By Gautham Vasudev Menon Announces Plans to Direct His First-Ever Kannada Film Soon
Gautham Vasudev Menon, an acclaimed filmmaker known for his work in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema, is now planning to venture into Kannada films. He revealed his intention to make a Kannada film this year, aiming for a large-scale production. Though he does not speak the language, he sees this as an exciting challenge and is eager to take it on. For him, the size of a market has never been a determining factor when choosing a project. Instead, he prioritizes the story and its impact, selecting actors later in the process. He recalled instances from his career when he worked with actors who were not well-known at the time but later rose to prominence.
Recently, Gautham was in Bengaluru, where he attended the Bengaluru International Film Festival. He spoke about his growing appreciation for such events, having previously participated in festivals in Chennai and Goa. At the Bengaluru event, he conducted a masterclass on the art of cinema. Reflecting on his experience at the Goa festival, he mentioned how it was a role reversal for him, as he had the opportunity to interview legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam during a masterclass. Being in a space with like-minded people, he said, was an enriching experience that he hopes to continue.
Discussing his recent filmmaking experiences, Gautham contrasted the different journeys of his last two films. His Malayalam film, Dominique and the Ladies Purse, starring Mammootty, was completed and released within six months. He attributed this to the efficiency of the Malayalam film industry, where productions are executed swiftly with structured funding. In contrast, his Tamil film Dhruva Natchathiram, starring Vikram, faced several setbacks. The project encountered financial difficulties, legal complications, and delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking back, he admitted that miscommunication might have played a role in these challenges. However, he remains optimistic, stating that the issues have been resolved and the film is now expected to release by May or June. He acknowledged that every project offers valuable lessons, and he has learned from the setbacks faced during this production.
Gautham also addressed the issue of women’s safety and inclusion in the film industry. He emphasized that women have always been part of his film sets in various roles, including assistant directors, costume designers, and production staff. He firmly believes in equal treatment and stated that, in many cases, it is the women on his sets who take charge and call the shots. He dismissed the notion that women are treated differently in filmmaking, adding that they undergo the same challenges as their male counterparts. While acknowledging that a few instances of misconduct may require attention, he believes that the industry is evolving, with greater respect and equality.
On-screen representation of women in films is another aspect he spoke about. He noted that some films still fail to give female characters significant roles, but he ensures that women in his stories are well-developed and play a crucial part in the narrative. Even in male-centric films, he believes in portraying the protagonist’s relationships and interactions meaningfully. He pointed out that while some big-budget films continue to offer female characters minor roles, the industry has seen positive change in recent years.
Apart from directing, Gautham occasionally takes on acting roles, though he is highly selective. He admits that he is not completely comfortable in front of the camera but takes up roles when they provide an opportunity to learn from experienced directors. He chooses roles only if he has a strong rapport with the filmmaker or production team. He enjoyed working in Dragon because the role pushed his limits while keeping him within his comfort zone. However, he has turned down roles that require extensive preparation, such as one that involved horse riding, stating that he prefers roles that do not demand such efforts. Additionally, financial compensation plays a role in his decision to accept acting projects.
Outside of filmmaking, Gautham finds joy in traveling, particularly in Kerala and Karnataka. He enjoys meeting people, spending time with his family, and going on solo rides. Long walks and train journeys hold a special place in his heart and often serve as inspiration for his storytelling. He fondly recalls the numerous train rides he took between Chennai and Bengaluru before marrying his wife, who lived in Bengaluru at the time. Now, with work frequently bringing him to Bengaluru, each visit fills him with nostalgia, reminding him of those cherished moments.
