Producer S. Sashikanth, whose banner YNOT Studios clearly reflects its commitment to supporting films that deviate from the conventional norms of Tamil cinema, further emphasizes his dedication to innovative projects with his directorial debut, Test.

With a background in architecture, Sashikanth shares, “I ventured into mango farming, launched a .com business, and explored numerous professions throughout my life. I even returned to architecture. There’s a saying about how often one can claim to be doing something for the first time. Once you experience it, that first time is behind you. I would find it exceedingly dull to engage in a single pursuit for my entire life. While I believe I could have excelled with focused attention, my journey has been diverse. Given the option between being a jack of all trades or a master of one, I would opt for the former, as it opens up thrilling new avenues and introduces me to a variety of people along the way.”

S Sashikanth Interview for Test

The director-producer emphasizes that his current position, directing a film, has always been a part of his journey, merely awaiting the right moment. "From the time I completed my education, I aspired to be a director. However, there were no formal pathways to achieve that goal, so I pursued a degree in architecture. After several years in the field, I felt a strong pull towards filmmaking, which ultimately led me to become a producer. The pandemic prompted deep existential reflections, making me reconsider the direction of my career. I distinctly recall the date, April 14, 2020, when I resolved to pursue this path."

Sashikanth originally crafted the story for Test in 2012 and has been developing it since the pandemic to bring it to fruition. Featuring Madhavan, Nayanthara, and Siddharth in leading roles, this drama, which prominently incorporates cricket, is set to be Netflix’s inaugural Tamil original, scheduled for release in 2025. In an industry where direct-to-OTT releases have yet to gain widespread acceptance, Sashikanth stands out as one of the few producers who has swiftly adapted to the streaming landscape, as evidenced by his National Award-winning film Mandela, which opted for a direct premiere on Netflix.

"A film is a film and must connect with its audience. If I were to ask you where you first viewed classics like Parasakthi, Star Wars, or The Godfather, you would likely mention television. Rather than labeling it as OTT, let's refer to it as the small screen, as that term feels less foreign. Growing up watching English films left a lasting impression on me. Today, even monumental films like Avengers are enjoyed by audiences on their phones," Sashikanth remarks.

'I took this call as a director and not producer'

Reaffirming that the fundamental concept of reaching an audience remains unchanged, Sashikanth states, “Jagame Thandiram was a significant film that premiered on OTT. That decision proved to be our best at the time. Mandela subsequently released on Netflix and garnered us a National Film Award. It successfully reached the intended audience and brought us critical acclaim. I do not view an OTT release negatively.”

Regarding Test, Sashikanth indicates that they initially aimed for a conventional theatrical release. However, when they had the chance to present the first cut to Netflix, the director-producer notes that the streaming service's content team recognized the potential of Test as a global product. “You must consider the perspective of a first-time director receiving an offer from a streaming giant with a vast audience. The film could potentially reach around 600 million viewers. For a creator, that is exhilarating; knowing that so many people worldwide will choose to engage with your story. I see this as an obvious choice. I made this decision as a director, not as a producer.”

He emphasizes that while the significance of theaters and audience applause remains relevant in some circles, the rest of the world has evolved beyond that. He concludes, “Some of the most remarkable and critically acclaimed works have emerged from OTT platforms. We continue to produce theatrical films, but it is essential to evaluate each project as an independent entity.”

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