Exclusive! Raja Ramamurthy: It is difficult for movie halls to provide the visibility OTT platforms offer

Debutant director Raja Ramamurthy, who is thrilled with the response to the trailer of Akshara Haasan-starrer Achcham Madam Naanam Payirppu, is looking forward to its direct-to-OTT release on Amazon Prime Video on March 25. According to him, he was sure about releasing the film on OTT from the beginning as he felt its story and presentation didn't demand a theatrical experience.

The filmmaker talks in detail about why he made the movie for niche audiences, artists in it, the relevant nature of the story, influx of female-centric movies, OTT vs theatre debate, taking the unexplored path and more in this exclusive interaction with OTTplay.

Going by the trailer, it looks like the film is a coming-of-age drama which deals with the complex situations a teenage girl goes through. What more can you reveal?

Well, it's a fun, heart-warming and innocent film. Some of the film tropes we come across in coming-of-age dramas are there in this movie. There will be additional surprise elements as well though the genre is familiar.  

What made you come up with an experimental movie?

I believe the story is something anyone can relate to, especially in our society where we are constantly bound by societal expectations and familial pressure. I grew up in a family which had many women. I have seen many things which I felt need to be discussed. That's where the inspiration for the story came from. I had written a few other scripts before, but I felt this was the one I should be attempting for my debut.  

Is the encouraging reception for female-centric films one of the reasons for you to make this movie?

Not at all. To begin with, I think people have different opinions when it comes to female-centric movies. This film had 90 per cent female presence in its cast and crew. I think this is the first time in Tamil cinema, a film has been made about female gaze. So, I can say that this is a women-centric film in the truest sense.  

How did Akshara come on board to play the protagonist in the film?

She was one of the first choices I had to headline the project. She immediately fell in love with the script. Her character doesn't have much dialogue; the lead character conveys many things through facial expressions and body language. It was interesting to see Akshara using her eyes to express many things. This is also the first project in which she has attempted comedy.  

The film has a few veteran artists, too. Usha Uthup is making a comeback with the movie; this is her third Tamil movie. Interestingly, her first two Tamil projects had Akshara's father Kamal Haasan. Malgudi Subha is making her acting debut with the project and Suresh Menon is essaying an important role. George Maryan, Janaki Sabesh and Kalairani are a few others who play vital roles in the film.

The film seems to be taking a dig at the society which judges women as good and bad depending on their choices. Your comment...

What is more important than the fear of being judged as a good girl or a bad girl is striving to become a good person. This is one point the movie has tried to put across. What is more important is being honest to ourselves and embracing our feelings than meeting standards set by society.

Why was the movie considered as an OTT release from the beginning?

We were never keen on a theatrical release from the initial stage. I felt that the topic we have touched in the film deserves freedom and that it will be possible only on OTT platforms. First of all, this is an off-beat movie, and an indie film. It's not your regular mainstream movie. Its language and visuals are fresh and we have experimented with its narrative structure.  

What do you think about the ongoing OTT vs theatre debate?

I believe that post COVID, a large number of audiences go to movie halls only for tentpole films and much-expected multi-starrer flicks. OTT is a wonderful medium where you can release movies without worrying about meeting the expectations of the large number of audience.

A platform like Amazon Prime Video reaches many countries, that is an advantage theatres can't offer. I have felt that many wonderful Tamil indie films failed to garner deserved attention in theatres.