The shift from news reading to filmmaking is something newsreader-turned-director Ashok Rathnam has managed to makewith ease. Given the criticism and praise for the debutant filmmaker by professionals during a review session of his maiden short film Poikudam at AVM Preview Theatre on Sunday, it is evident that it is a smooth crossover. Revolving around the life of a childless couple and the travails a woman faces if she does not have a child, the 20-minute film made with a budget of `one lakh, drew both bouquets and brickbats from the audience.
Director ‘Yaar’ Kannan said that the short film is a modern medium. “Like the Thirukkural which became popular due to its two-line verses, the short film medium will also gain popularity in due time,” he said. He encouraged upcoming directors and added that every one has both talent and intelligence. “It’s only when people opt to use them during the right time that they emerge successful. Ashok has taken his first step in that direction and I laud him for that,” he added
More than the film itself, Ashok’s attempt at doing something different than what he has done so far drew praise. He started out as a newsreader with Sun TV in 2000, but said he took a break to concentrate on directing films.
Lyricist Piraisoodan applauded this attempt and looked at it as his entry into the industry. He said that the film was to the point, and that the debut filmmaker should not be afraid of critics. “Critics are here to help you make better films and improve your work. You should never be afraid of criticism,” he said.
Hailing from Karur, Ashok came to Chennai in search of work in films, but accidentally ended up auditioning for newsreading. An aspiring theatre artiste, he has acted in several plays as well. “It’s been a long journey so far. I have a couple of scripts in hand and I’m looking forward to doing what I originally wanted to do— making films,” he said.
Jayanthi Kannappan from ALS Productions and poet Krithika were also present at the screening.
Comments
0 comment