Karthik Naren rose to fame with his directorial debut directorial venture Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru also known as D-16. The movie that hit cinema theatres in 2016 is a mystery crime film starring Rahman in the leading role. Featuring a predominantly new cast and crew, the film went on to gain positive reviews from film critics and it also ended up becoming a profitable venture. Telugu dubbed version titled 16 was released on 10 March 2017.
The young director was in our city for the inauguration of the film festival Avatar at GRD college of Science. Karthik Naren interacted with SimpliCity and shared his experience in the industry. Here are a few excerpts.
SimpliCity: Being a young director you faced lot of problems , does the age factor overpowers talent?
KN: Age factor is really a problem and I had lot of difficulties as I am just 22. The trust factor is very less and people tend doubt our potential as we are young. It was due to the age factor that I did not get any producer and my dad ended up producing the movie. But at the end of the day it is the talent that matters most.
SimpliCity: What is the success rate of young directors?
KN: The success rate for young directors is very less. There will be lot of de-motivation on your way to success. You need to have the focus on your goal and keep travelling in the path towards success. You need to have a proper channel. Film industry is unpredictable so only if you keep giving good stuff you will be remembered.
SimpliCity: What is your take on short films?
KN: Short films do play a major role in giving experience. Daily one must learn new things and learning should be a continuous process.
Simplicity: Can you let us know about your upcoming project(s)?
KN: Next in pipeline is Naragasooran with the tagline 'The tale of a fallen demon. The film will be co produced by Gautam Vasudev Menon. The movie will be an intense suspense drama.
SimpliCity: What is the success formula for shining in the industry?
KN: There is no success formula to be quoted as such. The end product must be good that is most important. The story and sound knowledge about the script is screenplay and it plays a major role in this.
SimpliCity: If not director what you would be?
KN: I left my engineering midway just to go behind my passion of making films. If I would have not been a director would have been continuing with my engineering course he quips.
SimpliCity: Is it tough to succeed in industry being from a non filmy background ?
KN: One cannot say it confidently that it is tough to survive in industry if you are from non filmy background. There are lot people who are having industry background but could not create an impression. It is talent that speaks.