Sivabalan Muthukumar, the debutant director set to make his mark with the upcoming release of “Bloody Beggar,” has embarked on a relentless pursuit of crafting what he terms as a ‘correct’ film. His journey into the world of cinema is steeped in a blend of influences and a fervent desire to get everything just right. As we delve into a candid conversation with him, it becomes apparent that his quest for perfection isn’t just confined to his debut project, but extends to every aspect of his life as a cinephile and filmmaker.
When asked about films that have left an indelible mark on his cinematic sensibilities, Sivabalan struggles to narrow down a selection from an extensive list that reflects his diverse tastes—ranging from heartwarming classics like “Life Is Beautiful” and “Roman Holiday” to Tamil cult favorites such as “Gnana Oli” and “Bharatha Vilas.” However, he is never quite satisfied with his own response, indicating a constant thirst for more.
Sivabalan’s debut venture, “Bloody Beggar,” set to hit theaters this Deepavali, promises a fresh perspective within the realm of commercial cinema. Headlined by Kavin and produced by renowned director Nelson Dilipkumar, for whom Sivabalan has been an assistant for over a decade, the film is already generating buzz. Reflecting on his time with Nelson, Sivabalan describes the experience as transformative. “Joining Nelson sir was actually an accident,” he admits, recalling how a chance suggestion led him to work as an assistant director. He had assumed he already knew everything about filmmaking.
However, working with Nelson was an eye-opener, exposing him to the nuances of commercial cinema and its unique ways to connect with audiences. “It was disheartening to see someone of his talent wait so long for a break,” Sivabalan confides, expressing his happiness when Nelson finally succeeded with the film “Kolamaavu Kokila” in 2017. Emboldened by that success, Sivabalan continued to pitch his story for “Bloody Beggar,” learning through numerous rejections how to refine and improve his script.
The term ‘commercial cinema’ in Tamil Nadu has evolved significantly, especially thanks to visionary filmmakers like Nalan Kumarasamy, Pa Ranjith, and Karthik Subbaraj.
. Inspired by this new wave, Sivabalan envisioned “Bloody Beggar” as an experiment within the commercial space, unbound by genre limitations. It’s this desire to explore new boundaries that led him to craft a story around a most unconventional protagonist—a beggar, least likely to be the hero, yet pivotal in his narrative, adding a refreshing twist to the genre.
The narrative complexity of “Bloody Beggar” stems from Sivabalan’s previous struggles to center his stories around a singular protagonist. He acknowledges that financial constraints and the necessity of securing a hero for budgetary purposes pushed him to focus on a single character. His choice to depict a beggar as the lead is a deliberate effort to challenge perceptions and break stereotypes. “Despite occasional moral concerns about misrepresenting actual beggars,” he explains, “the character was purely a vehicle to explore our conditioned suspicions and the reality of survival.”
Discussing casting choices, Sivabalan reveals his initial hesitancy to approach Kavin, worried that their personal rapport might be misconstrued as favoritism. Yet, he ultimately recognized Kavin’s potential to embody the comic, almost silent film-esque body language required for the role, enriching the character with depth and nuance.
The future of Sivabalan’s filmmaking journey hinges on the audience’s reception of “Bloody Beggar.” “I want to ascertain whether my understanding of filmmaking aligns with the audience’s expectations,” he reflects thoughtfully. The reception of the film will guide his subsequent projects, helping him define what it means to make a ‘correct’ film. For him, it isn’t about a flawless translation from vision to screen but ensuring that the authenticity of the team’s efforts shines through.
As the film gears up for its release on October 31, cinephiles and audiences alike await what promises to be an intriguing addition to Tamil cinema’s rich tapestry—a project driven by a director’s undying passion for getting things right.
