In conversation with Nandini J S

Chennai, Sep.24 (NR): Nandhini JS joins the league of women directors with her debut film, 'Thiru thiru, thuru thuru,' releasing this Friday.

This gold medalist from the Film & Television Institute of Tamil Nadu assisted Priya V on the sets of 'Kanda Naal Mudhal,' besides directing ads and corporate films for Apac, Tanker, Caterpillar, Hindustan and Mitsubishi Motors among others. She also won two Tamil Nadu state awards for her short film, 'Ottam,' in 2003.

Nandhini talks to Mythily Ramachandran on her journey into films.

About Thiru thiru, thuru thuru

"It's a romantic comedy. The two main characters, Arvind and Archana are poles apart. She is a perfectionist, is always punctual, a compulsive cleanliness freak and very methodical. On the other hand, he is a happy go lucky and a lazy slob, not to forget that he is always late. They come together to solve a problem and find themselves in whacky situations. The story is not about their egos, but how despite being so different in their characters, they work together to solve the problem, pertaining to someone else, in this case Mouli sir. It is a light hearted comedy, not slapstick though. There is humour and a sensible film with logic."

The story idea

"It is a story I see in my life and in the lives of others. Couples today are equally involved in every decision making. Even if they are diametrically opposite in nature, they stick together. I have wondered what keeps them together."

On choosing new comers and not stars

"Stars will overshadow the characters and the situations in the plot. I felt new comers would lend credibility to the characters and the story. When I first met Ajmal I found him upbeat and chirpy. I knew I could mould him. Rupa is a Tamilian from Bangalore and a model. This is her debut film. She was able to mimic every expression of mine very well."

Working with Priya

"Priya kept me involved in every department of film making. Consequently I learnt hands on several aspects, such as script writing, dialogue writing and costumes besides direction. Having learnt the ropes under Maniratnam sir, Priya inculcated the same systematic approach in me that she had picked from Mani sir. At every point, she always had a bound script neatly typed out. Every shot was planned in advance. This is very important for a first time film maker since you work on a tight budget. As for Priya's approach to films, she is neutral, she never talked of feminism. I learnt a lot from her."

Fascination for films

"I was inspired by films like Moondram pirai and Raja Parvai. They left an indelible impression on my mind. They were beautiful stories that touched the heart and struck a good balance between commercial films and art cinema."

Films as a career

"I remember being a good story teller from my school days. For school plays, I have written or corrected scripts, besides guiding my friends on acting. In an informal way, I have played director at college play rehearsals. I discovered this trait inherent in me then. The longing was there but I lacked the courage to express it openly. Only after my graduation did I mention it to my parents. They freaked out. There has been no one from my family into films. They were apprehensive about it. I assured them that I would complete my MBA before entering films. Subsequently I acquired my diploma in Film Direction."

Challenges of a woman director

"I did not face any problems as such from the cast and crew. Yes, they were curious about me and observed me as I went about my work. They respected me. Finally it is the work which counts and not the gender you belong to." Click the Movie button below for more info:
Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru