Quotes from Rajiv Menon

I can't write about NRI romances.

For example, Taj Mahal is the first thing which comes to the minds of many foreigners who visit India, and how Eiffel Tower in Paris, but there is lot more to every country.

When '36 Chowringhee Lane' was released in 1981, I was a student of the Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu. Everyone who had seen the film was very impressed with its flawless direction and acting. But we, cinematography students, were stunned by the visual style, which was truly international.

Developing aesthetic sense is vital for actors. They must understand that there is no small role, only small actors. A good actor will do the smallest role to perfection, and be recognised.

I'm usually known for films that look beautiful and attractive, probably because I am a cinematographer too.

The actor should understand the script and come prepared to play the role. At the same time, they should be flexible enough to take the director's input and portray his vision.

I believe that films are meant for entertainment, but in that process, you have the possibility to think about what kind of entertainment you're giving to audiences.

When an actor constructs reality, it has to be riveting and entertaining. There has to be an emotional connect with the audience.

I am very much open to doing cinematography for any talented filmmaker, if the script is good.

Dangal' worked because it dealt with the universal emotion behind the father and daughter.

Films take us into an entirely different world, and that's why we must ensure that our long shots do justice.

When you are shooting over a period of six months, you tend to forget how dark or bright it was. And when you are using different technologies, having a look book helps during the final grading of the film. So you can design what the film is going to look like even before the colouring process begins.

You know, writing isn't easy. It's tedious. Ideas have a gestation period, and after a while, it becomes difficult.

Rajarathinam Pillai was a performing genius and a crusader. His was a shining mind, prone to excesses of temper and his life can be seen as a continuous struggle for recognition.

Filmmaking is a language where you empathise with human situations. Unless you have empathy for characters, you shouldn't be a filmmaker.

Information is available freely on the Net, but what's missing is passion. And only a teacher can impart that passion and deep desire for excellence every day. Moreover, a classroom environment helps overcome certain psychological aspects, including inferiority complex.

I like fractured characters with human follies.

Nothing prepares you for shooting in the sea. Some days the sea is choppy, some days the waves are long. When there is no wind, it's fantastic to shoot, but your brain is burning because of the heat. You are shooting hand-held and taking a crane on a boat, which is risky since you can get toppled over.

Sarvam'... has no gloss that you associate with my earlier work.

It is how you approach the role given to you, and how you relate to that character and then how you adapt and gel into that role which makes you a good actor.

I was witness to a beautiful relationship between cricketer Anil Kumble and a boy suffering from muscular dystrophy. Moved, I wrote 'Spin' - a small film about a cricketer and a spastic boy. But I couldn't find backing.

With realistic and deglamourised roles and live sound, the charisma of a star is not enough. Can you be many different people?

As an actor, one should be aware of all their capabilities. This is important, as films are becoming more realistic.

I used to be a reasonably good student.