Donning new roles

“IIf this film runs, I will be a mannan (king). If it flops, I will be a nadodi (homeless nomad).” This popular line by matinee idol M G Ramachandran, while producing Nadodi Mannan in 1958, speaks volumes about the pains and gains of a producer.

Almost six decades later, things have changed a lot in Tamil cinema, but the one thing that hasn’t changed is the penchant of actors to produce movies. Despite the risks involved, actors are keen to don the producer’s hat, and the latest examples are Dhanush, Vishal, Siddharth, Manobala and Karunaas among others.

Behind the camera

“Production is the toughest and riskiest job in filmmaking. But from black and white era, our actors have been producing movies. Sivaji Ganesan started Sivaji Productions, Rajinikanth floated Arunachala Cine Creations, Kamal Haasan owns Raaj Kamal Films International, while Vijayakanth runs Captain Cine Creations,” says M Bharat Kumar, a well-known industry tracker of Tamil cinema.

He adds, “In line with the trend, young actors too have ventured into production. This, in a sense, is healthy to the industry as more films are being made and more people get opportunities.”

Dhanush’s Wunderbar banner is currently producing Sivakarthikeyan-starrer Taana (tentative title) and other movies, while Vishal, under his Vishal Film Factory, is making Poojai. Actor Siddharth’s Etaki Entertainment, after producing Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Eppadi, seems to have some big plans.

Manobala’s Sadhuranga Vettai will hit the screens soon and Karunnas has been producing his heroic ventures under his own banner Ken Media. And what more? Top stars Ajith, Vijay and Suriya too have their own share of experience in production, either directly or indirectly.

So, what prompts these popular stars to produce films? Says Dhanush, “When my brother (Selvaraghavan) and I were looking for opportunities, no one was ready to back us. At that time, we vowed to give opportunities to young talents after we make it big in the industry. And that’s what I have been doing now through Wunderbar.”

The National Award-winning actor, who is known for introducing talents such as Sivakarthikeyan, Anirudh (music composer), Durai Senthilkumar (director), adds, “I am so happy that these people have made it big after starting their journey from my banner. This is what I want.”

Actor Jiiva’s tryst with production needs no explanation, as his father R B Choudhary is a veteran producer. He says, “My dad is credited with introducing many directors to Tamil cinema. People like him have made an implicit statement with their acts that talented persons are welcome to the industry, and they need not have any backing.”

Star couple Prasanna-Sneha are all set to produce their maiden venture, and an official announcement is expected soon. “An actor becomes more responsible while turning a producer. We have decided to roll out meaningful ventures in regular intervals,” says Prasanna.

New ventures

Many young actors have gained inspiration from Prakashraj when it comes to production. For, the actor-producer-director is one among the few who invests all the money he earned from cinema, in cinema itself.

“I want to give something back to the film industry, which has given me everything I have now. I have nothing to lose, so I will continue to produce movies whether they succeed or flop,” says Prakashraj, adding, “My production ventures will promote good cinema and fresh talent. They can be watched with the whole family.”

So, how do traditional producers view this trend of actors venturing into production? Do they welcome or oppose this? Says a leading producer who prefers to remain anonymous, “Anyone is welcome to produce movies. Making of more films means more people get jobs and the industry is active and alive.

At the same time, those venturing into production should understand that it is not an easy job. They may start production houses in a jiffy, but sustaining in the industry is no joke. Producers should be careful and smart enough not to end up as one-film wonders.”