Parthiban is elated. With appreciation pouring in from all quarters for his recent film Oththa Seruppu Size 7 that released this Friday, the actor who wore all hats (actor/director/producer) for the film feels like he has accomplished the ultimate goal in life.
“I am done. I feel the happiness of someone who has just seen god after a long tapas and is now blinded by his light. This is not just a film to me,” he tells TNM over the phone. The film is a unique attempt where Parthiban is the only actor in the frame and we hear the voices of other characters and at times view incidents from their perspective without ever seeing their faces.
In this quick chat, we discuss the response for Oththa Serupu, what went into its making, not being selected as an entry for the Academy Awards, and his thoughts on how the industry functions today.
Now that Oththa Seruppu is out, how does it feel?
I saw that the those who watched it, haven’t just seen it like a film. They have been emotionally involved, frozen in their seats for five minutes even after it ended and then, they came back to hug and cry to me. Men, women, without any difference… In fact, more than men, 70% have been women. I was especially not sure if women would enjoy this film.
Why did you think so?
I think we had it wrong for so long - what kind of a film a woman may or may not enjoy. When an elderly woman from Madurai came to me and said she liked it, even the person who had accompanied her was surprised. On the outside, Oththa Seruppu might appear like a world cinema. But on the inside, it is an emotional family drama.
So, the audiences have surprised you…
Yes. I was sure of the young crowd because they are constantly looking for something new. But to a certain level, even they are caught in the old, commercial format of cinema. They want to go for an early morning show, have fun and exit feeling happy. Who would want to watch a film where a man talks about his downfall? In a way, the audiences have surprised me. I also spent so much to release it in as many theatres as possible because this film must reach the common person. It should not be boxed in as a film for the elite just because we are not used to watching such films.
Talking about theatrical release and the box-office, how has it worked out so far? The industry, as it is, is grappling with several issues when it comes to releasing a small budget film.
True, it is competing with a big film (Kaappaan). They would’ve taken most theatres, the audience will have to come to this after watching the other one. Competition for theatres is like a man fighting a war with a small pen-knife. Our expectation is for the film to do well on a Monday. But it has been gradual and on Friday the next new releases would come in. This is a problem.
Also, Oththa Seruppu was on the list of films being considered for submission from India to the Oscars but finally Gully Boy was selected. What did you think about the whole process?
I didn't know how they went about it, but I heard they have selected Gully Boy. I have not watched it, but as far as I understand, it is a film. Oththa Seruppu is an attempt. They should have given the attempt more thought because not everyone does it. Oscars is not about box-office. I think I will present both films for free for a small audience and leave it to them. Even with 100 tickets, it can be decided democratically.
That’s interesting, when are you planning for it?
(Laughs) I have just thought about it. I am not sure if politics was involved. If my film is deserving, it should have been selected. Once they had sent in a film called Barfi. In my opinion, they should not have done so. The film has a few scenes lifted from Charlie Chaplin’s films. Films should have originality.
Coming back to the Oththa Seruppu, tell us about filming it. What were your challenges?
I’ve had this story inside me for 15 years and when the time came, I could no longer hold it inside me. We shot for a period of 30 days and I had my assistant directors play the other characters behind the lens. As for the challenges, you could say a film might have them but I didn’t because here, I was performing a challenge.
You’ve said Oththa Seruppu is an attempt and critics have called it an experimental film, but did you intend to deliver any message through it?
A lot of them have interpreted different messages from the film. On an average day, a banner falls and causes the death of a young girl, a husband drives badly and causes the death of his wife who is seated behind him, someone’s chain is snatched… So many incidents happen in a day and all of it tells us different messages.
Oththa Seruppu is about poverty. What can poverty do to a small family? Money is the big villain here. I, for one, don't want to give any more messages in cinema. This film is one man’s life. He is flawed and so is his wife and the economy is their enemy.
Why do you think Tamil cinema industry is struggling with delayed releases, financial tussles, problems in getting fair number of theatres… You were also briefly in the Producers’ Council. What led to your exit?
All of the problems you’ve mentioned here exist but we can’t do anything about it right now. Everyone is selfish and there are not many who are worried about Tamil cinema as such. I was in the Council for almost a year and I came out since nothing could be done. I wanted to make changes but the problems seem to be deep-rooted. I kept insisting that small films should not release along with big films, big budget films should not be sent for festivals… But the ones in power are the ones making these big films…
Right now, I am focused on promoting my film and to celebrate the success we’ve received so far. To have released this film amidst such problem proves that people still trust Parthiban.