In the world of cinema, where each frame and sequence demands precision, debutant director Sivabalan Muthukumar emerges with a quest for making films the ‘correct’ way. His venture into filmmaking is marked by a relentless pursuit of authenticity and perfection, qualities that reflect both in his personal story and his upcoming debut, “Bloody Beggar,” which stars Kavin and is produced by renowned director Nelson Dilipkumar. Their collaboration for this new film signifies a milestone for Sivabalan, not just as a filmmaker but as a film lover dedicated to bringing new narratives to life.
Sivabalan’s association with Nelson Dilipkumar, which spans over a decade, was serendipitous. His initial exposure to filmmaking was through an advertisement project, which prompted a cinematographer to suggest joining Nelson as an assistant director. Unbeknownst to Sivabalan, this recommendation would direct him towards an invaluable learning experience. “I thought I knew everything about films, but Nelson sir’s vision of commercial cinema was enlightening. His innovative ideas and understanding of audience connection were unparalleled. Witnessing his struggles before his breakthrough in 2017 with ‘Kolamaavu Kokila’ was both challenging and inspiring,” Sivabalan recalls.
Despite the challenges, Sivabalan was unwavering in his resolve to bring his envisioned project to fruition. “Bloody Beggar,” which releases on Deepavali, did not have a smooth inception. Sivabalan faced multiple rejections, but each setback only fueled his determination. “After many refusals, I began evaluating why my script wasn’t being selected. Each rejection made me refine my approach. I believed that this film could offer a novel experience to the audience,” he asserts.
Commercial cinema, according to Sivabalan, is not constrained to a single genre—a philosophy shared by trailblazers like Nalan Kumarasamy, Pa Ranjith, and Karthik Subbaraj, whose works redefined Tamil cinema in the early 2010s. “Bloody Beggar” aspires to follow in this tradition by venturing into the unexplored. Sivabalan’s script encapsulates his yearning to experiment within this domain, hoping to redefine commercial narratives.
The decision for Nelson to produce “Bloody Beggar,” wherein he usually maintains professionalism over personal relationships, was significant. “Nelson sir’s advice does not come out of favoritism.
. The film’s reach and his standing in the industry matter greatly to him. When I approached him for feedback, I did not anticipate his decision to take on the production himself. However, recognizing the storyline’s requirements, he chose to embark on this journey with me,” Sivabalan explains.
Creating a film with a singular focus was unfamiliar territory for Sivabalan, who previously explored stories from various viewpoints. However, realizing the demands of the industry—a focus on a central protagonist and substantiation for a larger budget—he decided to craft a story around an unconventional hero. “I wanted to highlight a protagonist seldom seen—a beggar who may hold secrets beneath the surface,” Sivabalan shares, thus forming the character’s unique essence in “Bloody Beggar.”
Sivabalan’s concept challenges societal perceptions while emphasizing the struggles faced by many. “Writing such a character might make audiences question the reality of beggars’ conditions. Yet, this very skepticism is rooted in our consciousness. ‘Bloody Beggar’ delves into this complexity, juxtaposing deceit against true, unyielding survival,” Sivabalan notes.
Selecting the talent to portray this nuanced lead required careful consideration. Kavin, whose potential Sivabalan was initially hesitant to harness, emerged as the ideal choice. “I didn’t want the usual suspects of Tamil cinema. Fresh involvement lets an actor showcase new dimensions,” says Sivabalan. He believes Kavin can embody the character’s silent-film-like quality with its vivid, expressive body language.
As anticipation builds for the film’s release on October 31, 2024, Sivabalan reflects on what it means to create a ‘correct’ film. It is not about a flawless transfer of vision to screen, but a commitment to sincerity and authentic storytelling. The audience’s reception of “Bloody Beggar” will, for Sivabalan, serve as a barometer for his filmmaking philosophy. “I just want my films to reflect the honest efforts put into them,” he asserts, pondering over future projects and his personal film-making journey.
