Singara Mohan is the director of ‘A Date in the Dark’, a visual audio film that won many awards in international film festivals. His next film, ‘Kaalamega Karigindhi..?’ is in post-production stage and the team is aiming for a Theatrical release.
When did you get the thought of making virtual audio film?
Ever since I watched Prashanth Varma’s ‘Dialogue in the Dark’, the idea of making a Virtual Audio film has always been there. But I never came across a better line which could be narrated with just audio and sound until the beginning of the first lockdown.
To make something new, there must have been a lot of research done. Tell us in brief about what all you have done.
I have been doing decent research on each filmmaking craft since few years. When it comes to A Date in the Dark, I have put special efforts to know about sound designing and its importance in a film. I have literally gone through the interviews of many sound designers. I almost sat for 3 months in designing the sound.
Two languages were used in the film, French and Telugu with English Subtitles. It would have been Telugu with English subtitles only. What is the reason for choosing French?
I wanted my characters to be alone and far away from their native places so that the audience will develop sympathy towards the female lead. When the male character expires, I thought France could be the proper country for a poetic narration. We know that in France, French is given major priority and officially followed everywhere in the country rather than English. So, I’ve made sure that I use wherever it is needed.
For a virtual audio film, though there is no picture, it feels so real like watching it. What exactly is the reason for that? Is it the sound design or the emotion?
For any kind of film, writing plays a major role. For a virtual audio film, we focus on sound designing because it is the primary way to create real-time watching experience. ‘A Date in the Dark’ is so real because of its sound design, poetic writing and subtle performances.
All the actors are new. How did you manage to get the required emotion or performance from them? Any workshops done or just went with the flow?
The biggest challenge in filmmaking lies in tuning the entire team to have the same thoughts that I have. So, I make sure if they are able to understand me well. We have spent a great time doing workshops and interacting with each other about the subject.
For the first one, you handled multiple departments. Did you repeat the same for the second film?
No. I’m not dealing with other departments. I wanted to focus more on writing and directing. I have also written 3 songs for this.
Web series are now the trend. Is something on cards from Singara Mohan?
I’ve always thought of making films for theatrical release. So, as of now, there’s no thought of writing something for web series. But I might give a try in future.
As a writer, you like poetical narrations. So, should we expect that every time you come out with a film?
Poetic writing is one thing that I have been strong at. But I’m not sure if I can keep writing same kind of content for a longer period. I have ideas of making in other genres too but may be my persona is allowing me to write poetic content as of now.
Filmmaking has become more competitive than ever. Audience expects different every time. Do you think your next project will reach their expectations?
Yes. Audience always look out for something unique from every film. My writing style has been very poetic and I am trying to bring that poetic essence in visual story telling through my upcoming film titled ‘Kaalamega Karigindhi..?’. I don’t think this film has any expectation since it is being made independently with no star cast. But I am sure it would be received well.
Your next project is being done with your brother as the producer. Is it like a film with your own production. Tell us about the support or inputs you get from your family.
Family has always been my biggest support in whatever the experiments I did throughout my life. I can’t thank enough for their selfless support for this project morally and financially.
Your first film was definitely unique, so people should watch it for a great experience. But, for the second, why should they watch your film?
‘Kaalamega Karigindhi..?’ will be a film that takes us back to school days and it is being made to recreate the magic of school days during the early 2000s. It will have my style of poetic narration just like my previous film. Apart from my writing, technically it is going to be a very surprising project. I can’t say much as of now, we have finished production and the post-production works are going on in full swing. We are very excited to bring out the teaser, music and trailer and you can expect them as early as possible.
