In the bustling town of Kluang, Johor Bahru, a budding visionary’s passion for storytelling was ignited. Sathiarupan Rajah’s venture into the realm of filmmaking stands as a tribute to the strength of persistence and resolute ambition. Although enrolled in Mechanical Engineering at Multimedia University (MMU) in Melaka, his soul craved the enchantment of cinema. This intense passion prompted him to bravely step away from his profession and chase his authentic vocation in the cinematic world.
From Schoolyard Sketches to Silver Screens
Reflecting on his earliest inspirations, Sathiarupan recounts how his secondary school years shaped his creative career. Through organizing illustrations for Pendidikan Moral classes and obtaining recognition, he fell deeply in love with the craft of narrative. His natural skill and willpower carried him through his early years of limited film experience due to budgetary limitations.
“When we were in secondary school, we had sketches every Friday for Pendidikan Moral classes. My class earned a prize since I was the one who oversaw the event, and that’s when it started. The impromptu thrills and wonder at the creation of drama rose within me,” Sathirupan uttered.
Upon entering university, Sathiarupan found himself surrounded by like-minded individuals with a shared interest in short films. It was here that he took his first steps into the world of filmmaking, acting in and eventually directing his own projects. Despite the challenges and responsibilities that came with pursuing a degree in engineering, Sathiarupan remained steadfast in his pursuit of his filmmaking dreams.
After graduating, Sathiarupan set out on a self-discovery adventure in the film industry. He started out as an extra and worked his way up, picking up priceless abilities in the process. Sandosh Kesavan and R Punitan, two seasoned pros in the field, helped Sathiarupan refine his skills as he went from production assistant to writer-director.
“A dear friend of mine sent me a casting call post, and I went to the company as an extra. Upon arrival, I informed the director that I was there solely to be a part of the team and to learn. Despite my lack of experience, the director, Sandosh Kesavan, graciously welcomed me.
Beginning as a freelancer, I initially served as a production assistant before progressing to roles such as production manager, line producer, assistant director, writer, sound designer, and editor. My editing skills were cultivated through observation and guidance from my mentor, R Punitan, who also serves as the editor for my upcoming series.”
Awards and Recognition
Together with Dinesh Kunasekar, a friend and key character in the television series “1993,” Sathiarupan has made two short films. The first video was a 13-minute single-shot project that was captured in 2017 with just a smartphone and a homemade stabilizer. Despite having no funding, the second short film, “Bin Abdullah,” which was entered in the BMWShorties 2023 competition, was given a ‘Judges Honorable Mention’.
Tap here to watch “Bin Abdullah” A Short Film Triumph by Sathiarupan
Unveiling ‘1993’, A Journey Through Time with Director Sathiarupan
The culmination of Sathiarupan’s journey comes in the form of “1993,” a gripping series that promises to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative and immersive storytelling. Set against the backdrop of a pivotal year in Sathiarupan’s own life, the series explores themes of mystery, intrigue, and the complexities of human nature. This series has 20 episodes airing from 17 June on Astro Vinmeen every Monday to Thursday.
When asked why the series is named “1993,” the director explained, “This is a period series where the plot unfolds in 1993 and 2023. The pivotal twists and turns occur in 1993, which I’m unable to share at the moment. Additionally, 1993 holds personal significance for me as it’s the year I was born.”
“In the series “1993,” seven artists portrayed characters, including Sathisvaran as Arjunan, Dhilip Kumar as Rathan, Hamsni Perumal as Prof Isha, Dinesh Kunasekar as Dr Mathuran, Aghonderan as Jairaj, Chandni Nagadurga as Shoba, and Sangabalan as Varman,” he added.
In a recent interview, Sathiarupan shared insights into his creative process and the challenges he faced during the production of “1993.” From battling unpredictable weather conditions to coordinating a large ensemble cast, every aspect of the series presented its own set of obstacles. However, with a dedicated team by his side, Sathiarupan navigated these challenges with resilience and determination.
“Weather posed a significant challenge for our production. We often had to wait for hours, sometimes an entire day, before we could commence shooting specific scenes. Fortunately, I have an exceptional team that collaborated seamlessly to overcome these obstacles.
The lake, a crucial element in the series, serves as the backdrop for key moments. Located in Batang Berjuntai, it exudes natural beauty, yet presented its own set of challenges. Due to heavy rainfall, the area became muddy, accessible only by a 4×4 vehicle. This logistical hurdle required careful coordination to transport our crew of almost 35 individuals to the shooting location, one 4×4 at a time.
A Sneak Peek into the 1993 Series
Managing a cast of over 50 artists, including main, supporting, and extras spanning various age groups from children to the elderly, presented a significant challenge in this series. Particularly daunting were the large-scale scenes, such as those involving crime scenes with dead bodies, which demanded impeccable storytelling and meticulous coordination from both myself and the team.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of the filmmaking process for Sathiarupan was the collaborative effort involved in bringing his vision to life. From working closely with actors to collaborating with crew members across various departments, every individual played a crucial role in realizing the vision of “1993.”
“I’m deeply passionate about this idea, and I never tired of recounting the story to different team members. I’m transparent about my expectations from the outset, rather than springing them on the team later. While I don’t shout at work, I am very precise about my directorial vision. This clarity proved invaluable for everyone collaborating with me. I’m grateful that the team shares my passion for this project, including the editor and colorist,” he said.
He further shared about the specific moment or scene in the 1993 series that was particularly challenging or rewarding to shoot, which was “As a director, I find the crime scene investigation scenes enjoyable. We had many people involved in these scenes, including trained artists who portrayed deceased individuals. Seeing the final output is rewarding. The lake scenes, despite being physically and mentally challenging, turned out stunningly beautiful.”
What Drives Sathiarupan To Stay Inspired
He derives inspiration from his surroundings, including his mother, sister, wife, and friends, all of whom play a pivotal role in his personal and professional development. He firmly believes in the ethos of perpetual self-improvement, asserting that a filmmaker’s evolution is nurtured through humility and respect for fellow collaborators.
“The people in my life, including my mother, sister, wife, and friends, serve as constant sources of inspiration. From each of them, I glean positive attributes and endeavor to incorporate them into my professional endeavors. As a wise individual once said, the goal is to strive to be a better person each day. In the realm of filmmaking, I acknowledge that I am still relatively new to the industry. Being a director entails learning countless lessons from experience rather than through formal instruction. I firmly believe that a good filmmaker’s evolution hinges on humility and respect for their collaborators.”
Sathia also advised to the aspiring filmmakers that “Utilize online platforms as they provide valuable resources for learning. It’s important to maintain hope and actively search for your true passion. Always aim to surpass expectations. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from others, as everyone needs support at some point. Social media is essential for networking and finding opportunities. Continuously hone your skills and never stop practicing your craft. Remain authentic, as sincerity often leads to success.”
As the countdown to the series premiere draws near, Sathiarupan remains humble in the face of his achievements, expressing gratitude to his producer, Suresh Rogen, and the entire cast and crew who contributed to the project. With “1993,” Sathiarupan hopes to not only entertain audiences but also inspire aspiring filmmakers to pursue their own creative passions.
As the credits roll on “1993,” Sathiarupan’s journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the belief in one’s dreams.”1993″ offers an opportunity to contemplate family ties, sacrifices, the significance of friendships, and the role of destiny. In a world where uncertainty often looms large, his story is a reminder that with dedication and determination, anything is possible.
May your vision soar, your creativity flourish, and your passion ignite the hearts of audiences worldwide. Here’s to achieving new heights in your cinematic journey!
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