CINEMATOGRAPHER K K SENTHIL KUMAR INTERVIEW

Yes, may be because I do what is required for the script rather than following a template. Each script is unique, eventually my work also becomes unique. This has been my philosophy since my first film and now I see this evidently giving back to my career in a big way as there is absolutely no monotony.

I agree that Baahubali is 70% based on visual effects. Thanks to the concept artists who worked throughout the project who would give a skeleton of everything that is going to happen at the CG end. For example, for the waterfall sequence, they drew the waterfall by giving us a scale at which it would appear on screen. This enabled us to picturise every sequence and decide what needs to be shot on real location and what will be done as graphics. The real challenge in this project was, every element from the hairstyle of a character to props in the atmosphere were well designed and I had to make sure that I expose my frame in a manner that enunciates every element arranged in the frame along with the right emotions.

Rajamouli envisioned everything in Baahubali BIG and lavish. From a statue to palace entrance, it was made humongously huge. We wanted to go beyond the grandeur we created in Magadheera. To achieve this, the first line of action was amplifying the scale of everything that was created. In case of architecture lot of effort was taken to recreate ancient Indian architecture without any resemblance of the Mughal period. Lot of detailing was done in Baahubali than in Magadheera.

For a movie like Baahubali, lots of money is at stake. It has to impress all class of audience. To attain the supreme level of satisfaction, audience needs different aspects in the film. Keeping this in mind, item song is undoubtedly one of the aspects while catering to larger set of audience.

I can really not talk about Keeravani sir’s music. I am very fortunate for having the privilege of working with him. His BGM has elevated the visuals to the greatest extent possible.So his music definitely complimented the visuals through BGM and directed my visuals in songs. The best part of Baahubali is every technicians work complimented each others.

- 2 ½ years for a film
The day Baahubali’s script was narrated, we knew this was once in a lifetime opportunity. As we started working, the turn of events reassured our decision and strengthened the commitment we had towards the project.

- Family support
My heartfelt thanks to my wife who filled the void during my absence at home. I have two young boys at home, one 5 years old and 3 years old. Lot of sacrifice has gone through by my family and now they are more than happy for me and Baahubali.

- Nasser sir
He is an actor who can shift expressions in a single frame. I was mindblown with his performance.

- Sathyaraj sir
He was one character that looked exactly like it was designed to look like. We forgot that it was Sathyaraj sir and started calling him by his character name, ‘Kattappa’

I would definitely love to work in a Tamil cinema. If I get a call from anyone with a script that impresses me, I will be on board. I have lots of respect for Tamil cinema.

Director - Shankar sir or Mani ratnam sir
Actor - Suriya (I am amazed with his versatility. I am in awe with his performance)
Actress - I will talk to Shankar sir and Suriya to cast the right lady (He seems to play it safe with the ladies)
Genre - A dark shade mafia film
Music - Keeravani

I know there are numerous young enthusiasts in South India who want to make it big in the entertainment industry. If they have it in them, they can definitely hit the bull’s eye because I am a person who had zero contacts in the Industry and came from a financially weak background. If I could make a Baahubali, definitely anyone with genuine aspiration and determination can!



Wishing you all sucess Senthil Kumar! We await your entry into Tamil Industry soon!