Angry young director Shivamani returns to Sandalwood

Shivamani is returning to direction with Simhadri after a self-imposed `study break' of four years. Known for his hard-hitting, politically loaded films, the original 'Angry Young Director' of Sandalwood now wants to make films that will last generations. For the record, this is his 31st film as director. It has been four years since you made Jhosh. Why such a long break?
I was updating myself.After 22 years and directing 29 films on the trot, I made Jhosh with newcomers.This was also my first film on youngsters. I was as surprised as my critics about how good it turned out to be.The critical and commercial success made me realise my responsibility. I now want every kind of film in my library. Films are no longer made for a living. It was the right time to take a break from direction. After a 30-film long swim, it was time to lie down and relax on the beach. It is only after a huge success you can take a break. You cannot take a sabbatical after a failure or a film that is average or flop. Otherwise, you have to make another film immediately.
But what exactly did you do in the four years?
Extensive reading. I met and interacted with many (film) writers from other industries. Whatever we do as filmmakers, we are always on the search for characters, subjects and stories. I was not completely cut off from from films though. I remade Jhosh in Tamil and Telugu during this time. I had enough time to give attention to everyday things. Earlier, I would just scan Bangalore Mirror to read the film articles. Now in the last four years, I read everything from the masthead to publication details. And I watched a ton of international movies.You are returning to direction with Simhadri. Is it a thriller?
Not exactly. As I said, I now want to do every kind of film. My new film Simhadri with Duniya Vijay is an action film. But it is set against a rural background which is new to me. Vijay plays a rural rebel hero. The film has its focus on the (rural) dairy industry and its intricacies. While making the film, I have learnt a lot about rural economics, life and particularly, the dairy industry. This was something new for Vijay as well.
Why are you branded a political-action thriller director?
My first two films Rajakiya and Golibar continue to define me. Though my several films from Swathi, Dore to Jaana, Mingutaare, Kubera, Agni Sakshi and others belonged to different genres, I was still branded. But how many days will I show hero blowing away politicians and police with his dialogues and fists? Simhadri is a commercial entertainer. And I will not disappoint the commitment to trade and to audience who expect such things from my films.
You had a brush with television as well.
I directed a serial that ran into 600 episodes. The success of Jhosh was the reason. I was approached to do a similar subject; a story of the youngsters for the parents. It was difficult. I had to follow the TRP and alter the story as per the requirements. Working with a huge team was a challenge. There were 8-10 writers. Thankfully, it was not a regular saas-bahu serial.
Despite the branding, you have not gone back to a political film for so long..
When I made Shiva Sainya based on the life of Praffulla Kumar Mahanta, the age and time were different.Now every scam or every political incident is analysed threadbare on television. Earlier, it took six months to a year for people to know all the details of a political scam. Now it takes a remote to get even alternate stories on the same issue. It is not at all easy to make a political film now.
What does the future hold then?
Everything is changing. Hollywood moved to creature, science fiction and extravaganza decades ago.Hindi films are moving towards biopics. People want something they do not see on television. Historicals, biopics, lavish films will rule. We will have exciting churning. Malayalam films have found their niche in authentic portrayal of lead characters.There even a coconut seller could be the protagonist. With multiplexes blooming, every story is possible even without stars. I guess days ahead will be exciting.