The Almighty

Chapter 1.- SIVATHANDAVAM

How did the idea for the script, combining Hindu mythology and film noir, come about?

I wanted to make a film combining Hindu Mythology and Film Nior as my thought process demanded a film that has both class and mass commercial moments.

How were the animated images created? Were they created once the actors were chosen?

The Animated Images were created in post production stage after completing the film as we wanted to align the faces of actors having both past and present.

The film’s villain gives a magnificent performance. What was the casting process like with him?

We wanted to have a rugged baddy in this film and Murali Vishwanathan & his friends were found as apt choice for the casting. He was contacted for a audition through known circle.

Where did the idea using a boomerang as his weapon come from?

Boomerang was refered as “Valari” in Ancient Tamil Literature and our Tamil Kings had used these in their war weapons list.

Chennai is another character in the plot. What is it like filming in this magnificent city?

Chennai is a very beautifyl place for filming. This story demands sea presence & places that has adequate common people population. To be honest my native is not Chennai.

The subway sequence is magnificent. What was it like filming something so complicated?

Yes. Subway Sequence demanded lot of permission and we had to rush it within few hours. There was good support from all of the actors who were a a part of Subway Sequence.

The final knife fight is perfectly shot. What was your previous experience with this type of filmmaking?

Final Knife Shot demanded a well crafted stunt director and he is an expert in this genre.

Was there a particular Indian director or film you looked up to?

No Reference Used

Music plays a fundamental role in the film. How was it created?

Music was very subtle due to the correct usage of instruments according to scenes.

What is religion like in India today? How important is it?

Hindu is the major religion in India and Hinduism is a considered as proper way of lifestyle.

Chapter 2.- LA FIN

What influences does French neo-film noir have on the making of this film?

Because the story is set in Pondichery and Pondichery still has french references.

How were the film’s locations chosen, where the police station sequences were filmed?

All of these were shot of live locations and everything was filmed in Pondicehry.

What prior work went into writing the script?

Based on true incidents. Director Rahul wanted to unreveal the mystery behind the truth.

Was there research done into what police investigations are like in India?

Yes. Whenever we do Police investigations films we research it with police officers for more authenticity and also to collect materials regarding the case details.

Why use the book Tristan and Isolde in the film? How did the idea come about?

Since the first chapter also had references of 12^th century for Hinduism, similarly we wanted to look for mythology based on french history to correlate present and past.

How was the actress chosen for the film, and what was the casting process like with her?

Actress demanded an anglo indian look. Audtion of this lady was through references.

The ending is fantastic, poetic, lyrical. How was the sequence conceived and filmed?

We wanted to make the end with a symbol of love and god’s fate to unit these both. It was filmed on a pleasant evening with soft lighting and sea breeze was haunting us also

What are your future film projects?

We will team up with both these directors in different projects in near future also. Talks are on it.