Richard NJ's big dreams

The lines are blurring in tinsel town; actors no more confine themselves to just acting, but are spreading their wings to embrace all aspects of filmmaking. We have actors-turned-singers, directors-turned-actors, actors-turned-directors, cinematographers-turned-actors etc. Joining the list of actors-turned-directors is Richard N. J. The name may not ring a bell, but his face is familiar to telly tube viewers. Yes, he played the role of Jayan in the serial Karuthamuthu in the initial episodes and garnered quite a fan following. Richard was also part of the serial Pattusari, which was also well received. For those who are wondering about his whereabouts, Richard has news. He has turned a director albeit through a short film titled Thantethallatha Karanathal. The short film, with a humorous bend of style, sheds light on how non-communication and misinterpretations can create havoc in a newly married couple’s life.

"I have always liked to write scripts. I used to discuss film subjects with my friends," he says. "I had a thread that I discussed with my friends. That conversation helped me translate that idea to the screen."

Richard adds, “Everyone has a story on their mind, but very few people have the gumption to put across their vision in the film format.” Richard got an opportunity and he seized it. The result is this short film.

Though the shooting was only for a day, the challenges were myriad since he was handling the acting department and direction. “Not only that,” he informs. “I was also swinging between the editing and dubbing departments. Since I did not have any assistants, I had to check for continuity, too.”
The short film has Richard and Saadhika along with other actors. Saadhika was Richard’s co-star in the serial Pattusari and he fondly says, “She liked the subject and immediately agreed to work in the film without charging any fee.”

 Most of the other actors were newcomers and Richard had to keep a sharp eye on their acting skills.

He sees this short film as his initiation into the world of direction and a stepping stone towards his dream of directing a full length film one day. “There is a subject on my mind and I want to turn that into a big budget film some day,” he hopes.

Meanwhile, he is also acting in the film Playboy directed by Vipin Atlee that will see him playing an antagonist. About the long break from serials, he frankly says, “It is just that I am not getting any interesting scripts. The moment I get a good character, I am ready to act.”

He muses a moment and adds, “Serials gave me an identity and I will never say no to them, but I would rather wait for a good role.” Whatever free time Richard gets is spent on polishing up his film script.