Directing Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru

Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru directed by debutant director Nandhini JS (inset) releases this Friday. The Tamil film produced by Sathyam Cinemas and Real Images stars doctor turned-actor-Ajmal and newcomer Rupa. In this interview Nandhini talks about her film.

You have an unusual title for the film. What does it mean?

The title is Thiru Thiru, Thuru Thuru which is an expression. We came up with the title only after the shoot was over. The Thiru Thiru look is when you blink innocently or get caught red handed. Being very upbeat, cheerful and naughty is Thuru Thuru. The story is about a guy who gets caught at all wrong situations and then he blinks like a Thiru Thiru guy! And here is a girl who tries solving all problems; a very Thuru Thuru girl.

The story is about these two opposite characters -- Arjun and Archana. Arjun is a compulsive liar, irresponsible and flirt and she is a perfectionist, organised and never lies. These two come together to solve a series of problems which are funny to us but serious for them.

How did you think of Ajmal for the role of Arjun?

Originally I wanted newcomers for both Arjun and Archana. I didn't want audience to have any image of my characters. But these two are difficult to portray and they have to carry the entire film on their shoulders. They are there in almost every scene. Getting newcomers that talented was difficult. I auditioned a lot of guys and girls and found Rupa who is from Bangalore. She mimicked me quite well. Then, I felt I could make her do what I wanted. This was her first acting experience.

But I couldn't find a guy who has to be special. Many of my friends told me about this guy from Anjathey and when I saw the film, I found him to be quite mature. What I wanted was an innocent and naughty guy. And when I met him, I found him to be quite young looking and I was convinced.

Are your characters real?

They are realistic but they are not too preachy. They are like the people you see in day to day life. You also will see the friendship between a boy and a girl realistically which you don't generally see in Tamil films. They look very uncomfortable on screen but in my film, boys and girls are friends and they are absolutely comfortable with each other. So, when people watch this film, they will forget that they are watching a film. The characters are that real.

How long did it take you to write the script?

I had finished writing the screenplay in March 2007. I had a bound script when I met Jayendra (of Real Images). It was after reading my script that he gave me the test. We were quite organised while shooting as we had a printed script with us. Of course, we improvised too.

How long did it take you to finish the shoot?

We couldn't shoot continuously as Ajmal was shooting for other films too. In 55 days, we finished the shoot. We shot in Chennai and Pondicherry and the songs in Ooty.

Finally when you saw what you made, how did you feel?

I was very nervous. After being with your film for so long, you lose your judgement. When you sit to edit the film, you see the scenes a billion times and then, you won't laugh at the jokes. That makes you nervous with the thought that whether the jokes work or not. It was very scary. Only when some strangers see it and laugh at the jokes, you feel relieved.

How was it working with a crew as a woman director?

Initially they were a bit apprehensive about taking orders from a woman. Generally you are the only woman other than the actors. Men act as if whether they should listen to a woman or not. When they get screamed at by a woman director, they take it in an insulting way where as if a male director screams, it is only to extract work.

So, you scream at your crew?

I scream at my assistant directors but I don't use any bad words! It is like raising your voice to get the work done.

What is your feeling now waiting for your film to reach the theatres?

I am enjoying myself. If I don't enjoy, nobody will! I know a lot of people will like it and a lot of people will criticise it. I am prepared for it.