Sivabalan Muthukumar is a director who is driven by an insatiable quest for perfection, both in his life and in his work. As he embarks on his directorial debut with the film ‘Bloody Beggar’, set for release on Deepavali, his mission is clear: to create a film the “correct” way. Speaking to him, it becomes apparent that the concept of correctness permeates every aspect of his life, from the films that have influenced him to the process of making his debut feature film.
Muthukumar, much like an artisan crafting his masterpiece, struggles to answer the quintessential question that cinephiles often face: What are the films that define one’s passion for cinema? His list is extensive and eclectic, ranging from the heartwarming ‘Life Is Beautiful’ to the classic ‘Roman Holiday’, and including local gems like ‘Gnana Oli’ and ‘Bharatha Vilas’. Yet, no matter how he tries, he never seems fully satisfied with his selection, as if forever in search of the perfect blend that accurately captures his journey and influences in cinema.
The young director’s path to filmmaking, especially under the tutelage of director Nelson Dilipkumar, was serendipitous yet transformative. It was a cinematographer, during an advertisement shoot, who first suggested that Muthukumar join Nelson as an assistant director. Despite initially believing he knew everything about films, working with Nelson opened his eyes to a new dimension of commercial cinema. Nelson’s innovative approach and ability to connect with audiences provided a valuable learning curve. Watching Nelson finally achieve his breakthrough in 2017 with ‘Kolamaavu Kokila’ was not just an inspiration; it was a confirmation that persistence in the film industry could indeed lead to success.
Yet, Sivabalan’s own journey to bring ‘Bloody Beggar’ to life was riddled with challenges, including repeated rejections. Each dismissal was not a setback, but rather a lesson in understanding why the script might not resonate with producers. It was a persistent iteration that allowed Muthukumar to refine his narrative, molding it into something fresh and compelling for audiences.
Muthukumar’s desire to delve into commercial cinema stems from a broader vision – the idea that commercial films in Tamil cinema have evolved beyond traditional genre constraints. Inspired by the works of innovative filmmakers like Nalan Kumarasamy, Pa Ranjith, and Karthik Subbaraj, ‘Bloody Beggar’ is an endeavor to experiment within this space. As a filmmaker, this was his bid to contribute something original to the ever-evolving landscape of Tamil cinema.
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In working with Nelson, who decided to produce ‘Bloody Beggar’, Muthukumar found a collaborator who shares his values. Nelson, known for a principled approach to cinema, only involves himself in projects that maintain the standard he has worked hard to establish. This meant that Sivabalan was given both the freedom to execute his vision and the responsibility to ensure the film satisfied both artistic and industry standards.
A notable aspect of ‘Bloody Beggar’ is its unconventional protagonist—a crooked beggar. This choice posed a creative challenge that Muthukumar embraced, wanting to explore narratives that defy typical storytelling norms. Addressing concerns about how this portrayal might affect perceptions of real beggars, he noted an intriguing societal dynamic: when audiences see a beggar, there’s often an inherent skepticism about their authenticity. This reality became a fulcrum for the character he created—an unusual narrative choice aimed at prompting audiences to look deeper at what might seem familiar.
Casting for ‘Bloody Beggar’ was an exercise in breaking norms. Sivabalan was determined that the film should feature an actor who could reveal undiscovered facets of their abilities. Kavin, despite the personal connection that Muthukumar feared might be misconstrued, became the ideal choice. His ability to embody a character reminiscent of silent films, with a distinctly cartoonish body language, aligned perfectly with Muthukumar’s vision.
Ultimately, Sivabalan’s goal with ‘Bloody Beggar’ is to gauge the resonance of his filmmaking beliefs among audiences. The film’s reception will be a litmus test for the standards he aspires to maintain in his career: the creation of films where effort and sincerity translate seamlessly to the screen. More than a literal reproduction of his ideas, he seeks authenticity in translating his creative labors. For Muthukumar, making a “correct” film is not just an endpoint; it is an ongoing journey of learning, adapting, and striving for genuine expression.
‘Bloody Beggar’ is set to enthrall audiences in theatres on October 31, as Sivabalan Muthukumar waits to see if his pursuit of perfection has given rise to something truly captivating and “correct.”
