Director Saran who made his debut almost two decades ago with Kaadhal Mannan in 1998, which turned to be a big hit for actor Ajith, is ready with his latest film titled Market Raja MBBS. Starring Aarav and Radikaa Sarathkumar in the lead, the film is scheduled to release this Friday.
The director has quite a few successful films to his credit like Vikram’s Gemini, Ajith’s Amarkalam and Kamal’s Vasool Raja MBBS.
In this interview with TNM, we discuss his 21 years in the industry, the time when he almost brought on board late actor ‘Crazy’ Mohan for this film, and his thoughts on the latest talents in the film industry.
There’s a lot going on in the Market Raja MBBS trailer. There’s comedy, action, supernatural elements. How did you come up with the story? Tell us a little about it.
I had produced Muni (2007) and the trend of horror-comedy continues even today. It has become a minimum guarantee genre in the industry. I wanted to treat it in my style, so I reversed the idea. So far you would have seen a powerful spirit entering the body of a cowardly hero. What would happen if a cowardly spirit entered the body of a powerful hero? Making horror films is not my cup of tea but as a director, I am open to all ideas. Yet, I wanted to do it in my style.
The don-doctor idea is familiar from your Vasool Raja MBBS film. Do you think some parallels might be drawn between the two?
Actually the title for that film was Market Raja but then we decided to go with Vasool Raja later. I had the title with me for so long and it is a hit film. I think with this recall value, the film might get some attention. But other than that, the two have nothing in common. I am sure the audience will enjoy this film too like they did the other one.
Also, ‘Crazy’ Mohan collaborated with you on Vasool. Did you feel his absence this time?
In fact, I wanted to cast him in this film. Unfortunately, his health condition was not so good and so he was unable to take it up. One morning, suddenly, he agreed to do it but then his family did not allow him to do it. I removed the character from the film later.
As for collaborating with him for this film, I think the magic works best when Kamal Haasan is present. It is their combo that creates the magic. This film will have a different kind of magic.
Actor Radikaa is playing an interesting character in this film. How was it working with her?
Hers is a fun character, she plays a lady don. It is also the first time she has done something like that. Also, I had asked her to do the character in her father MR Radha’s style. Having watched what she has done, I should tell you it is in her DNA.
You have been in the industry for 21 years - how do you keep up with changing times and how do you keep reinventing your style in filmmaking?
Based on my self-analysis, from my debut film, I believe my films have been ahead of their times. Vattaram is being appreciated even today. I made it in 2006 itself. Same goes for films like Kadhal Mannan, Amarkalam, Gemini, Vasool Raja, Jay Jay. All of them are popular beyond time. More than being a director, I am also an audience. I observe what happens around me. Jay Jay can’t be made today because the story is outdated in the times of the mobile phone. In Kadhal Mannan, an important scene is based on the landline phone, so I won't be able to make it today. I keep up with technical changes. Storywise, I think I have my own unique style.
Saran, Ajith and Raghuvaran on the sets of Amarkalam
You’ve also had an up and down graph in terms of success at the box-office. For instance, Gemini was a major hit but Jay Jay comparatively didn’t do so well. Vasool Raja was a hit but Idhaya Thirudan wasn’t. How do you deal with this?
According to me, box-office numbers are a myth. We get so many numbers today and there are so many cooks. We can’t say that it is a relevant parameter today. End of the day, only the producer knows. When Gemini released, it revived many theatres that were about to close. Such hits are timeless.
You had a close team - Bharadwaj for music, Venkatesh for cinematography and Super Subbarayan for stunt. This changed only 10 years ago. What made you work with new talents? Would you prefer working with your old team once again?
A director sticks with one team mainly for convenience. Bharadwaj is an extremly talented composer and I would love to collaborate with him once again when the right opportunity presents itself. At the same time, I also think people are open to listening to new composers. They are encouraging new music, which is a good thing.
I also want to work with young talents, to get fresh inputs. I think it becomes a surprise element. In Modhi Vilayadu, I worked with AD Karun for cinematography and he did a great job. I am now working with my own brother for the first time. I feel like I’m able to see it from fresh set of eyes, gain new perspectives.
What are your thoughts on the current generation of filmmakers and the new films that are being made? Can you name a few recent ones you liked?
The current generation of young talents has focus and I welcome it. They have an urge to give a variety of films. Just 2-3 years ago, we had a lot of one-film-wonders. They were not able to continue but now, the new directors have changed that. They come with the promise of being able to deliver at least five different films. I like their perspective which is a lot like my style. I feel a connection with them.
Recently, I liked Lokesh Kanagaraj’s treatment and also PS Mithran’s. I think directors of 96, Raatsasan, Indru Netru Naalai, are all doing a very good job.
Quite a few directors are also taking up acting roles in other films. Did you have any plans to do that?
I've never had that idea. As a director, I don't think I would select myself as an actor (laughs).