Fresh off the success of his blockbuster film “Jailer” with Rajinikanth, director Nelson Dilipkumar spoke candidly with National Award-winning actress Suhasini Maniratnam about his previous projects, including the much-discussed and unreleased ‘Vettai Mannan’ with Silambarasan TR.
While discussing the prospect of revisiting the project, Nelson admitted to seeing multiple flaws in his initial attempt. “With time and experience, my perspective has evolved,” he said, expressing a desire to rework the film entirely if he ever returned to it. The film’s non-release was a challenging phase, with Nelson highlighting the valuable lessons he derived from the experience. “That period taught me the intricacies of the industry and the importance of perseverance,” he reflected.
Transitioning from television to cinema unveiled to Nelson the complexities of film production. “I was naive to think that starting a film meant its guaranteed completion. Multiple factors, from finances to team dynamics, can disrupt the process,” he shared. When prodded about what went wrong with ‘Vettai Mannan’, Nelson admitted that his inexperience played a part. “Whether it was a lack of understanding on my part, the cast, or the producers, I just didn’t have the knowledge or experience to navigate through the challenges effectively.”
Emphasizing the need for crisis management in filmmaking, he said, “Today, I am better equipped to handle obstacles.” The director also touched upon the choices he made post ‘Vettai Mannan’. “I was determined to both make a film and ensure its release,” he said, hinting at the thought process behind his successful film “Kolamaavu Kokila.”
Through the highs and lows, Nelson’s journey in the film industry has been about growth, learning, and resilience, offering an inspirational tale for many aspiring filmmakers.
