Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Sep 23: Excitement was in the air as students of Manipal Institute of Technology welcomed Tollywood film director and screen writer S S Rajamouli with non-stop whistles and chanting of his name on Friday, September 22.
The 'Baahubali' fame director, Padma Shree S S Rajamouli paid a visit to MIT Manipal campus as part of the diamond jubilee lecture series of the institute.
MIT students interacted with him on the occasion, during which, he recollected his successful journey as film director.
Expressing his opinion about MIT, he said, "This is the gathering at Bhramaramba talkies in my hometown Kukkatahalli. My words fall short in conveying my gratitude."
On his success in both personal and professional career, he said, "I made my wife believe that I am a good husband in personal life and made the audience believe that my films are good. Honesty and intelligence in work are the two main keys to achieve success. Many people have worked harder than me behind the scenes for Baahubali's success. Each person has to find his own formula of success. It is important to observe things happening around you. It is equally important to work honestly to reach your goal. One should not lie to his own soul."
Speaking about challenges in making 'Baahubali' he said, "I took five years to complete my dream film. It is not difficult to conceive a film story in mind, but the execution of a film is the most difficult part of job. War sequences were the most difficult. The planning included costumes and managing thousands of artistes and so on."
Shedding light on his transition from small screen to the big screen, Rajamouli said, "I spent almost nine months only in making advertisement for the dream project of 'Bahubali'. I worked under Raghavendra who was very calm with me and never lost his temper. I had strong hope and belief that my attitude towards film-making would definitely give me an opportunity. Prithvitheja, a dialogue director recommended my name to direct my first film 'Tharak' though we had misunderstandings between us sometimes. I had always an oscillation between extreme confidence and fear of defeat in mind, while directing films."
Answering queries, he said, "Success does not come through a director or theatre but it comes through the audience. They are the decision makers. A director must always think about the desires and expectations of audience.
"Now a-days visual affects play an important role in enriching a film. It is one of the powerful tools to attract people. That being said, it requires good story to enhance the film.”
Regarding importance of marketing and promotion of a film, Rajamouli said, “Due to globalization, people have enough choices at their finger tips. One must be creative to stand out of in the groups.”
Answering another query from a student, he said, "Mythology is my taste. I have grown up hearing the stories of my grandmother. Besides, I used to listen to detective stories and fantasies. I have been able to direct films like 'Baahubali' because of this.
"I like the character of 'Karna' in Mahabharatha. I used to get goosebumps and tears in my eyes listening to his story. I am a better story teller than a director," he said.
Director MIT and Pro-vice chancellor Dr GK Prabhu extended a warm welcome to S S Rajamouli.