Shyam Benegal heaps praises on Arun Chidambaram

Arun Chidambaram, the debutant director, whose film Kanavu Variyam has won several international awards besides the prestigious Remi awards, is getting laurels from many several filmmakers even before the film’s release.

The latest to join the band, is ace Bollywood filmmaker and Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner, Shyam Benegal. Benegal, a jury member to several international awards, heaped laurels on Arun, who has also played the lead in KV. After watching the film, and being impressed by it, he said, “I wonder if anyone can make a film on science invention in such an interesting and entertaining manner. Kudos to Arun!”

Arun, who has not assisted anyone nor made any short film, ventured into film making out of sheer passion. “I had distributed many Tamil and Telugu movies in the US. I wanted to do something new and unique and did not want to try the usual template associated with commercial movies. I have always loved science. After extensive research on the subject, I made Kanavu Variyam. No one has touched upon this issue in Tamil cinema. It’s a dream of four years that has come true.”

On playing the lead, he says, “I did approach a few upcoming heroes initially and narrated the brief. But they were hesitant. I am not complaining — I do understand, since I was new to the industry. Then many of my friends suggested that I should give it a try.” He adds, “I have not given a solution to the power-cut problem, but suggested something, which everyone can connect and relate to.”