In conversation with 'Kulir100degrees' director

Anita Udeep joins the league of woman filmmakers with her maiden film, 'Kulir 100 degrees,' in Tamil. An engineering graduate, Anita acquired a Masters in Filmmaking from Loyola Marymount University, LA, USA. She scripted and directed, 'Knock, knock, I am looking to marry,' an Indian English feature film in 2003. Another film of hers, 'Gulliver's Travels,' was short-listed in the Best Animation Feature Film Category-Oscars 2006. Anita sings for Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films, the most popular number being 'Azhagiya Asura' a Tamil song from the film 'Whistle'. She also released a Tamil pop music album called 'Mugangal'. On the eve of the release of 'Kulir 100 degrees,' Anita talks to Mythily Ramachandran.

Are you nervous now that the film is ready?

Actually I am thrilled. The script took me two years. I am excited now about this baby of mine.

What is the story about?

It is about a group of youngsters in the age group 17-18. The story revolves around five guys and a girl, who are at an interesting age. It dwells on their lives, what happens to this bunch of teenagers, after school, their life in a hostel and the emotions they go through. There is not a single classroom scene. The film explores their real side.

How did the idea of a story on teenagers originate?

On my return to India after my studies, I noticed the new generation of teenagers. They were different from my time and it was fascinating. I observed my cousins and children of family friends. I wanted to capture this new generation. I guess I also wanted to go back to my young days. Working with the group made me feel young.

Why call it 'Kulir 100 degrees?'

The story deals with youngsters who are at an age, when they oscillate between two extremes of temperament. Teenage is a phase when one is unbalanced.

Tell us about the cast.

The cast are in the age group 18-24, first timers who have never faced the camera before. It took me eight months to finalize the team. They had to meet my physical requirements. Some have just finished school and some are in their first year of college. The guys in the film are Sanjeev, Karthik, Syed, Nitish and Abhishek. And there is Riya too.

From engineering to cinema, when did the shift happen?

I have always been into arts and creativity. I received the Bharath Kalachar scholarship for Bharathanatyam and also a state level award for Carnatic singing. It was while in college that I decided to pursue cinema. Once I joined the course, I knew it was the right choice. I performed well.

How was the experience working at Steven Spielberg's Dreamworks?

Yes, that happened while doing the course. I was shortlisted from 2000 applicants along with four others to work on the sci-fiction series, 'Taken.' It's certainly the dream place to be in. The atmosphere there is thoroughly professional yet friendly. And one has to be the best to fit there.

What were the challenges you faced on being a woman director?

The challenges any first time director faces is the same. It does not matter whether you are a man or a woman. There is speculation all around. People are curious to know how good you are in your work. It takes a while to be in sync with one hundred people on the sets. But finally it is the work that counts. As long as you don't take refuge in the fact that you are a woman but mean serious business, you are like a guy. As for being a woman, I had to strike a balance between my home and my work. Click the Movie button below for more info:
Kulir 100 Degree