Growing up in the 90s, at the brink of globalisation with the IT revolution in full swing, carries a unique blend of memories for those who witnessed it. These memories are rife with nostalgic elements, especially for those who were fans of the era’s pop culture. Conversing with director Avinash Prakash about his movie ‘Naangal’ is akin to stepping into a time machine that transports one back to that distinct period. The film is a bittersweet recounting of the lives of three brothers who navigate their youth amidst familial dysfunction. It’s a story that strikes a chord with some for its uncanny familiarity, while others find it a poignant throwback to times gone by.
The trailer for ‘Naangal’ captures a sharp moment where one of the brothers falls victim to their strict father’s chastising for repeatedly watching the film ‘Padayappa’. Avinash clarifies this is not autobiographical. However, the attributes divided amongst the onscreen siblings stem from his personal experiences. Film viewing was the one indulgence their father allowed, believing television was a distraction from education.
In the midst of the pandemic, Avinash found himself immersed in comic books acquired at a book fair, reminding him of his childhood antics with his brothers, emulating comic characters in an estate’s landscape. His position as one of the few village schoolchildren with access to films enabled him to discover his talent for storytelling. It was during these pandemic trappings that he found the space to reflect on those financially challenging yet simpler times, motivating him to transpose these memories onto a screenplay.
The efforts to craft ‘Naangal’ involved revisiting his formative years and prompted Avinash to analyze the daunting elements of his upbringing. He shares insights about the compelling reasons behind his movie making – an exploration of his past shaping his personality. This journey led to a newfound empathy for his father, a facet of emotion previously unexplored by the director.
Casting decisions were integral to the authenticity of ‘Naangal,’ leading Avinash to seek child actors who retained a sense of innocence amidst the media-restricted backdrop of Ooty. Abdul Rafe, cast as the father figure, initially piqued Avinash’s irritation due to a reminiscent and irksome similarity to his own father. Despite having walked away from acting, he was coaxed back and ultimately delivered a performance that left the director and those familiar with his father astounded by the resemblance.
Avinash admits this introspective cinematographic journey wasn’t as harrowing as one might expect, given the subject matter, but rather a profound process of accepting and understanding his past. He elaborates on his realization that, had he been in his father’s shoes, his own response might have been harsher than what was meted out to him. The film became a necessary tool for unpacking these life lessons.
When probed about the title’s significance, Avinash asserts that ‘Naangal,’ which translates to ‘this is who we are,’ is chosen unapologetically. The title embodies an unspoken family narrative that, despite never being openly discussed, has shaped their collective identities.
The emotional impact of ‘Naangal’ was undeniable at the Mumbai premiere, evoking tears from Avinash’s mother and brother. His storytelling extended beyond his own experiences, resonating with others – even prompting his paternal grandfather to reflect on the film’s authenticity to their family history. Avinash effortlessly connects the threads between his personal narrative and the cinematic landscape, making ‘Naangal’ a touching tribute to an era and an upbringing.
The film, which conjures up similarities to the motion picture ‘Aalavandhan,’ in its portrayal of siblings and a stern patriarch, manages to hold a mirror to Avinash’s own lifetime anecdotes. For those who grew up fueled by an imaginative 90s culture, ‘Naangal’ blurs the lines of reality and fiction. After its domestic acclaim at the Mumbai Film Festival, ‘Naangal’ is ready to enchant audiences at its international premiere in the Bright Future section of the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
