'I have blown as much cash as is needed for a commercial film to be made in India. Being adventurous is a personality, even in filmmaking. You don’t decide one fine day to make an adventurous film. It’s in your blood.'
Karma Cartel director Vinod Bharathan gives us an insight into his style of filmmaking.
After bagging awards from around the world, Malayalam indie film Karma Cartel released in India recently.
The film tells the story of a struggling actor, played by Vinay Forrt (in the picture), who disappears one fine day. A journalist tries to unravel the mystery behind his disappearance.
Director Vinod Bharathan talks to Rediff.com contributor Paresh Palicha about the film.
Karma Cartel has finally released in Kerala. How does it feel?
I was not sure what to expect. That's why even though we have a window for an all Kerala release, we opted for the PVR Director’s Rare limited-release to test the audience.
The response has been mixed. Those who love the film are mostly hardcore-film lovers from Kerala and other states. Kerala surprisingly has a very good response. So we might consider a bigger release.
The film has won many international awards, like the Best Director award at CinemaAvenire, Rome, Best Foreign Film in Canada and Best First Feature film at the American Movie Awards.
These recognitions have a positive impact on an otherwise conservative Kerala audience.
You shot the film in Fort Kochi. How was the experience?
Fort Kochi is my home. I knew every single street and ally in Fort Kochi. This film is a tribute to Fort Kochi.
How long did it take to make the film?
The production was the easiest part. We shot the whole film in 10 days and it took me another 15 days to edit. I’m a seasoned filmmaker in that aspect, as I have been making short films for almost three years before I made Karma Cartel.
You have used the term guerrilla filmmaking; does being a trained filmmaker help in carrying out such adventures?
Of course, one must know what one is going to get out of such filmmaking. We did guerrilla filmmaking for a technical purpose of keeping it documentary-like. We didn’t want to build or barrier the locations we were filming. This makes the access for huge distractions while the scene is being filmed. Guerrilla filming an entire feature will need some practice, patience and understanding of its constraints.
Talking about your cast, a few of them helped you behind the scenes too…
Yes, Vinay Forrt helped in casting. I made some of them make up their own lines. I did this as a technique to make the dialogue delivery easier for them.
How did the ensemble cast come together?
The casting was done by Suraj and Vinay. Suraj has been associated with me on two of my short films Karma Code and Karma Currency. By now, he has understood my requisites completely. I wanted a cast, and that man was ready when I switched the camera on.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m broke! Making a film and releasing it on theatres is not a cheap affair.
I have blown as much cash as is needed for a commercial film to be made in India. Being adventurous is a personality, even in filmmaking. You don’t decide one fine day to make an adventurous film. It’s in your blood. I will always oppose the conventions, that’s my nature, even if I’m going to make a block-buster.
