After a long day of interviews and promotional activities, with just an hour left for the “press show” of his fourth film Vaazhai, Mari Selvaraj let down his guard for a moment. “After saying so many things about the film, my life, my struggles, etc… if the film doesn’t work for you, all of this will seem like a waste of time, right?” asked Mari, as we wound up our conversation. Letting out a smile that hid more than what it said, Mari moved on to some documentation work that had to happen before the release. In Vaazhai, Mari is not just the director, but he is making his debut as a producer too, and in this conversation with us, he talks about juggling various responsibilities, the need to tell people who he is, and the power of truth.
Excerpts from a conversation:
Unlike in Pariyerum Perumal, Karnan, and Maamannan, you are the STAR in Vaazhai. This is a purely Mari Selvaraj film. Is that liberating or limiting?
This feeling is quite refreshing, almost like doing my first film. This experience will strengthen my spirits and abilities. There is a difference in doing just another film, and doing my film. There is a difference in changing the film to suit multiple requirements and working in a film uncompromisingly. I think getting to do a film for myself is the secret of my energy. More than the business aspects of Vaazhai, the film will always be special because it is like I’ve shown to the world a particularly painful page from my personal diary.
Also Read | Vaazhai movie review: An uncompromising, unadulterated, and powerful journey to the core of Mari Selvaraj’s mind
But just like actors who climb up the ladder, directors too are expected to scale peaks, right? Where do you get this confidence to put them in the backburner and do what you want in this tough market?
My wish is actually to tell stories, and ensure it reaches the audience. It is the success of my previous three films that resulted in Vaazhai getting its rightful place. Why not utilise this space to the fullest?
You told me that Mari Selvaraj is the only big name in the film, right? Something created this trust in Mari Selvaraj. I should use that trust to tell the story I believe in. A story that I have been struggling to keep inside of me. That’s how we must treat such opportunities. I am someone who wants to be close to myself, and my art. I want to enjoy my work. I must feel fulfilled by my art. Through my art, I want to develop a strong relationship with society. I believe Vaazhai will pave the path for such a relationship.
What is the biggest difference between being the Star of your film, and having a film with other stars?
For a film like Vaazhai, you can only talk about me. This provides me a space to share my thoughts. We can discuss about me, my creativity, my world, my stories, my people, my politics, etc… If there is a star in the picture, I’d have to allot time to talk about them too.
Now, the discussion is mainly about my thoughts and process. I believe this strengthens my world. I understand the society’s interest in knowing me better, and this is very exciting. Even now, you have come to interview me for a non-star film, right? You are not here to talk to me about a particular star. You are here for Mari Selvaraj. It is an important space for a creator.
But why do you think your audience should know you better? Isn’t it enough if they watch your films? Why should they understand you?
When a work is being followed in the society, and it is creating a conversation, a confusion, a disturbance, and a debate, then it is important to know the intentions of the creator. No one should follow me just because I gave a successful film. It is important they know why I tell these stories, and their roots. You shouldn’t have to blindly oppose my art or support it either.
There used to be a time when you could separate the art from the artist. But an artist has to have the basic honesty towards their art. It is dishonest for a creator to say they are independent from their art and its consequences. If we are creating a piece of art that is impacting society, it must impact the creator too. Probably why many want to know about the real Mari Selvaraj. What if I don’t tell these stories through my art? I’ll have to explain it in such interviews. Isn’t it easier to make it in an art form that will reach more people?
As you said, whatever you say, whatever film you make, it initiates a conversation or a debate or even criticism. Why do you continue down this path? Is being a disruptor that important?
It is important to understand that we have a rather innocent audience. If the audience has an opposing view, or they aren’t convinced in reality or just putting up a facade of ignorance, my search to convince them continues. The real problem starts when we want the audience to react the way we expect them to. My world too has a sense of innocence, and I just want to urge the audience to introspect.
An art form always has the space for introspection. It is very close to our hearts. I want my art form to reduce the distance between us. Even when telling my opinions, I want to pull you closer, wrap my hands around your shoulder, and tell it to you.
Is it important to you that your actors share your point of view when it comes to the themes you explore in your films? Should they be on the same spectrum of political and social awareness?
The actors who have worked with me so far have understood my stance, and what I want to tell to the world. They believe I will put forth my ideologies, and make it the film’s strength. They know that there is a reason for my film to exist. It is a huge deal that an actor enters the world of a filmmaker who has a strong purpose. They are not part of my films just for the business aspect. Isn’t that a showcase of the actor’s social consciousness? They want to add their voice to this cause, right?
They believe me, my story, my politics, and my craft. And most importantly, they believe my work isn’t intended to hurt, but only widen the understanding.
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Although you spoke about making smaller films, your next movies are with the likes of Dhruv Vikram and Dhanush. It is once again ‘Big’ movies, right?
After a small film like Vaazhai, my next film with Dhanush sir is a really huge film. It is a big-budget historical film. But the story is rather simple. I need to mount it on a big scale to ensure the film reaches a wider audience and is told in the way it deserves to be told. But the roots of the Dhanush sir film and Vaazhai are the same. Just like how I needed a political backdrop to tell Maamannan, and how I needed an agricultural backdrop for Vaazhai, I’m creating a historical backdrop for that story. People are simple right? So are my stories.
Your films are never relegated into the binary of ‘like’ and ‘dislike’. Does this scrutiny impact you?
When you are saying the truth as is, those are the only two options left for people. You will either find enemies or make a bunch of lovely friends. The basic tenet of truth is that it always questions a particular section, and protects another section. If a truth cannot even do this basic function, what is the point of telling the truth, then? There is no point telling a truth that is not impactful. Truth always creates two worlds, and the love and hate we receive is par for the course.
Someone is suffering from an unnecessary burden of negativity and hatred, right? They are honest to that emotion. But not all honesty is justified. The intent of your fight is very important. What is the point of your honesty? Who is it impacting? What is it giving to society? My work of art should also show a mirror to this kind of honesty. If you have decided to throw a stone in a water body, you know it is going to create ripples, so there is no need to feel conflicted about it
Finally… Many admire your courage to put yourself out there through your stories. What do you think will be the legacy of Mari Selvaraj?
Over this 40-year journey, I’ve had so many experiences, faced so many insults, and lived through so much pain. I’ll probably live for another 20-30 years. If I don’t document my life, and provide a work of art that tells my story, then what else can I do? If I’m only peddling gimmicks and magic in the name of cinema, what will the audience remember me as? For a generation that comes after my time, there should be something that connects them to me, right? What really scares me is being misconstrued. What really scares me is someone being so malicious towards me. What scares me is the unnecessary hatred they are sowing in the society.
So, it is better I give them the answers to their questions about me, right? Isn’t it easier to talk about myself instead of saying things about someone else? I’ll never be afraid to tell my stories.
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