The journey behind Silly People :)

I usually write a journal entry on the eve of a short film release citing the journey behind it. But for \’Silly People\’, I don\’t know what to write and where to begin from.

It was last year during the pre production works of the film I assisted, I happened to travel back from Kochi to Trivandrum in – obviously – Jan Shatabdi. Unexpectedly Gibin chettan was in the same train. We sat and discussed cinema like usual all through the journey. At one point, we passed a topic of moral policing. I went silent for ten minutes and this concept came out. He said its nice. But I shelved it.

During the past 2.5 years I have tried to make music videos, short films and ad films but failed. In fact I thought of not doing anything for YouTube release. But all those times what I told myself was something Shailesh sir has told me in my institute. \’You will never fail since you know how it feels to fail.\”

Two months back, this idea popped up again. I told Sree Ji, he said its nice. I called up Aftab and said \”Look, we are making a short film. You are my cameraman.\” He agreed. I called Jeffson and told him the plan. He agreed. I found a gem of a human being and one of the most raw talents ever on the sets of Matchbox film. When I called Arjun and told him about this short film, he said he will work with me. I was so pleased! Slowly Anandhu KS and Aadhi Athira came in. Athira was casted just hours before the shoot. I called Unni Chettan and asked him whether he could work with me. To my surprise, he agreed. He was extremely sweet and caring. To work with someone who is in the industry for over 48 years is nothing but absolute blessing.

Until I reached Ernakulam for the shoot, I didn\’t even tell Fahim about the short film. I told Ashii and Veena who supported and encouraged me endlessly. Their \”Go for it\” meant everything. Nobody better than Ashi knows what I went through on the eve of the shoot. I had terrible health issues and I was bogged down completely. She stayed up late night, talking to me, calming me down and giving me the confidence \”I can do it.\”

Why Silly People took so long to release is because of various other projects. \’Silly People\’ is one short film I worked with so much of freedom, all relaxed and cool. The crew stood together. Although there were few opinion clashes, nobody hurt each others ego and everyone was mutually respected. This, undoubtedly, is the best crew I have ever worked with, not forgetting \’Just like that.\’

Thanks to everyone who criticized me. Thanks to everyone who found time to watch it. Thanks to everyone who liked and shared it. Thanks to everyone who ignored it 

🙂