Director Chimbudeven is clearly racing against time as we catch him on a phone call just days before the release of his much-anticipated film, “Boat.” The last-minute crunch, however, doesn’t deter him from opening up about the inspiration and arduous journey behind the Yogi Babu-starrer. “Boat” promises a gripping narrative set almost entirely around a boat full of individuals stranded in the vast, unpredictable sea. Chimbudeven shares that crafting the story was an exhilarating experience for him.
“I first encountered Ernest Hemingway’s ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ when I was in school, and it has stayed with me ever since. That book served as the primary inspiration for ‘Boat’. Over the years, other works, such as Sandilyan’s ‘Kadal Pura’ and ‘Thanneer Desam’, and several films that revolve around the sea, have also intrigued me. The sea is an ever-evolving entity with its changing clouds, skies, winds, and weather. This dynamic backdrop, combined with the political milieu of 1943 and the indomitable spirit of humanity, forms the core narrative of ‘Boat’,” he explains.
Based on a historical backdrop of wartime, the film delves into the stories of people seeking escape from the bombings of Madras during World War II. “A friend’s great-grandfather was among the nearly 500,000 people who fled Madras after a Japanese aerial attack. These stories of families taking to the sea to escape immediate danger influenced the essence of ‘Boat’,” Chimbudeven adds.
Shooting “Boat” was no easy feat, admits the filmmaker. The initial challenge was finding suitable locations. Cinematographer Madhesh Manickam and Chimbudeven scouted multiple locations, all with heavy tides — Rameshwaram had high tides but was too crowded. Eventually, they settled on Uvari near Tiruchendur. “We needed a boat that could hold ten people, but the first one we found was cramped. The late art director Santhanam finally discovered a suitable boat in Kerala, which needed modification in Rameshwaram,” Chimbudeven recounts.
Once the boat was ready, further challenges arose. Shooting at sea proved to be one of the toughest terrains to capture on film. “Predicting high or low tides was impossible, hence the term ‘kadal thaai’ (sea mother) to imply its unpredictable nature. We began shooting three days after familiarizing ourselves with the tides. Also, local fishermen were nearby for safety, and we had to retrieve equipment that fell overboard,” the director elaborates.
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Natural lighting caused additional delays. “We’d shoot half a scene, then have to wait for days if the lighting changed. If it rained, the artists’ soaked clothes had to dry before we could continue. These hurdles were significant, yet we documented those moments, aspiring for the audience to feel our journey,” Chimbudeven says, sounding hopeful.
Does Chimbudeven think the audience will grasp the behind-the-scenes struggles? “If any other filmmakers attempt a similar shoot, perhaps they will understand. However, the general audience focuses only on the final product. The success or failure of a film depends on how well these experiences translate into an engaging story. I believe ‘Boat’ achieves that,” he states confidently.
Chimbudeven has a penchant for period settings, as seen in films like “Pulikecei,” “Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam,” and “Puli.” He attributes his interest to a belief that our sophisticated present is built upon the decisions and ideologies of our forefathers. “Our lives and history are interconnected. Our freedom fighters, especially those from regions like Bengal, haven’t received due recognition compared to those from Bombay and Delhi. World War II saw millions of Indians fight for the British, yet even films like ‘Dunkirk’ ignore this,” laments Chimbudeven.
In “Boat,” characters from diverse ethnic, religious, and linguistic backgrounds share the vessel, representing the country itself — a signature metaphor in Chimbudeven’s works. For instance, in “Pulikecei,” multiple artistic messages enhance the narrative, viewed as gentle social reminders rather than preachy lessons. “A message won’t change society, but it can prompt some thought. A spoonful of philosophy alongside entertainment can be effective,” he adds.
With “Boat,” Chimbudeven collaborates with comedian-turned-lead actor Yogi Babu. According to Chimbudeven, the storyline dictates the casting choice, blending artistic and commercial success. Whether it’s a hero or a comedian, the film’s needs come first. “If the story and business logic align, there’s no better combination,” he concludes.
“Boat” is set to release in theatres on August 2, marking yet another ambitious project from the versatile director, promising to be a visually and emotionally riveting experience for Tamil and Indian cinema enthusiasts.
