ART DIRECTOR T MUTHURAJ INTERVIEW

After Nanban, when Shankar sir told me about 'I', excitement is what I felt. 'I' is not a movie; it is an ambitious vision; it is a bold attempt. For an art director, you can't ask for a better script to exploit your lifelong learning. From the slum areas of Chennai to China's grandeur, 'I' has everything for an art director. The number of genres involved in this movie can make an art director run for his knowledge. From hi-tech ad agencies to mythology to action portions to what not.. Shankar is always clear about what he wants and what he doesn't want also. For songs, there will be special discussions and pre-production work. There is not a single frame in the film without the art work. With all the get-ups and the set-work, only very few portions in China were shot outdoor. Most of the film was either shot inside studios or in a created set. We couldn't afford to expose Vikram to the real locations considering his condition, make-up and we were trying to retain the secrecy of his role until promotions started. 

 

Even a passing shot of a vehicle or crowd was done under controlled environments. If the character is walking across a temple, even that is a set. One thing Shankar was sure about was, what we are doing is totally new and cannot be done for a while. While working, I could witness the tireless efforts of Vikram, Shankar and PC sir. I knew that all the sleepless nights and continuous work are for an international product that is going to bring about a charm and much respect. 'I' is an incredible movie. I am as restless as the audience to see the final product.

 

The art department was the largest of all. Set works started much before the shoot went on floors. We were a team of over 200 people. All credits go to my assistants and every individual member of the art team. In other movies, I might go mark the points to make the sets, be there to supervise and give final touch ups. But for 'I', I lived at the sets. Every time before Shankar said ‘Action’, days of our work would have gone into it. Post 'I', people might call me for any type of film and not just restrict me to a specific genre. 

 

He is not a human being. He is a gift from God.  Will any other artist go to this extent to justify a role? Dedication and Vikram are synonymous. He has almost pledged his life for 'I'. Nobody can reprise or even attempt what he has done for I. It was soul-stirring to see the pain he had to go through. If we sympathized, he would feel odd about it. I have personally seen all that he went through. He is the epitome of willpower and commitment. From a beastly body builder to a hunchback, Vikram looks convincingly real. His body obeys him. For more than 4 years, I have been trying to reduce my weight but in vain. He completely changes himself into somebody. The character transformation he went through is probably the first of its kind you'll witness. 

 

From over 90 kgs, he went to the 40s in just a month. How can somebody do that? For the hunchback role, he had to reduce so much of weight in order to deal with the heavy make-up. We had a small AC box for him to sit inside. During the shoots, before the shot got ready, we used to take him around, in the box, which had a wheel attached to it. 

 

When he came out of the box while the shot was ready and if somebody was working on the sets, the very sound of a hammer on a nail would send unbearable pain to his body. He was so feeble and weak. A mere look at him can terrify us. There were times when we had to repeatedly call him; the complete starving had dampened his senses. Who will do all this? Can somebody go to this extent? Vikram is a phenomenal artist. Your accolades and even the awards can't suffice the effort he's taken to give life to Shankar's dream.