DIRECTOR GNANA RAJASEKARAN INTERVIEW

It was a gradual change… I took up IAS because it was my Father’s death wish. But the passion for cinema has always been there. I have been an IAS officer for the past 27 years. Fortunately, I was posted in Kerala, a place where arts and culture is given a lot of importance. There, I got to keep my interest and passion alive. People there noticed my interest and appointed me as the MD of Kerala Film Development Corporation. I was also the district collector of Thrissur, which was the center of arts and culture of Kerala. I’ve been a part of lot of cultural and youth activities in my 27 year long career, which helped me stay around a variety of creative businesses.
 

I started making movies when I believed the time was right. My first film was in 1995. But then, I didn’t quit my job to make movies. I took leave of 3 months to make Mogamul. I am probably the first district collector to take 3 month long leave to make a movie.
 

Once I got National Award for my first films, my higher authorities in Kerala appreciated me and granted me leave, whenever I wanted to make movies. I did four films while I was in service. 

When you do a biopic, I believe, it should have a relevance to the time. Ramanujan, for instance, is a right movie to make now.
 

Take today’s parents, they do not seem to bother about their children’s dreams. They impose their ambitions and desires on the children. Some parents choose what a child has to became, the moment the kid is born. They don’t seem to be interested about the talents the kid possesses, while their duty is to nurture their kid’s inherent talents.
 

When a genius is born in our country, people brand him/her crazy or abnormal. We do not know how to handle a genius. We take all the efforts in making him/her ordinary. We settle with average people. ‘New’ or ‘extraordinary’ don’t go with our society. That is why all our brilliant people go to NASA and other foreign organizations.
 

Ramanujan is about a genius, who faced a similar trouble. This film will be an eye opener for both the student community and the parents. 

Not really… I am in fact proud of it. But what bothers me is that a good director must be a specialist of all genres. I haven’t been able to achieve that reputation yet. All the offers I’m getting are for biopics. I’d also like to explore various other genres.  

Once I’m done with my script, I turn a mad man. Whereever I go, I look for a person who’d suit the title character. I start looking for the right eyes, nose and the attitude.
 

I came across Abhinay in a Telugu movie and I though his features matched Ramanujan’s. I called him for an audition and he cracked it with ease. Only later I came to know that he is the grandson of late Gemini Ganesan.
 

He is an extraordinary performer. His subtle acting goes with the character of Ramanujan very well. He is one actor who can grasp any character quickly and become the character easily.