Interview Arun Matheswaran: The director talks about choosing Shiva Rajkumar for a movie starring Dhanush. He also discusses his love for muted colors and shares insights into his broader artistic journey.
Arun Matheswaran kicked off his journey into Tamil filmmaking with a bang. His first movie, Rocky, had a bit of a rough start but picked up steam through word-of-mouth. Then came Saani Kaayidham in 2022, released on Prime Video, which made it a bit tricky to figure out how well it did. Still, these movies convinced Dhanush to team up with Arun for more projects, showing that Arun knows his way around making movies.
Interview Arun Matheswaran
Now, as Arun gears up for the release of Captain Miller with Dhanush, he talks about why he likes using faded colors, picking Shiva Rajkumar for the film, and what he’s aiming for in his artistic journey. More info about Interview Arun Matheswaran: Captain Miller and why Dhanush is not a typical superstar.
Excerpts from an interview:
How Captain Miller Began:
Arun got the idea from his uncle’s army stories and the 1980s Sri Lankan Civil War. The original script was a bit tough to sell because of its connection to the Sri Lankan War. So, Arun tweaked it to focus on the British Army, making it more acceptable.
The Story in Captain Miller:
Unlike Arun’s previous road-focused films, Captain Miller isn’t exactly a road trip movie. It’s more about the drama and why the main character does what he does. There’s some traveling involved, but it’s not the main focus. It’s about a young guy whose simple decision changes his life.
Mixing Art and Popularity:
Switching from smaller stories to a big one like Captain Miller was a challenge. Dhanush being in the picture meant considering what his fans expect. Arun isn’t all about making movies just for the masses, but he thinks they’ve struck a balance this time. While there’s action, it’s only a part of the film. The rest is all about the character’s journey. More info about Interview Arun Matheswaran: Captain Miller and why Dhanush is not a typical superstar.
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Changes in How the Movie Looks:
Unlike his previous films with mostly still shots, “Captain Miller” has more dynamic shots because today’s audience likes things to keep moving. The film covers a bigger story, so the way they tell it had to change. Still, Arun makes sure to give the audience some time to feel the emotions.
Why Faded Colors Again:
Arun jokes that maybe he doesn’t like bright colors because he’s color-blind. But, in reality, he just prefers life in black and white. It’s his thing.
Working with Dhanush:
Dhanush is a great actor, according to Arun, and he doesn’t need a lot of direction. Arun doesn’t act things out for his actors; he just tells them the situation and lets them bring it to life. Even though Dhanush might seem subtle on set, it all comes together in the final edit. More info about Interview Arun Matheswaran: Captain Miller and why Dhanush is not a typical superstar.
Originally a Trilogy:
Captain Miller was supposed to be part of a three-part series, but they had to scale it down. Still, Arun wants each film to feel complete, even if there are hints of what’s to come in the prequel and sequel.
Silence and Music in Movies:
Arun likes using silence in his films, but for “Captain Miller,” he teamed up with GV Prakash Kumar, who’s known for his music. The music helps set the mood, especially in the first part of the film, keeping the audience engaged.
Picking Shiva Rajkumar:
Shiva Rajkumar is in a small role in the film. They tried a couple of actors from Tamil, but it didn’t work out. Arun liked Shiva Rajkumar’s work, and he fit the part perfectly. More info about Interview Arun Matheswaran: Captain Miller and why Dhanush is not a typical superstar.
Guns and Stuff in the Movie:
Arun doesn’t call it a fascination, but for an action film like Captain Miller, you need guns and action. They wanted to make sure the violence wasn’t too brutal, so they used different types of action to keep it engaging.
Beyond the Blockbusters:
Arun wants to explore cinema beyond just making big hits. He’s setting up his own production house, aiming for complete freedom to tell the stories he wants to tell.
Coming Soon:
Captain Miller hits theaters on January 12, promising a mix of grandeur and emotion, showing Arun Matheswaran’s journey as a filmmaker with his unique style and storytelling twists.
