By Akshay Acharya Mumbai, December 28, 2008 : .The Malayalam super hero film ‘Minnal Murali,’ which has been released on OTT to a great response from the public, is a film that will be remembered by all members of the film industry.
This film shows how you can create a superhero movie with a modest budget, without having to compromise on any of the essential elements or quality spectacles that superhero movies are known for.
Basil Joseph, director and Tovino Thomas, lead actor in the film spoke to IANS recently about the movie’s core concept, journey and progression of the titular character.They also discussed the technicalities involved in creating the film.
Tovino Thomas and Basil share a vision of ‘Minnal Murali.
He is common, comes from the people, and displays behavior patterns that are common to everyday guys.Tovino says, “Minnal Murali” is more relatable for common men.What if Tovino Thomas and Basil Joseph had superpowers? “We won’t be saving people right away, but we will take time to realize that.Once you do, it is going to be something you can enjoy for a while.”
He says, “We will be using our superpowers to do the silly things that make us smile.” However, you will eventually realize that’more power comes with more responsibility.This is what happens to Minnal Murali.It’s not a linear progression of his character; his emotional change is also gradual.”
Basil is a natural musician and has an ability to think about film music musically.He explains his thought process for conceiving films by saying: “That’s part of my thinking process.I find music a motivating factor in my writing process.The writers tell me that they might envision the sequence with this rhythm, spacing, or mood.People can communicate easily with music.”
Tovino adds, “So we made a movie together called ‘Godha.Basil brought along a speaker to play the background music from his phone while he read the script.That’s his music sense.
Basil explains the meaning of the music in ‘Minnal Murali.The film has an Amit Trivedi-style song that Shaan Rehman composed and which is folkish in its essence.It’s funny and quirky, so it helps us to listen to the song as we write.
The director states that musically directing a movie during production results in better coordination between departments.”Also for technicians, actors, or cinematographers when we narrate they will also get it’s mood along with the artist director.Producers will spend accordingly.
They will also be more at ease communicating the emotions they desire.Music is an essential component of acting.
Basil gets to the heart of VFX.”For the VFX we didn’t wish it to look funny and we tried our best.It’s not as big-budget than DC/Marvel movies about superheroes.After all, it’s a regional film.
It is, however, a big budget movie by Malayalam standards.
A good director is aware of how much is spent on the film.Basil says that the producer has already invested so much by trusting him.It’s five times our safe budget (his and Tovino as director/actor).We are responsible for five times as much.We tried not to rely too heavily on VFX but instead made it as beautiful as possible using practical effects.Tovino, an actor made it possible to use VFX without the need.”
Tovino responds that he felt more aware of his body’s movements and mechanisms because of the effects.It made me realize how much I can do.”During lockdown, after lockdown, and during the shoot I had enough time to get to know my body.”
He continued, “I realized how vital core strength was for actors and how crucial it is to be able to understand your body as an actor.” Our industry cannot be competitive in budget and facilities.However, working hard can be something anyone can do.The hard work that we’ve done is the most anyone in any industry can do.
He summarizes their lessons from the film by saying, “In this journey we learned a lot about ourselves as well as about filmmaking.” After learning a lot about ourselves and our capabilities, we are now more prepared to take the next step.
As he sign off, he compliments his director, saying, “For Basil.His first movie was Kunjiramayanam, then Godha’ followed by ’Godha’.
Over the years his growth has been exponential.He is a visionary, and I trust him.I believe great things will happen in his lifetime.”
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