Sivabalan Muthukumar, the debutant director, is eager to express his vision and approach to filmmaking in the most genuine way possible. In a recent interview, he opened up about his debut film, Bloody Beggar, starring Kavin as a cunning beggar, and shared the lessons he learned during his decade-long journey with director Nelson Dilipkumar.
The Journey with Nelson Dilipkumar
Reflecting on his time with Nelson, Sivabalan explained how joining him was initially a serendipitous decision. “I thought I knew everything about filmmaking, but working under Nelson opened my eyes to the nuances of commercial cinema,” he said. He emphasized how Nelson’s creative approach and resilience inspired him, especially during challenging times. “Watching someone so talented wait for their breakthrough was disheartening, but his success with Kolamaavu Kokila in 2017 boosted our confidence immensely.”
Confidence in Bloody Beggar
Sivabalan faced numerous rejections while pitching the story for Bloody Beggar. He shared, “With each rejection, I learned to critically evaluate my script, and I was determined to get it right.” His dedication led him to experiment within the realm of commercial cinema, breaking away from traditional genre constraints. “The film embodies my desire to offer audiences a fresh experience,” he explained.
Establishing Creative Boundaries with Nelson
Given Nelson’s stature in the industry, Sivabalan found it essential to maintain creative independence. “Nelson values the quality of films over personal relationships, which encouraged me to present my vision confidently,” he said. After pitching the script, Nelson recognized the need for a strong production team, ultimately choosing to produce the film himself while allowing Sivabalan the creative freedom to direct.
Crafting a Unique Protagonist
Sivabalan’s concept of a crooked beggar as the protagonist stemmed from his struggle to focus on a single character in storytelling. “To mount a project, you need a compelling lead,” he noted. “I wanted to create an unusual protagonist, someone who defies the typical hero mold.” This led to the development of a character who fakes disability to earn alms, challenging conventional perspectives on beggars.
Addressing Potential Criticism
He acknowledged concerns about the potential backlash from portraying a deceptive beggar. “I was apprehensive, knowing there are many who genuinely struggle,” he admitted. “However, I believe this character reflects a normalized skepticism towards beggars, prompting deeper reflection on societal attitudes.” The film, he assures, presents a broader narrative featuring various characters who strive for honest livelihoods.
Casting Kavin
Sivabalan opted for Kavin in the lead role to bring a fresh perspective. “I wanted an actor who could explore a different side of himself, breaking away from traditional casting,” he explained. Despite initial hesitations, he found Kavin’s potential for embodying a character with a ‘cartoonish’ body language to be compelling.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Sivabalan expressed his hopes for how Bloody Beggar would be received by audiences. “The response will guide my future filmmaking choices,” he stated. His definition of a ‘correct’ film emphasizes genuine effort and authenticity in translating vision to screen. “I want my endeavors to resonate with viewers,” he concluded.
Bloody Beggar is set to release in theaters on October 31, promising a unique cinematic experience for audiences.
