Sambathkumar @ Samji, a writer, author, poet and a self-taught A/V Expert, in Nana Nani, Phase 4, where I stay now, amazes me with his enthusiasm, energy and his hunger for learning new and challenging creative pursuits. He has been producing entertainment programmes regularly to delight the residents of Phase 4. Even a function to launch his new book is accompanied by a variety of entertainment programmes, which invariably include a short film written & produced by him. Except for acting, he dons all the other roles required in making a film. He conceives the story, writes the screenplay, identifies artists who will perform different roles, and trains them in advance by having rehearsals individually and later as a group. He identifies different locations to suit the story, gets the necessary permissions and sources the props required for the shooting. On the shooting days, he is the cameraman, camera assistant, production assistant and above all, a Director looking for perfection. Post shooting, he also dons the role of the editor.
When
he offered me a small role in the film `ISAI`, I readily agreed. I don't like
acting on stage because of my inability to remember long
dialogues, but playing character roles in front of a camera is okay with me. I was excited because I was going to act in a
film after a six-year hiatus.
He
came home to give me the gist of the story and also highlight the role I will
be playing. This time, he had decided to introduce some new faces in his film.
When some of them said that they had never acted before, he said, `Don`t worry,
I know how to make you act`
He
formed a WhatsApp group of all those involved in the film and started sending
regular messages about the progress. I was impressed with the meticulous
planning he had done for every aspect of the film. Once he was satisfied that
the Team was ready for the shoot, he sent us a detailed schedule indicating the
venue, what scenes were being shot on a particular day and which artists would
be required. In the meantime, he had already identified the locations, got the
necessary permissions and briefed every artist about the make-up and costumes
that they should wear so that they come to the venue, fully prepared.
On
the sets, he was a demanding director and also a cameraman, looking for ideal
positions for the camera. He would not accept any suggestions from anyone,
saying, ` I am the director, and I know what I want` or `Are you the director or
am I the director?` Someone quipped, "On the sets, he is a dictator and
not a director". He goes for several retakes until he is satisfied with a
shot.
The
longest shot for the latest film was on the day he was shooting the cutcheri
sequence featuring Padmanabhan as a Vidwan singing 3 songs at the meditation
hall, with Mrs Uma Maheshwari appearing as a chief guest to honour the Vidwan.
She not only came on time but also mouthed the dialogue which Samji had given
her earlier, resulting in the sequence being filmed in one take. Considering
that she agreed to perform a role in spite of her busy schedule indicated her
great regard for Samji and his capabilities. For this particular day of
shooting Samji had the help of Revathy Natarajan acting as an assistant
director, monitoring the scenes and acting as a prompter, helping the artists
refresh their dialogues. Namagiri was busy shooting the audience in action.
Most importantly, Samji, with help from a few volunteers, had managed to get
over 40 residents to participate in the sequence as a live audience for the
programme. I must say that the attendees responded with applause spontaneously
whenever it was called for and were very disciplined. Hats off to Samji for
shooting this long sequence without any hitch.
Since
I was not required for scenes shot in other venues, I did not attend those
shootings.
After
all the shooting was over, he started the laborious process of editing the
film. This is when a film really takes shape. It involves choosing the best
shots of each scene from several takes, arranging them in sequence,
adding appropriate titles, superimposing music and doing everything required
for what is called post-production work. It is a daunting task.
Once
the first cut of the film was ready, he had to go through it carefully,
trimming and fine-tuning the film to get the desired impact. The film was now
ready to be shown.
In
my long life as an adman involved with hundreds of different genres of films, I
know what is involved in making even a short advertising film. There are scores
of people, each a specialist in his field, to assist the Director in the making
of a film. It is always teamwork. Samji prefers to be a one-man army when it
comes to filmmaking. He does it because he is passionate about what he is
doing and doesn`t mind the physical and mental stress he goes through in making
a film.
Samji
(82), was a corporate honcho who worked in a very senior position in a
multinational company when he had no time to discover his hidden talents while
in service. Settling in Phase 4 after retirement, he realised his
penchant for creative pursuits. Starting as a writer and film-maker later, he
has proved that age is no barrier to creativity.
Within seven years of his stay in the community, he has
published eight books ( six of them thrillers), written more than a hundred
poems, thirty short stories and
produced eight films. A remarkable achievement indeed.
He
says that he can do all these because of the total freedom he enjoys to do
whatever he wants to do. Besides, being healthy for his age allows him to be
very active both physically and mentally.
Samji,
you are truly a `SAKALAKALA VALLAVAN`. Thanks for giving me a role in your
film. It was a pleasure working with you. May you continue to enjoy good health
so that you are able to cross new milestones in your journey as a creative
person. God Bless!
An edited version of this article has appeared in the May 26 issue of Dignity Dialogue.
