‘Teaching dialogues to a child is exhausting’

Why filmmaking? How did your journey commence?
I used to do stage plays during my school days. My friends and I used to mimic teachers. I went on to draft creative stories around them and presented them. Then during my college days, my passion for storytelling grew further, and I started pursuing Suseenthiran for an opportunity to assist him. After two years of continuous effort, it finally happened.

What is the best thing about being an AD?   
It is the toughest job out there. It is exhausting, but the return you get is the learning experience.

What’s the oddest experience you’ve had as an assistant director?
For one of the films I was assisting on, I was required to teach a child a two-page dialogue. It was very challenging. She would keep getting distracted and ask for chocolates and biscuits. It is the most exhausting experience I have ever had.

What do you like the most about Suseenthiran?
The speed speed at which he works. It’s almost breakneck. What is surprising is that even when he works at this speed, mistakes rarely creep in.

What have you learned about films from him?
I learnt how to present stories that will strike a chord with the audience.

Who’s a director you wish you could work with, and why?
Shankar. I have always loved the grandeur he brings to the screen.

Which is the best film you’ve worked on so far?
Nenjil Thunivirundhal.

If filmmaking doesn’t work out, what then?
I guess I will incorporate a startup with a few friends of mine and try venturing into some business that is related to cinema.

What are your future and upcoming projects?
I’m writing the script of a romantic comedy.

Who’s the dream cast of your debut film?
I would love to cast Ajith Kumar in my film.

What do you think you can bring to Tamil cinema if given an opportunity to direct?
I believe I can bring the fantasy genre to Tamil cinema in a more consumable format.

Dilip Palanichamy
Director worked with: Suseenthiran
Key responsibility: Running the art department
Films worked on: Maveeran Kittu, Nenjil Thunivirundhal, Angelina