From ads to feature films

The breed of ad film makers trying their hand at directing feature films is increasing in the film industry.

Jis Joy, the director of 'Bicycle Thieves' with over nine years experience and 300 ad films to his credit makes his directorial debut vehicle with 'Bicycle Thieves'.

Explaining his 'luck by chance' Jis says, “I chanced upon a story, so I wrote the screenplay and dialogues and contacted Asif Ali and Salim Kumar who agreed to act in the film while Dharmik Films offered to produce it." 

Jis reveals that his inspiration are filmmakers like Siddique, Lal, Lohithadas and Sathyan Anthikad and is a great fan of their style of filmmaking. He says, “Their films have inspired me and I want to make films like theirs."

His debut film, 'Bicycle Thieves', shows his inherent talent and has been appreciated for its slick direction.

Comparing the making of a 30-second ad film to a two-and a-half hour full-length feature film, Jis admits that making a feature film is way different.

The number of days and the energy levels it calls for is much more.

Applauding the professionalism of Asif Ali and Aparna Gopinath, he says that both were a very strong support system. He is happy to have had a great team.

Talking about the film he mentions that the thriller genre is what he aimed at. “I want my films to have some values and also communicate some social values to the audience without sounding preachy. In short, a strong social message wrapped in a commercial film! Everyone shoots with the same camera, the same actors, with some variants to the story. What makes a film different is the director's approach which should be a signature one. I hope that people support my venture."

What many people do not know is that Jis is the voice of Allu Arjun for his films dubbed in Malayalam. Jis has also written the lyrics for two songs in the film.

He comments, “I have written jingles, so writing lyrics for a song was not a problem; I like writing!"

Jis also throws light on his future plans. “I have a story in mind. What I have come to realise is that when I write the script for my movie, there is no confusion in my mind and I am clear about everything. I would ideally like to write my own story and direct it."