Exclusive! Ashwin Saravanan on Connect: Horror stories are really liberating, the genre lets you do many things

Filmmaker Ashwin Saravanan, who has carved a niche for himself with acclaimed films, Maya and Game Over, is back with Connect which has been released a couple of days ago in theatres. The movie, headlined by Nayanthara, is his second project with the actress, and his third consecutive horror flick.

In an exclusive chat with OTTplay, the director opens up about the response to the movie, his penchant for spooky films, challenges involved in narrating a story set against the backdrop of lockdown, working with a talented bunch of actors and more. Excerpts...

The film has garnered mixed reviews, though many have been praising its positive aspects. How do you feel?  

Connect has been in the making for almost one-and-a-half years. I'm grateful that the movie has finally been released. I can see that there are lots of opinions and reviews doing the rounds on social media. There have been some extreme reactions, but I'm trying to stay away from all the noise as much as I can. I am relieved that the project has reached people. From the beginning, I was aware of the fact that the film offers a theatrical experience. 

Are you someone who goes through reviews of your movies?

Yes, I have a team which follows the responses from critics and the audience. They also visit theatres and give me honest feedback. Ultimately, what is satisfying for me is people watching a film you have made over a period of time. The manner in which they enjoy what you created is a visceral experience. 

What made you come up with a horror story set in the backdrop of lockdown?

I went through varied emotions during the lockdown. There was a sense of hopelessness everywhere and people were clueless about the future. I wanted to incorporate these feelings into a film in a subtle and layered manner. That's when an idea of a family reeling under unheard struggles struck me. When I added horror elements to it, it became a marketable idea easily. But despite the spooky elements, the emphasis has been on basic human emotions.

Many are pointing out the similarity Connect shares with a few Hollywood films. How much is it inspired from other movies?

My all time favourite horror film is The Exorcist; it never ceases to surprise me whenever I watch it. It is a timeless classic which has been incredibly made. I have always wanted to pay tribute to the Hollywood movie. I would say Connect is my version of The Exorcist. I told the same to the actors of my film when I pitched the idea to them. It helped them understand the mood and atmosphere our story required. 

How much are you obsessed with stories that revolve around spooky elements? How challenging or interesting is it to come up with such stories every time?

I think horror stories are liberating in a way. The genre lets you do so many things. I attribute my obsession with it to my anxious nature. I channelize my anxiety into films; I think cinema is an excellent platform to understand and process various emotions. I am someone who looks forward to a creative outlet. 

The film boasts of a fine set of actors. How did you decide on who should play pivotal roles in it?

I'm incredibly grateful for having a bunch of actors who are the best in what they do. It was such a humbling experience to watch them applying their craft and discipline while portraying their respective characters. I have been curious to know how they would pull off their roles. It was a huge learning lesson for me. The manner in which several things unfold in this film, it isn't that easy to perform for actors. Most of the sequences have them looking into a monitor while performing as the characters communicate with each other through video conferencing. I'm in awe of them for managing to put up extraordinary performances, and I consider myself lucky to have witnessed it.

Was it the comfort factor which made you join hands with Nayanthara again?

For the protagonist's role, I wanted someone who could hold your attention. The character, in many scenes, stares directly at the viewers. So, people should be able to develop a connection with the actor who is essaying the role. Not everyone can pull off that requirement. It needed someone with ample energy and aura. I checked with her if she's interested in doing another horror film after Maya, and she came on board. We did not bother about how moviegoers would compare both the films, we just focused on the requirements for Connect.

Anupam Kher made a comeback to Tamil with the movie after a long hiatus. What made you rope him in for a crucial character when there were many talented Kollywood actors?

Well, the story demanded an actor from Mumbai. We have films where south actors play Mumbai-based characters, which sometimes, may affect the credibility. Anupam sir's character comes at an important juncture in the film where we wanted viewers to heave a sigh of relief. Roping him for the role was like having the best doctor in town when you are in dire need of a medical emergency.