Toronto Tamil Film Festival and winning both the Best Cinematography and Best Supporting Actress awards at the Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards. Further solidifying its reputation, the movie was honored as the Best Indie Feature at the Los Angeles Film Festival. These numerous accolades underscore the undeniable impact “Adai Mazhai Kaalam” had on audiences, cementing its status as one of the industry’s finest creations.
These achievements underscore the significant potential of Malaysian Tamil films to excel on the global stage. Recognition at prestigious international festivals not only validates the quality of these productions but also highlights the talent and creativity present within the Malaysian Tamil cinema industry. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the success of these films hinges on audience engagement. Theatrical success and widespread recognition are only possible when audiences actively watch these films and share their reviews with others. Unfortunately, many miss out on experiencing these movies in theaters and are left waiting with regret for their release on OTT platforms. Therefore, it’s essential for audiences to support and promote Malaysian Tamil films, ensuring their continued success and visibility on both local and global platforms.
Do you think that the majority of the audience watched your film because it’s a ‘Karthik Shaamalan film’ or did they come with the intention of exploring a local Tamil film without any specific expectations?
To be honest, I believe that only a small portion of the audience watched the film because it was a “Karthik Shaamalan film” or because they were familiar with my previous works like the “Kalyaanam 2 Kaathal” series. However, I don’t think that played a significant role. What truly contributed to the film’s success was the feedback and reviews from the audience. Positive word-of-mouth spread among viewers, sparking discussions and generating interest in the film. Ultimately, it was the genuine enthusiasm and recommendations from the audience that drew more people to cinemas to watch the movie. Therefore, I would assert that the film’s success wasn’t solely attributable to it being a “Karthik Shaamalan film” or to audience curiosity about the local film industry.
When asked about what are the many problems, whether it’s the censorship board, local production houses, or marketing problems, that you face in creating and promoting a film,
Karthik Shaamalan acknowledges that marketing may pose a challenge, but emphasizes that efforts are indeed made in this regard. The core issue, however, lies in the lack of awareness regarding the Malaysian film industry among the public. He observes that when posters promoting local films are displayed, people often overlook them without a second thought, reflecting a broader disinterest in Malaysian cinema. Despite extensive advertising across various platforms including theaters, social media, and public events, the crucial factor is whether the public pays attention to these promotions. He notes that even radio stations feature reviews from audiences, yet the effectiveness of such efforts hinges on audience engagement. He refrains from placing blame on the audience, recognizing instead the need to find innovative ways to capture their attention. He believes that as the industry develops and gains its own stars and brand recognition, awareness and support for Malaysian films will naturally increase over time.
What’s your take to cultivate the interest of audiences to watch local Tamil movies?
Efforts are underway to cultivate interest in local Tamil movies, with platforms like Astro showcasing Malaysian productions. This exposure has led Malaysians to familiarize themselves with homegrown content and recognize local stars and talents. It’s crucial for us to delve into our own culture rather than relying heavily on South Indian film adaptations. While incorporating elements like songs and romantic scenes may invite comparisons with South Indian cinema, it’s important to remember that these are just a fraction of the film’s content—about 20%. The remaining 80% lies in the creativity of the filmmakers, focusing on execution and performance. Audiences are becoming increasingly aware of the cast, appreciating and celebrating actors who deliver standout performances. Therefore, it’s imperative for filmmakers to utilize the cast effectively, offering roles that resonate with the audience. Simply using the cast as a marketing tool won’t suffice; they must be given meaningful roles that engage viewers. Convincing audiences to choose Malaysian Tamil films amid a plethora of options in theaters is indeed challenging. To stand out, films must deliver quality content that exceeds expectations, ensuring that viewers leave satisfied. Building trust among audiences is crucial; disappointments with past films can deter them from trying new releases, even if they receive positive reviews. Therefore, it’s essential for filmmakers to prioritize storytelling, offer compelling narratives, and deliver high-quality productions. By doing so, we can revolutionize the industry and attract more viewers to Malaysian Tamil films.
In his discourse on the Malaysian Tamil cinema industry, Karthik Shaamalan eloquently encapsulates the myriad challenges and triumphs shaping its landscape. Undoubtedly, the backbone of a film’s success lies in the unwavering support of its audience. As filmmakers strive to deliver unparalleled cinematic experiences, it is the exploration and reviews by audiences that propel films to greater heights. Behind the scenes, numerous potential-filled productions await their moment in the spotlight, each promising a glimpse into the richness of Malaysian Tamil storytelling. With a collective commitment to excellence and continual improvement, the industry is poised to realize its full potential. Through shared support and appreciation, Malaysian Tamil cinema is on an upward trajectory, destined to captivate audiences worldwide.
Full Interview on YouTube:
This is a Varnam Exclusive Feature! Reproduction requires a credit to Varnam Malaysia.
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