Ideally every film should be shot in sync sound

Don’t try to please people. Try to please yourself, try to please your story, be honest to it and hope people appreciate it

– Mani Ratnam

Many of Mani Ratnam’s films – like ‘Nayakudu’, ‘Guru’, and now ‘Ok Bangaram’, dubbed version of Tamil romantic drama ‘Ok Kanmani’ – have been set in Mumbai and the acclaimed maker says he has a connection with the city. “I studied there for a couple of years. Also, Mumbai as a city is progressive and is the biggest metropolitan in the country.

It is for a reason why ‘Ok Bangaram’ has been set in Mumbai and to know that you should watch it on screen,” smiles Mani Ratnam. He was speaking at a promotional event of the film in Hyderabad on Wednesday.Like most of his films, ‘Ok Bangaram’, which sees Dulquer Salmaan and Nithya Menen in the lead roles, too, draws its inspiration from the society.

“It is about today; it is about the attitude of today’s youngsters and elders; it represents today’s conflicts and resolutions,” he says, adding that doing research for films is a part of his everyday living. “Every input you get is a part of the research. If you need something specific about a particular character you do a research but when it comes to life and emotions you have to experience them.”

The Tamil version has been shot in sync sound (refers to sound recorded at the time of filming) and Mani feels it’s the way forward. “Ideally every film should be shot in sync sound. It’s the best way. If you can do it, do it. I’m proud and happy that we shot in sync sound because the life you get out if it is beyond words. I would try to continue to shoot films in the same way in future too.”

How difficult was it to shoot in sync sound keeping in mind the shooting ambience? “It is difficult, so are many other things. But you cannot be scared of difficulties.”After ‘Sakhi’, Mani has teamed up with ace cinematographer PC Sreeram again for ‘Ok Bangaram’. Talking about his equation with the lensman, he says, “He has been a part of my films even when he was not filming them. He is a friend with whom I discuss all my films. He is my bounce board.”

The filmmaker, who has worked with Mammootyy for ‘Dalapathi’, sees the actor’s son, Dulquer, as someone who has not been influenced by his megastar dad. “It’s very difficult for a son to grow under a big giant and not be influenced by him. Dulquer, in a way, is a strange person as he is someone who has his own style. I’m very happy with what he brought to the film.

”In the business for more than 25 years, Mani’s approach to filmmaking is simple. “Don’t try to please people. Try to please yourself, try to please your story, be honest to it and hope people appreciate it.”

By Nagaraj Goud