Observation crucial for filmmaking: R.S Prasanna

Chennai, March 6 (IANS) Besides being creative, passionate and extremely committed, filmmakers should master the art of observation, feels Tamil director R.S. Prasanna. He says his observation skills helped him add a personal touch to his forthcoming "Kalyana Samayal Saadham", which encompasses the hullabaloo over Indian weddings.

"You may have different sources of inspiration for a project, but it is equally important that you give it a personal touch. Observational skill comes in handy to help someone to add his or her own perspective," Prasanna told IANS.

He says it helped him in putting together upcoming Tamil romantic-comedy "Kalyana Samayal Saadham", which revolves around a story set against the backdrop of a big fat Indian wedding.

"It's a modern day take on the chaos of a south Indian wedding. Everything that I have observed over the years at numerous weddings, including mine, I've recreated them in the film. From trivial things, such as food to wedding cards to decoration, I've covered everything," he added.

"I've also taken inputs wherever required from my wife to bring in a woman's perspective to the story. It's very important that one knows how to mix these perspective to give weightage to the context of the film," he said.

Queried how he learned the art of observation, he said: "Filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg and Woody Allen have been my greatest inspiration. If you keenly observe their films, you will understand the different perspective they bring to their stories."

He admits his film is more or less a Woody Allen-take on Indian Weddings.

Why fascination for weddings?

"Since Indian films are preoccupied with love, I wanted to break away from it. Indian weddings are once in a lifetime affair and events surrounding it are amusing in a way. More importantly, it's the clash of cultures at Indian weddings that draws all attention," said Prasanna.

The film features Prasanna Venkatesan and Lekha Washington in the lead. Ninety-five percent of the film is complete with three more days of shoot pending. It was completely shot in and around Chennai.

Prasanna's challenge was to be responsible towards the film's business.

"As a team it's very important to work responsibly towards the business of a film. Our biggest challenge was to shoot within tight schedule and budget. I am glad I didn't exceed even a single day's call sheet," he said.

Arun Vaidyanathan and Ananth Govindan have jointly produced the film, which has music by Arrora and cinematography by Krishnan Vasant.

Click the Movie button below for more info:
Kalyana Samayal Saadam