Avinash Shatamarshan’s film directorial debut is about theatre

Avinash Shatamarshan, who is known for his films like Dayavittu Gamanisi and Kannadakkagi Ondannu Otti, is ready with his first film as a director. Titled Sidewing, the film is special to him, as it discusses a topic that is close to his heart — theatre.
Avinash — who has been directing plays since his teenage years, and has spearheaded 25-30 stage productions — says that there is a semi-autobiographical tinge to the story of his upcoming film.
“Since I am a theatreperson, there is a personal touch to the entire movie. It is a film about a theatre director’s life. Hence, the name Sidewing, as the director watches everything from there. Most people enter a theatre thinking that they will achieve everything and get somewhere. This film is, in that sense, around 50% true to what one sees there, while I have added around 50% of dramatisation. The film will give viewers a peek into theatrepersons’ lives, where it is realistic in approach, but has its share of illusions as well,” says Avinash.
Quiz him whether the film will see theatre win over cinema or the other way around? He replies, “I think they’re interlinked. Sometimes, theatrepersons make it to the cinema world, and then there are times when people from cinema enter theatre. It is a combination of win and loss, and both complement each other well.”