ART DIRECTOR T SANTHANAM INTERVIEW

Surprisingly, ‘visual’ references were taken only by talking to many technicians of that period. The base of drama and theatre started in Madurai. Across many places surrounding Madurai, lived a lot of theatre artists. We spoke to them primarily to collect information about stage shows. I went to those places two months prior to the shoot, spoke to them and understood their personalities. Those days there were many theatre groups and they have displayed plays as a team effort.

I received many photographs from yesteryear stage performers. Our period for reference was between 1930 - 1940, so the material we found was pictures of artists in their childhood and their forefathers’ photos. The paintings and set properties used during those times are very different. Now our technology has improved and to recreate the same ancient mood was a challenge. 

Kaaviya Thalaivan is my fifth film with Nirav Shah and we have an amazing chemistry that has built over time. We have a pattern in our creation and have a unique touch in our designs and visuals. Kaaviya Thalaivan has been a great challenge for both of us. My main concern was to display its authenticity without making it look like it is taken from somewhere. This was possible only with the right inputs from the camera person. Every time I draw a sketch of a set design I will take it to Nirav to discuss the lighting pattern, tone of the screen and color contrast. Since we are showing stage shows of the early periods, where they didn’t even have electricity, to explore about the stage’s intricate details and depict a story with just lanterns was very fascinating for us to work.

Drama and street plays were the only form of entertainment for them then. We planned extensively about the number of plays that are going to be showcased, the variety of sets that are to be designed and the locations. We always followed the same creative track from the very beginning. 

“The artist in me was revealed when I started drawing for record notebooks in 10^th grade for Chemistry and Physics”.

“When we put together set, script and characters, we have to remember three things about design - colors should not be contrasting to the characters even if it blends with the set, it should not disturb the scene’s look and feel and it has to blend with the script”.

“I don’t choose the script, because my job is to blend the story and design irrespective of the genre”.

“I have made close to 18 sets in Aayirathil Oruvan”

“I avoid doing films if the deadline is too tight as I don’t want to compromise on creativity”.

“I don’t look for challenging script; I look for making challenging sets for a normal script”.