February holds a significant meaning for Ashwath Marimuthu. It was five years ago, on the day dedicated to love, that the filmmaker's debut film, Oh My Kadavule, premiered on Valentine’s Day. Fast forward to the present, Ashwath is anticipating the release of his second film, Dragon, featuring actor and filmmaker Pradeep Ranganathan. Has Ashwath experienced any transformation during this time?

“As a filmmaker, I perceive no change. While some may say I appear more confident, if you review my earlier interviews, you will find I exhibited the same demeanour. It is not as though this is my second film and I have gained confidence; thus, nothing has altered in that regard. However, on a personal level, I have become more pragmatic and have diminished my belief in magic,” Ashwath responds.

Dragon director Ashwath Marimuthu: I love working under pressure

In the film Dragon, Ashwath will collaborate with his long-time friend Pradeep. The director recognizes the advantages and challenges of working alongside a friend, stating, “The relationship is at risk if anything goes awry. However, I believe I did not impose that pressure on him and instead took it upon myself. He trusted that I would deliver a quality film.”

Beyond the friendship aspect, Ashwath emphasizes that Dragon serves as a follow-up to Pradeep Ranganathan’s successful film Love Today. “After achieving a 100-crore milestone, many will be eager to see what his next project entails. This is when the dynamics shift, and there is heightened interest in how he collaborates with other directors. Therefore, this film is crucial for him to affirm his status as a star actor. While this comes with significant pressure, I thrive under such circumstances. The higher the stakes, the greater the responsibility and enjoyment. I trust it will be managed appropriately.”

Pradeep's dual role as both director and actor in Love Today has been described by the filmmaker as a significant source of pressure. He remarked, "It is difficult to envision anyone other than Pradeep in Love Today. When a single individual can embody that role so flawlessly, it transforms the film into an actor's showcase. I have a deep appreciation for Pradeep's performance, particularly during the poignant moment when the phones are exchanged. I genuinely admired his portrayal in the film. As for me, this is my second project, and I must uphold the reputation I established with my debut."

Ashwath emphasizes the importance of maintaining the sincerity and integrity that characterized the making of a director's first film when embarking on a second. "During the creation of our first film, we approach it as if it is the greatest opportunity. Many directors produce exceptional first films because they have ample time to refine their work. However, with a second film, the timeline is shorter, and expectations are heightened. It feels akin to running a race where few recognize you. The second film places you under constant scrutiny. Consequently, there is a risk of diminishing the effort invested in the first film. Nevertheless, if one remains committed to continuous improvement, I believe success is inevitable."

The filmmaker appears to have a strong affinity for themes of fantasy and destiny, evident since his debut film, Oh My Kadavule. He suggests that if divine forces are at play, Dragon incorporates elements of fate, and his upcoming project, STR 51, will also delve into fantasy. "If events are destined to occur, they will. Fantasy introduces a captivating 'what if' aspect, allowing for the exploration of numerous concepts that captivate both myself and the audience. However, if not executed properly, it may hinder the audience's ability to connect with the characters and become engrossed in the narrative. Striking a balance between the fantastical and real-life drama is my objective in these films."

‘Tamil industry is the best industry where there is no nepotism’

As a young director, Ashwath believes that the current period is ideal for a surge of new talent entering the industry. He notes, "Pradeep emerged from humble beginnings and has now become a star. He has paved the way for others, demonstrating that anyone can achieve success as an actor. The audience is eager to embrace genuine talent, and this is commendable. Notable examples include Pradeep, Vijay Sethupathi, and Sivakarthikeyan, among others. Our industry stands out as one of the best, characterized by a lack of nepotism, allowing true talent to flourish. It is crucial for individuals to seize this opportunity."

Ashwath believes that films such as Annamalai, Suryavamsam, and Kadhaliku Mariyadhai exemplify family dramas within the commercial film sector that have resonated well with audiences. He notes that Dragon also belongs to this genre of family drama, emphasizing the success of previous films in this category, which he attributes to their repeat viewing value. “I believe my films possess this repeat value. They are not reliant on plot twists but rather on emotional connections that encourage viewers to return for comfort. I consider family audiences to be crucial for the success of theatres. I envision all my films as being centred around family themes. Should I choose to explore something experimental, I will inform the audience in advance rather than misleading them into theatres. Upon viewing Dragon, it becomes evident that Ashwath Marimuthu is a director who prioritizes family-friendly content.”

Reflecting on his recent experiences, Ashwath shares, “In the making of my first film, my sole focus was on creating a quality product. Now, I find myself navigating two challenges: producing a good film and managing a social media presence. I believe we are successfully addressing both aspects at this time,” he concludes.

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