Mynaa Sukumar says about Thoppi

Be it a Foreign location or a Village the camera he uses have no difference. The only one word the cinematographer knows is the elegance and rich look. At the time of the scrotching summer his film ‘Thoppi’ hit the screens to immerse the audience with its icy cool cinematography. Sukumar, the cinematographer of ‘Mynaa’, ‘Kumki’, ’Maan karate’ , ‘Kaaki Sattai’ and ‘Thoppi’ is busy in shooting for his upcoming film. The cinematographer is quiet happy to answer few of our questions

Question 1: It is been widely believed by producers and directors that the film will be a sure hit. If the film has Sukumar’s cinematography. Comment on this sentiment.

Very happy to hear this. but whatever it is Cinema is a team work . I choose scripts that would entertain the audience. The directors am working are good friends. There will be a good wave length of between me and the directors like a Husband and wife.  That is more important in a cameraman, Director relationship. whatever they ask I render it on the monitor.

Question 2: we heard that the Director of Youreka wanted you to act in the film ‘Thoppi’.. Is it true… if yes why you denied the chance sir?

(….with smile) yeah, Youreka is a good friend of mine. He narrated me the story and told me that ‘ you will be playing he hero”. At first I thought of give it a try but I wasn’t very confident with acting and agreed to be only cinematographer.    

Question 3: Technicians like Directors, Cinematographers and Music Directors turning Actors. Is it a healthy trend.

It is not intended but in  today’s tamil cinema everybody are in the top position. The business reasons doesn’t allow them to do a Small film. Thus the new heroes emerge. It is a healthy trend and it should be welcomed too.  Acting is resembling the  Character’s emotions. An actor should be doing with the utmost perfection. There is no difference whether he is a Director, Cinematographer or a Music Director.

Question 4:  You have referred Murali Ram for the lead role in which you were supposed to act. How far he was justifying your decision

Murali Ram is a good friend of mine. I referred him  to the director and producer since i felt that he would be apt for the character. They were also very impressed with him. Murali Ram gave his 100 percent to the  character.

Question 5 : Kindly Brief About ‘Thoppi’. How Important is your cinematography for a film like ‘ Thoppi’.

‘Thoppi’  is about a tribal boy who is determined to become a cop. Cinematography would go with the film’s core. Whatever the subject demands that would there without disturbing the scene. Like any other film of mine, I would like to go with the subject.

Question 6 : Either it is Foreign location or Village the visuals of your song stands out. Do you have any special pattern of filming songs.?

 No,no. The song should be a package of fantasy and colours. Since I have been a photographer for almost 15 years. The lessons I learnt from there made me to go easy with Framing and colouring. I would set the frames according to the director’s wish and Choreographer’s idea. Above all the Song should be felt and the music and lyrics play important role in getting the shots right.

Question 7 : Interesting incident while shooting the song ‘ichu Ichu’ in ‘Thoppi’ ?

‘Ichu Ichu’ is a montage song. The whole filming experience was new. The visuals of this song  was shot in our free times in the spot. If the ambience is not apt for a scene then we would take songs without wasting the arrangements. Vairanuthu sir’s lyrics and Music elevated the feel of the song.

Question 8 : Can we expect Cinematographer Sukumar  soon as Actor Sukumar.

As of now am concentrating on Cinematography. I am choosing only one movie at a time. If am confident enough to act in a movie I will definitely take up the opportunities.  

Question 9 : ‘Mynaa’, ‘Kumki’ and now ‘Thoppi’ three films Shot in Kurangani Village is there any special reason.

The backdrop of the story needed a hill station. Thus we selected Kurangani village for its scenic beauty and the people. The people in the village so affectionate and kind enough to help us with the shoot. Like the prior films shot in the village, ‘Thoppi’ will also have fresh locations. Audience would definitely enjoy it.