tamil movie 96Starring Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha, not for the first time but for the third time, it was re-released in theaters on 9 October. Directed by C Prem Kumar, the romantic drama that first released in 2018 continues to connect with audiences for its poignant portrayal of first love, nostalgia and relationships left unfulfilled. In an exclusive chat with NDTV, Prem Kumar, who is currently shooting for a film with Fahadh Faasil, talked about the enduring love for the film starring Trisha and Vijay Sethupathi.
“It’s overwhelming. Every year, I put up posters on the film’s anniversary, be it two years, three years or eight years of ’96. The response I get every time is mind-blowing. It’s unimaginable that a film gets so much love, even if it’s just a film. It’s beyond me,” he says. Miazhagan The director, who then talks about how he wrote the story during the December 2015 floods in Chennai. “I firmly believe, and I’m not saying this politely, that the story chooses me, it’s not me who chooses the story. 96 Happened, and so did the film with Fahadh Faasil. Sometimes a story chooses me, but the timing is not right. Recently, I have drafted a script based on an idea I came up with in 2002 and will start shooting for that next.”
Ram (Vijay Sethupathi) and Janu (Trisha) are in teenage love 96 resonated with almost everyone in the audience as many were taken back to their school days, first loves and crushes. Has he had a similar experience? “It happened to some of my friends, not to me. When it happened to a friend, I was excited because I could relate to it. I could understand how much love my friend had for his childhood sweetheart; I could relate to that intensity and relentlessness, and so I could write the story. You don’t have to live through something to write about it. If you can write about it, you can understand it or write about it. Whether it’s literature or cinema, our There are war films, epics and sci-fi stories, none of which the writer or director has personally experienced,” elaborated Prem Kumar.
The director not only captures Ram’s perspective and emotions with remarkable sensitivity but also portrays Jaanu’s inner world with equal nuance, offering a deeply empathetic understanding of both characters. He explains, “In a way, our understanding of the opposite sex starts with our family. I am surrounded by cousins, sisters and many aunts. I grew up among these women. My father worked abroad most of the time, so it was the women in my family who taught me things and brought me up. Their influence has always been the opposite of gender. Romantic relationships, whether it’s about a friend, a sister or even a grandmother. can also be
Prem Kumar always dreamed of becoming a writer in Tamil cinema. However, his career took off behind the camera when he made his debut as a cinematographer (DOP) with director Pandiraj’s film. side In 2009. With 96, he became a famous writer and director in Tamil cinema.
Elaborating on his journey, he said that after being the DOP for eight films, he was able to write his first script during the Chennai floods in December 2015, adding, “I had no expectations for 96 – when I wrote the script, half of my expectations were fulfilled. I was so happy that I could write a screenplay and was ready to convince an actor, composer and producers, which I never thought of a music board.” Didn’t come in. I didn’t expect any more than that, when I got a little worried, it was probably the first time I was expecting 96.
There were reports that Jyothika was approached to play the role of Janu in the film 96 Initially, however, the director dismissed her, saying, “Undoubtedly, my first choice was Trisha. She was working in several films and since I had dates with Vijay Sethupathi, there was pressure from many quarters to consider someone else. Then Trisha’s schedule was rearranged, and I never considered her dates to coincide with Sethu’s, I never thought directly. 96 While I was writing this. I just wanted to write a script and give it to a director who could make the film. But when I was writing the script, I had Sethu and Trisha in mind and they also liked the script. I write my scripts with certain actors in mind because I need to imagine the characters. Similarly, when writing MiazhaganI had Rajinikanth sir and Kamal Haasan sir in mind.”
Despite the praise for Miazhagan Also, Prem Kumar says that he keeps his expectations low after completing a film. “As a creator, once the film is handed over to the audience, my work is done. Personally, I keep my expectations low to avoid disappointment. At least I hope for a positive environment without negativity or unwanted issues. I don’t expect anything in terms of box-office numbers or how long the film will run,” he says.
Prem Kumar believes that hard work, not luck, drives success in filmmaking. “I don’t believe in luck. Being in the right place at the right time only happens when you try. If I hadn’t approached Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha in 96, this film wouldn’t have happened. My scripts have been rejected, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t right; they just don’t believe in trying. I’m not happy to wait for some things, but I don’t believe in those people. A visit of luck will get you nowhere. Will find out,” he insists philosophically.
As is his acclaimed romantic drama 96 Returning to theaters for the third time in Tamil Nadu on October 9, the director admits that he will miss the chance to see it on the big screen once again as he is travelling. “I wish I could experience it because I enjoyed watching the film when it originally released in theaters in 2018,” he signed off.
Also Read | 96 Re-release: Why the Vijay Sethupathi-Trisha film is still the ultimate nostalgia trip